Beyond being a spice used for cooking and baking, cloves have also been valued in traditional medicine for centuries due to their powerful health benefits. Recent studies in science have confirmed these health benefits our ancestors proposed.
Whether used as an oil or in powdered form, cloves have a natural ability to improve well-being, from boosting digestion to regulating blood sugar levels.
This article explores ten powerful health benefits of cloves and how they can transform health naturally.
1. Cloves boost the immune system naturally
Cloves are rich in antioxidants, which are natural compounds that function to prevent inflammation and protect the body from unstable molecules that are capable of causing cell damage.
People who often feel weak or get sick usually have a weak immune system. For such people, cloves are a recommended addition to their meals, because they help in building a stronger defence and immune system and also help the body fight against pathogens.
2. They help improve digestion
One major health benefit of cloves is their ability to improve digestion due to their antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
If someone has ever experienced stomach upset or discomfort after eating, it is possible that there is an imbalance of bacteria in the intestines. Recent studies revealed that clove extract and oil aid in warding off harmful bacteria.
They do this by facilitating the release of digestive enzymes that are capable of breaking down food. Hence, reducing or completely eliminating indigestion and constipation.
In ancient times, they were used as a preservative for food. This proves that they are capable of fighting off harmful microbes.
Additionally, cloves exhibit carminative properties; they reduce the risk of gas formation in the stomach.
Hence, one of the most common ways to ease digestive discomfort is by chewing cloves or drinking clove tea after meals. This boosts mood and immunity.
3. Cloves are great for oral and dental health
In traditional medicine, cloves were used to alleviate dental pain. Recent research has also confirmed this. Eugenol, the primary active ingredient in cloves, has antibacterial properties and acts as a natural pain reliever. It is a natural anaesthetic: it instantly numbs the area it touches, providing temporary relief from pain. This makes it highly effective for treating dental pain and explains why the compound is a major constituent of professional dental preparations.
Apart from being an anaesthetic, it is also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
The body responds naturally to illness by inflammation, but inflammation could also be an underlying cause of several health issues, such as heart disease and cancer.
Adding cloves into the diet aids in pain management and enhanced mobility. This is one of the most immediate and important health benefits of cloves.
Cloves also help to kill bacteria that cause tooth decay and mouth odour. Hence, dentists usually advise those with mouth odour to chew cloves and those with dental pain to apply a little oil on the affected area.
Keeping the mouth healthy is one of the most widely recognised health benefits of cloves.
4. They help regulate blood sugar levels
With the increasing prevalence of diabetes in recent years, it is very important to find natural ways to manage it.
Surprisingly, one among the diverse health benefits of cloves is their potential to help in regulating blood sugar level.
For people treating diabetes or trying to control their sugar levels, cloves are a vital addition to their diet. They can sprinkle a little of its powder into their tea, pap or custard.
Studies reveal that some compounds in cloves can function as insulin, which is the hormone that aids in blood sugar regulation. It does this by helping to transport sugar from the blood into the cells where it is used for energy.
Also, nigericin, which is another compound found in cloves, has been shown in recent studies to improve the uptake of sugar from the blood, thus helping the body use sugar more efficiently.
However, cloves are not a substitute or replacement for medical treatment, but they can be incorporated into the diet. They can serve as powerful natural support for health and also regulate blood sugar levels. This is a subtle yet profound example of the preventative health benefits of cloves.
5. Cloves may improve liver health
The liver is the body’s main filtration system – it aids in detoxification, filtering toxins, breaking down fats and metabolising nutrients. Cloves can support these functions naturally.
Considering how often the body is exposed to environmental toxins and processed foods, keeping the liver healthy is very important.
Eugenol, a potent antioxidant found in cloves, helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation caused by exposure to free radicals and toxins.
Studies have also shown that clove oil reduces the occurrence of fatty liver disease and promotes better liver function.
Adding cloves in any of their forms into the diet helps the liver reduce the damage from environmental toxins; this is one important health benefit of cloves that is underrated.
6. Cloves enhance bone and joint health
Vitamin D and calcium are known to be the major minerals needed to maintain bone health. However, research has shown that manganese is essential in bone formation and bone metabolism. And cloves are an excellent source of it.
A single ounce of ground cloves is capable of supplying a significant amount of the recommended daily intake of manganese. This provides a very powerful health benefit of cloves, because it promotes strong and healthy bones.
As a result of its anti-inflammatory effects, cloves are also helpful in easing discomfort for people suffering from joint pains or stiffness.
Bone density naturally decreases with age, so it is important to find natural sources to support skeletal structure.
Adding cloves into soups or stews is an easy and natural way to strengthen bones and skeletal structure.
7. Cloves help relieve stress and boost mood
Cloves are beneficial not only to physical health but also to mental and emotional health.
Their warm and spicy aroma has a soothing effect that helps to reduce stress and anxiety. The scent is believed to stimulate some areas of the brain that facilitate calmness.
In our ever stressful and busy world, taking a few minutes to enjoy the scent of cloves can play a great role in improving mood, reducing tension and promoting a general sense of well-being.
In addition to this, clove essential oil, when added to a diffuser or massage oil, can also be used in aromatherapy to relax the mind and reduce stress.
8. They reduce inflammation and pain
Inflammation is the root cause of many health challenges – from fevers to terminal diseases.
Cloves are rich in natural anti-inflammatory compounds that aid in reducing swelling and pain or discomfort in the body.
For people experiencing joint pains, headaches or sore muscles, clove oils are highly recommended, as they are capable of providing relief.
Inhaling its aroma from steam can ease pains and headaches. Also, when applied externally on the skin, it provides ease and improves blood circulation.
This is a practical health benefit of cloves that can be easily experienced at home.
9. Cloves support respiratory health
During harmattan seasons or cold weather, cloves are an indispensable addition for respiratory health. This is due to their antibacterial and natural respiratory health properties that can clear the respiratory system.
A powerful treatment for cough, sore throat and nasal congestion is boiling cloves in water with ginger and honey. It makes it easier to breathe by loosening mucus blocking the airways.
Especially during cold weather or harmattan season, sipping on clove tea can keep the lungs clear and the body warm. It’s no wonder so many cultures swear by the health benefits of cloves for respiratory health.
10. They promote healthy skin
Cloves contain antibacterial and antifungal properties that make them effective in fighting skin infections and bacteria that cause acne.
After diluting it properly with water and applying it to the skin, clove oil has the ability to reduce pimples and dark spots and brighten skin tone, giving a natural skin glow.
And because cloves also contain antioxidants, they help slow down wrinkling, fine lines and other signs of ageing.
The health benefits of cloves are not restricted only to what is consumed, but they also reflect on the skin.
Conclusion
As tiny as cloves are, their health benefits are numerous. From improving respiratory health and liver health to reducing inflammation and pain. The health benefits of cloves have made cloves an invaluable spice.
But to harness these benefits, consistency needs to be maintained. Cloves should be a regular part of the diet.
However, as important as it is, it is necessary to use it in moderation, as too much of it can cause irritation or vomiting. Consuming a few cloves per day – either in tea or in ground form and added to meals – is enough to enjoy its benefits.
Also, pregnant women or people with certain health conditions should consult their doctor before using clove oil or its other supplements.
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