Clove is an evergreen tree in which flowers start blooming at around 9 years of age. These flower buds are sold in the market in the name of cloves after drying. These dried buds have been used as medicine since ancient times. Ayurvedic texts suggest several remedies related to the use of cloves. Cloves have antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Apart from this, it also has antiviral and analgesic properties which can benefit the body in many ways.

Consumption of cloves increases appetite, stops vomiting, stomach gas, problems of excessive thirst, and phlegm-bile defects are cured. Along with this, the use of cloves is also beneficial in diseases like blood disorders, respiratory disease, hiccups, and tuberculosis. Apart from this, clove is also widely used as a spice in India. The scientific name of clove is Syzygium Aromaticum.

Benefits of Cloves

Beneficial for oral health-

Clove buds can reduce oral microorganisms (microorganisms originating in the mouth) by 70 percent, this is why cloves are used in many toothpastes. A mouthwash made using basil, clove with T-tree oil improves oral health. Clove oil can also protect against various periodontal pathogens. These are the bacteria that cause infection in the gums. Cloves are considered to be very beneficial to reduce the pain in the teeth. An element called Eugenol in cloves works to reduce toothache. It also protects teeth from plaque.

Effective in cold-cough-

The properties of cloves include protection from cough and cold. Cloves have an anti-inflammatory effect which can reduce cold and cough. It acts like an expectorant that removes the entire mucus from the mouth and cleanses the upper respiratory system.

Effective in the control of diabetes-

The use of cloves can control diabetes to some extent. Cloves can control diabetes by reducing blood glucose. According to research, cloves have antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective properties, these work to reduce the problem of diabetes as well as improve lipids and save the liver. Along with cloves, clove oil is also beneficial in reducing glucose, improving lipid profile, and eliminating kidney problems.

Effective in the improvement of the digestive system-

Clove stimulates the bodys enzymes and boosts the digestive system. Its intake reduces the problem of indigestion by reducing the level of irritation in the intestine. Cloves can relieve symptoms of digestive problems such as flatulence, gas, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Apart from this, cloves and its oil can also reduce the symptoms of peptic ulcers.

Clove Remedy for Asthma-

The clove contains Eugenol compound which is considered good for asthma. According to research, this compound exhibits an anti-asthmatic effect, due to which cloves can help in reducing the discomfort caused by asthma. It has an anti-asthmatic drug-like ability due to the bronchodilator and immunomodulatory properties present in cloves. The aroma of clove oil helps to clean the nasal passages. Also, it can calm problems like asthma, cough, cold, sinus, bronchitis.

Beneficial for bones-

Clove is also helpful in strengthening bones. Cloves contain manganese which makes bones stronger. Eugenol present in the hydrochloric extracts of cloves may act bone-preserving by fighting against hypogonadal osteoporosis (orthopedic disease).

Provides relief from earache-

The benefits of cloves include relieving earache. Clove oil can be used for earache because of the pain relief and anesthetic nature present in it. This can reduce and eliminate the feeling of pain for a short time. Clove oil mixed with other oils is kept near the air canal with the help of cotton. Along with this, the pain is reduced and the ear infection is also relieved.

Clove is the treatment of acne-

Cloves can also be used to reduce acne and pimples on the skin. Eugenol compounds present in cloves may reduce the inflammatory response caused by acne, that is why cloves can be helpful in reducing skin inflammation caused by acne bacteria.

Uses of Clove

• Cloves are used as a flavoring agent in Indian cuisine, pickles, and sauces.
• Clove is also used for aromatherapy because of its properties and aroma.
• By boiling cloves, you can use its water as a mouthwash.
• Cloves can also be used as a spice in dishes.
• You can get relief from stress by massaging the forehead with a few drops of clove oil.
• For the pain and swelling of the gums, applying a few drops of clove oil to the infected area, gently massaging for 1-2 minutes is beneficial.
• To reduce throat infection and inflammation, gargle with a small spoon of clove powder in a glass of warm water.
• By adding a clove to the black tea, one can consume it. This is done to cure colds.
• Cloves can be chewed by putting them directly in the mouth.
• Smelling 4-5 cloves in a clean handkerchief is beneficial for breathing problems.

Side effects of Cloves

Eating one or two cloves on a regular basis has many benefits, but overeating it can also have the following side effects-

• Blood-thinning
• Eye irritation
• skin infection
• Excess intake can reduce a hormone called testosterone in men.
• It should not be used during pregnancy.
• Excessive intake of cloves can cause poisoning.

Where is clove found?

Cloves are mainly grown in the island of Malacca but it is cultivated in Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the south of India. Most of the cloves in India are imported from Singapore.