Introduction
Cloves are not the main ingredient in most of our foods, but they do deserve a place in our diet.
The spice is made from flower buds belonging to a specific type of tropical evergreen tree that is indigenous to Indonesia and has been used for millennia in numerous cuisines, with Indian curries serving as a well-known example.
Due to their pain-relieving properties, they're also a major component in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine.
The spice's high antioxidant content packs several nutrients and benefits the body in several ways, including regulating blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation and lowering gastrointestinal pain.
Cloves are a strong spice used in savoury foods, sweets and beverages. Spice up meat, sauces and rice dishes using ground or whole cloves.
Together with cinnamon and nutmeg, cloves are frequently used in desserts, notably pumpkin pie-flavoured foods and hot beverages like chai, mulled wine and cider.
What are cloves?
Cloves are spices produced from the flower buds of the clove tree, an evergreen tree (Syzygium aromaticum). The immature flower buds of cloves are collected and dried. Whole cloves have a bulbous top and resemble a tiny, reddish-brown spike that is usually 1 centimetre in length. The flavour of cloves is quite potent and aromatic, and they can be used whole or ground.
What does it taste like?
Cloves are a hot, pungent spice with a strong flavour and scent. Eugenol, a chemical substance, renders the flavour. A considerable amount of heat is present along with flavours of sweetness, bitterness and astringency (which dry up the palate).
Nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice are similar warm seasonings. Compared to these milder flavour spices, cloves are significantly more potent. Hence, they are employed in smaller amounts in recipes. Cloves can be overpowering to some people, who opt to completely avoid using this spice.
Nutrition
One teaspoon or 2.1 grammes of powdered cloves contain
Energy - 6 Kcal
Carbohydrates - 1 g
Protein - 0.13 g
Fat - 0.27 g
Fibre - 0.7 g
Minerals, including calcium, manganese, and vitamins C and K, are also abundant in cloves.
Health benefits of cloves
Improves digestion
Cloves contain several nutrients that help prevent stomach ulcers. Clove oil has the ability to make gastric mucus thicker, protecting the stomach lining and preventing peptic ulcers.
Cloves are also a source of fibre which helps with constipation and eases digestion. However, more research is needed to see how well clove fibre works.
Fights inflammation
It is well known that cloves have anti-inflammatory properties. Experts notably advise them for easing arthritis because research in the past has demonstrated that regularly consuming cloves could have significant positive effects. Clove tea or clove oil applied topically can both help reduce inflammation.
Enhances oral health
Eugenol in cloves is known to relieve dental discomfort. One might be able to manage the pain because the components are anaesthetic and antimicrobial.
Placing a few whole cloves in the mouth and moistening them with saliva is an easy way to relieve a toothache. The cloves can be broken up with the teeth. The pain is fought by the oil that is secreted.
A full clove can be used for 30 minutes before being discarded, and the procedure is repeated with a different one.
One can use crushed cloves if they have a painful toothache and find it difficult to grind cloves with their teeth. Smash the whole cloves, then apply the powder to the tooth that is hurt.
Clove has analgesic properties that can ease toothaches. Also, cloves may help with bad breath.
Cure for headache
In aromatherapy, clove oil is frequently used to relieve headaches. This might be linked to clove's analgesic component, eugenol.
A few cloves should be crushed and placed in a clean handkerchief. Breathe in the aroma whenever there is a headache. As an alternative, we can combine a tablespoon of coconut oil with two drops of clove oil and gently massage it over the forehead and temples.
Boosts immune system
Your body can be better protected from external threats with the support of an effective immune system. These factors include microbes that create toxins, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and more.
A study found that cloves had antibacterial, antioxidant, and gastroprotective effects. The immune system may benefit from this.
Maintains blood sugar levels
The simple addition of cloves to meals is a fantastic way to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Cloves provide manganese, a mineral that can help manage blood sugar levels.
Regulates hunger
The ability of cloves to prevent the stomach from growling in between meals makes them magical. For a spice, cloves include a remarkable quantity of fibre—a nutrient that can help balance appetite levels. Cloves alone have nearly a gramme of fibre per teaspoon.
Protects against ageing
Cloves are rich in antioxidants, which help the body ward off ageing symptoms. The anti-inflammatory effects, epigenetic cues and mitochondrial activity present in foods high in antioxidants promote lifespan and vitality.
Adding cloves to smoothies, rice dishes, or sweets is a simple method to increase the consumption of antioxidants.
Supports skin health
Topical applications of clove oil may boost skin health. Clove oil is a practical treatment for reducing skin inflammation because of its anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Cloves have antibacterial properties, making them effective in treating acne caused by bacteria. Test the oil first on a small area of skin to make sure it won't create an allergic response.
Prevents toothache
One of the most known pain-relieving benefits of cloves is their ability to relieve toothaches, as they contain eugenol, a natural antibacterial. They are superior to conventional treatment for reducing pain, inflammation, wound healing and infection.
Boosts testosterone levels
According to research, taking cloves orally has been shown to improve testicular function and raise testosterone levels in mice.
According to anecdotal evidence, cloves might improve fertility. According to some studies, a large intake of cloves may affect fertility. Animals showed these effects. Thus, speaking with a doctor before taking cloves regularly is important.
Side effects of cloves
Clove is usually safe for most people when taken orally with food. The safety of taking higher doses of clove is not well understood through research.
When applied to the skin, clove oil or cream containing clove flower is safe. However, using clove oil frequently and repeatedly on the mouth or the gums might occasionally harm the skin, mucous membranes, tooth pulp and gums.
It is unsafe to inhale the smoke from clove cigarettes or administer clove oil intravenously as it can have negative side effects like pneumonia and breathing issues.
Mouth sensitivity, inflammation and tooth tissue damage can be brought on by dried clove.
Precautions while taking cloves
Children - It is unsafe for children to take clove oil. Seizures, liver damage and fluid imbalances are some adverse effects it may have.
Pregnancy - Clove is safe during pregnancy and lactation when taken orally with food. Avoid excessive usage to be on the safe side.
Bleeding disorders - The component eugenol in clove oil helps inhibit blood coagulation. Consuming clove oil raises the possibility of bleeding in those with bleeding disorders.
During surgery, eugenol, a substance found in clove oil, decreases blood coagulation. The possibility of bleeding during or following surgery is a concern. Stop using clove two weeks or more before the surgery.
Ways to incorporate cloves
Some methods include clove,
- Make tea with cloves
- Prepare smoothies with cloves
- Bake products by incorporating cloves
- Make a natural cleanser with cloves
- Use cloves to freshen the air
- Top dishes and salads with clove syrup
- Make the most loved food across India, biryani, by including cloves.
Interactions of cloves with medications
Medications that slow blood clotting (anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs) - There is mild interaction. There must be caution with this combination. Consult a healthcare professional.
The component in cloves called eugenol may slow blood coagulation. Allspice and clove have a distinct aroma due to the highly fragrant eugenol.
The use of clove may reduce blood coagulation. The chance of bleeding and bruising may rise if clove oil is taken along with drugs that may impair coagulation.
Examples include aspirin, clopidogrel, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, warfarin, and other drugs that decrease blood clotting.
Conclusion
Cloves are a common spice used in cooking, although they can also be found in gels, lotions and mouthwashes.
Both traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine have employed cloves. Cloves have been known for relieving dental pain or toothaches and decreasing blood sugar.
The advantages of consuming cloves in higher amounts are not well supported by the available research. Talk to a healthcare physician before taking any supplements or regarding the safe dosage of cloves.
