Clove is a dried flower bud that grows on an evergreen tree native to Indonesia. Its scientific name is Syzygium aromaticum. Clove is an essential condiment used in Indian cuisine. The flower bud is used as a ground powder or in its natural form. Clove is a spice used in various dishes like curries, tea, dessert, cookies and cakes. It has been a vital ingredient in the traditional medicine system. It is not only used as a kitchen spice but also in mouthwash and herbal oils.
Health Benefits of Cloves
Cloves are a versatile spice that adds flavour while also providing health benefits. They are high in antioxidants, may help regulate blood sugar, kill bacteria, and more. Here are the 8 most impressive health benefits of eating cloves:
1. Germicidal effect
Clove oil has a germicidal effect on various strains and categories of microbes. Research has shown the effectiveness of clove oil against Staphylococcus species. A 0.05% solution of eugenol can destroy Bacillus tuberculosis.
Essential oil component eugenol, when dispersed in a concentrated sugar solution, demonstrated an antimicrobial effect against various bacteria. For example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Clostridium perfringens, E.coli and Candida albicans.
2. Anti-inflammatory and wound healing
Eugenol, the primary component of clove oil, is as effective as diclofenac gel. It is instrumental in healing wounds and reducing inflammation by 20-30%.
According to a study, wounds in rats treated with clove essential oil were found to heal faster.
Clove oil contains flavonoids, which may have anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used in aromatherapy, where it is believed to help alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like arthritis and rheumatism. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for these uses.
3. Antioxidant activity
Clove oil has been shown to contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds that can help destroy free radicals. The acute administration of an ethanolic extract of clove has been shown to improve the processes of learning and memory recall in mice, which supports the antioxidative effect of the eugenol component.
4. Anti-diabetic activity
Some studies have suggested that clove extracts may help in regulating blood sugar levels, with research showing potential effects in diabetic mice. Compounds like nigericin (NGC) found in clove extracts have been explored for their potential to reduce insulin resistance in animal models. Further research in humans is needed to confirm these findings.
5. Hepatoprotective activity
The ethanol extract of clove has been significantly beneficial for liver cells. It has demonstrated hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol-induced liver injury in female rats. The compound in the clove extract acts on free radicals that cause damage to the liver cells.
6. Anticancer
Clove oil components, like eugenol, α-humulene, and β-caryophyllene, have exhibited antitumor activity. According to some studies, clove oil extracts have been beneficial in reducing the harmful effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and weight loss.
7. Analgesic
Clove Essential Oil (CEO) aids in treating headaches, joint pain, toothaches, and oral hygiene issues. CEO has been used since ancient times as it is safe to use, a medically effective and cheap remedy to get rid of pain.
8. Oral Health
According to various research, Aromatic Syzygium Clove oil (Laung) helps manage toothaches, cavities, and pyorrhea. Clove oil aids in the decrease of plaque deposition on oral hard tissues. The antibacterial activity of clove oil implies that it could be used as a supplement to periodontal therapy. Clove consumption reduces the growth of Candida albicans in the gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth cavity.
How to Use Clove
Clove is an all-around spice. It has numerous medicinal and therapeutic uses. However, you can use it in your daily routine in various ways.
Add to spice your food
Cloves have a beautiful aroma and a strong taste that makes our dishes very flavourful. You can add it to your curry or pulao rice, or biryani. Or crush it and add it to your dessert.
With hot beverages
You can add powdered clove to your tea.
Use as an insect repellent
You can add a few drops of clove oil to the water and spray it in the house. It can keep mosquitoes and bugs away.
To treat a toothache
Warm clove water can be used as a mouthwash to treat uncomfortable toothaches. Warm clove water can be used as a mouthwash to treat any bothersome toothaches.
Side Effects of Clove
Cloves are widely used for their medicinal and culinary benefits, but excessive consumption or inappropriate use can lead to some side effects. Below are the potential side effects of cloves:
1. Increased risk of bleeding
According to research, Clove is one herbal substance that may potentially raise bleeding risk or amplify the effects of warfarin medication.
Eugenol, present in the clove, increases the risk of bleeding. Thus, clove exhibits an antiplatelet effect.
2. May cause hypoglycemia
A Study suggests that cloves have shown a hypoglycemic effect in type 2 diabetes patients, i.e., they aid in lowering blood sugar.
However, if a person is already on diabetes medication, it may cause an extreme lowering of blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is advised that if you are on diabetes medications, please consult your doctor before adding cloves to your daily routine.
3. Can Cause Allergic reactions
Eugenol is an aromatic liquid present in cloves used in numerous pharmaceutical products. However, eugenol can cause allergies when this compound reacts directly with proteins resulting in contact dermatitis.
4. Can Be Toxic
In one of the incidences, the toxicity of clove oil is documented. A 2-year-old boy ingested 5 and 10ml clove oil as a result of which the boy slipped into a coma for a few hours.
However, there is a scope for research on the toxicity of clove oil. Clove oil can potentially cause coma, fits, inhalation pneumonitis, respiratory problems, renal failure, hypoglycaemia, and lactic acidosis.
Precautions
- Consume clove in limited amounts. Though clove has medicinal properties, excess of anything can cause severe aftereffects.
- Clove oil or cream should be kept out of the reach of children as it may cause fits or liver failure, or kidney failure.
- Do not smoke clove cigarettes in excess. It may result in breathing problems
Conclusion
Clove is a flower bud used in our day-to-day dishes because of its pleasant aroma and flavour. It is a versatile spice that is not only used in the kitchen but is also used for therapeutic purposes. It has antibacterial, antiviral, antispasmodic, antimutagenic, and antihypertensive properties. That makes it an all-rounder spice. Clove is the best for good oral hygiene. However, always consult your doctor before using it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Consuming 1-2 cloves per day is generally considered safe for most people. Excessive intake may lead to digestive discomfort or other side effects. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before significantly increasing clove consumption, especially for individuals with existing health conditions.
Cloves are commonly used for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. They are helpful in managing conditions like toothaches, digestive issues, and infections. However, further research is needed to fully establish their effectiveness in managing these conditions.
Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications should avoid cloves, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
While cloves can boost metabolism and aid digestion, they are not a direct solution for belly fat reduction. A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for weight loss.
Cloves are commonly used as a spice in cooking, for medicinal purposes to relieve toothaches and digestive issues, and in aromatherapy for their soothing scent.
Moderate consumption of cloves as a spice is generally safe during pregnancy. However, consult your doctor before using cloves in medicinal amounts.
Yes, cloves are effective for toothache relief due to their natural analgesic and antimicrobial properties. Clove oil or whole cloves can be applied to the affected area for temporary relief.
References
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- Mohan, R., Jose, S., Mulakkal, J., Karpinsky-Semper, D., Swick, A. G., & Krishnakumar, I. M. (2019). Water-soluble polyphenol-rich clove extract lowers pre- and post-prandial blood glucose levels in healthy and prediabetic volunteers: an open label pilot study. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-019-2507-7
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