Benefits of Cloves

Lower Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels

According to a research conducted in 2006, clove is proved extremely helpful in maintaining the blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. It is noted that clove mimics the activity of insulin once ingested. It is also observed that clove can significantly reduce the cholesterol concentration in the blood. According to American Health Association, 10 grams of clove powder is effective in treating hypercholesterolemia, as it increases the synthesis of triglycerides in the body, thus decreasing the concentrations of cholesterol in the blood.

How to Use:

Diabetic patients are recommended by healthcare professionals to consume cloves daily (preferably with food). Alternatively, you can also take whole cloves or powdered form of clove in a dose of 10 grams mixed in lukewarm water.

Help in Digestion

Cloves are best known as condiments and carminative. These are added in foods to increase the carminative properties and decrease the risk of flatulence caused by certain dietary ingredients. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and due to this it is also used for the management of mild bacterial infections.

How to Use: 

It is better to add clove in your daily diet. You can use it in the powder form, or chew it as a whole for better digestion effects. The most appropriate way is to bite it with premolars or molars and hold it for 5-6 minutes so that it will release all its essential oil. Don’t chew it too much. 

Relieve Acidity

Clove is also known to manage acidity issues. Besides the carminative properties, it is also used in promoting the gastric emptying process due to its peristaltic action. Research indicates that consumption of cloves increases the force of contraction in esophagus and intestines so that the food propels in the forward direction hence preventing the risk of gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

How to Use:

For gastric relieving properties, you can chew clove after taking your meal and avoid intake of any sweet thing while you are chewing clove. Use water only if you want to.

Relieve Dental Problems

One of the most widely accepted use of clove is in dental problems such as swelling, gums pain, toothache and bad breath. Clove possesses analgesic and local anesthetic properties. It also eliminates bacterial growth from mouth because of anti-bacterial effects. Clove is also utilized in eliminating bad breath because it releases essential aromatic oils after getting chewed.

How to Use:

• For Toothache

Apply some clove extract (clove oil) over the affected area.

(It is to be noted that too much use of clove oil can cause damage to the mucous membrane.)

• For Bad Breath

Chew one to two cloves as whole so that they will release their essential oils.

Relieve Joint Pain

As discussed above, clove possess effective anti-inflammatory properties and due to this reason it is also used in treating joint pain in arthritis patients. Massaging clove oil over the painful joints can reduce the inflammation and swelling for effective relief.

How to Use:

Take some cloves and crush them coarsely or roast them as whole. Now apply this over the painful area by wrapping in a soft cloth. It can also be applied by dissolving some drops of clove oil in warm water and dipping your feet for quick pain relief.

Alleviate Respiratory Issues

Cloves are also widely used during winters to treat sore throat and runny nose due to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.  It is also used as a preventive measure for lung cancer.

How to Use:

Make clove tea and drink it at least 2-3 times per day for cough and sore throat relief. You can also add some cloves in boiling water so that it will release all the essential oil in water to facilitate inhalation via steam.

Relieve Stress

Clove oil (especially eugenol) is frequently used in the aromatherapy for relieving stress and depression in affected individuals.

How to Use:

Add some cove oil drops in your bath water to feel refreshed and relaxed.

Solve Skin Problems

Due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it can be used for the removal of pimples and acne. It also adds a glowing effect over the skin, while minimizing the appearance of patches and bruises from the skin.

How to Use:

Coarsely crush some cloves and mix it with a teaspoon of lemon juice and honey. Apply this mixture over face and leave it for 20 minutes then rinse with water.

How to Select Cloves

• Try to purchase cloves as a whole instead of purchasing the clove powder. This is mainly because the powder loses its aroma and essential components very quickly.

• Try to purchase dry cloves. You can go to some of the near markets for better options and variety.

• For checking the quality, place a clove in water. It should float over the water surface in vertical position.

• Try to purchase it from a good and reliable shop or market to decrease the possible risk of contamination.

How to Store Cloves

• Try to place cloves in a close jar or vessel.

• Protect cloves from moisture.

• Dried cloves can be stored for one year and ground cloves can be stored for up to 6 months.

Consult your doctor before using cloves or clove oil in following situations:

• If you have a history of acute or chronic bleeding or you are suffering from any bleeding disorders or using any blood thinners.

• If you have a known history of medical issues, such as allergies or hypersensitivity to cloves.

• If you are breastfeeding or lactating.

If you have already use cloves and now you are experiencing some issues such as itching in lips, swelling, inflammation, redness or any allergic reactions, you should stop taking cloves immediately.

You can see the video below to learn the recipe of chicken with cloves: