Currently, prioritizing good health is essential to avoid spending excessively on healthcare. Many individuals are now turning to spices as alternatives to traditional pharmaceutical drugs, and one such spice is cloves. Cloves are rich in various nutritional components, and this spice is known for its versatile nature of curing sickness and diseases in the human body but most people are not aware of its importance and use.
While cloves are mainly grown in North Sulawesi, they also can be seen in most countries of the world as they are being used for diverse purposes. In this article, we will explore several ways to use cloves for better health, along with detailing the 7 proven benefits of cloves and digging deep into what cloves entail, their functions and uses.
Key Points
- Cloves contain some essential nutrients such as fibre, minerals, vitamins, Manganese, and vitamin K which improve the functionality of the brain as well as the improvement of strong bones and teeth
- Cloves are essential for the human body as they help the liver function well
- Cloves help the body control sugar levels in the blood. Little wonder, diabetic Patients incorporate it into their meals regularly
- Cloves have this very captivating smell that brings sweetness. When diffused in water, it illuminates the atmosphere with a sweet fragrance.
Cloves: What They Are
Cloves, botanically known as Syzygium aromaticum, are obtained from the clove tree. Originally, cloves were green and yellow in colour when plucked out of their buds but the black-brown colour we all know today is achieved after it has been sun-dried.
Cloves are known to have essential nutrients that are beneficial to humans. Some of the nutrients are manganese, fiber, vitamins, as well as antimicrobial properties that eradicate bacteria from the body.
Cloves: What They Do
Cloves serve as antioxidants; they are well known for their sweet fragrance, which not only illuminates the atmosphere with a sweet fragrance but also gives a soothing feeling of relaxation. There are many other relevant aspects of Cloves but for the purpose of this article, a few will be dissected.
7 Health Benefits of Cloves
As stressed earlier, some of the benefits of cloves have been mentioned, but to further understand the importance of the magical spice called clove, we will be looking at seven benefits.
1. Eradicate Harmful Bacteria from the Body
As humans, we are all prone to having infections, some of which can be caused by fungi, bacteria, etc. The food we eat can have bacteria in it without us seeing them, because most of these bacteria are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Consumption of cloves helps eradicate bacteria that make human beings unwell.
2. May Help Fight Cancer Cells
Studies suggest that clove oil, also known as eugenol, kills cancer cells in the human body when used proportionally. Research indicates potential anti-cancer properties; please note this should complement, not replace, conventional medical treatment. Always consult with healthcare providers for cancer-related concerns.
3. Help Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
It’s widely known that sugar in the blood aids the functionality of the body, but an excess of it is detrimental to health. The end result of having too much sugar in the blood is called diabetes. With cloves, the sugar level in the blood is accurately maintained.
4. Support Strong Bones and Joints
Due to the medicinal properties incorporated in cloves, it aids the perfect functionality of the human bones. It makes the bones strong, thereby avoiding arthritis or osteoporosis
5. Boost Immune System and Improve Brain Function
The nutrients in cloves make it possible for the human brain to function well. Deficiency of nutrients in the body makes the immune system low, thereby causing sickness and diseases but with cloves, the immune system is strengthened
6. Heal Stomach Ulcers Naturally
This is so because cloves kill the bacteria causing ulcers known as Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium affects the human gut, thereby causing headaches, heartburn, palpitations, vomiting, etc. Consumption of cloves improves gut health, thereby healing stomach wounds and ulcers.
7. Help the Liver Function Well
The liver is known to be an organ that’s loaded with lots of work in the human body. When this organ malfunctions, the whole body feels it. Which is why it is of utmost importance to function well. Cloves not only cleanse the liver but also improve its functionality.
Ways to Use Cloves
There are diverse ways by which cloves can be used and incorporated into our daily diets. Some of which can be seen below.
1. By boiling
The spice known as cloves can be incorporated into our diets by boiling it into tea. This can be achieved by putting some cloves in a pot and adding some water so that the juice can be extracted. This serves as an immune booster.
2. By adding it as a spice to proteins
Proteins such as beef, chicken, gizzards, turkey etc shouldn’t be boring. Cloves can be used to boil these proteins, not only do they add flavour but also improve the taste of one’s soup not leaving behind the nutritional value they add to it.
3. By burning frankincense
Cloves are burnt in a fire to give the home a sweet fragrance, which is soothing to the body.
4. Serves as one of the main ingredients in making zobo drink
Zobo drink is known as an immunity booster; without cloves in it, the zobo drink will not taste as it should. Apart from the Nutritional benefit it adds to the zobo drink, cloves give it a distinct smell and taste that makes individuals want more
5. Cloves can be used to ease a toothache
This is done by putting cloves in the affected area, paying utmost attention to the tooth gum so the cloves do not touch it.
6. Cloves can be used as a spray
Illuminating one’s environment with a sweet fragrance is not a problem when clove is available. All you have to do is mix cloves with water and spray around the house.
7. Cloves can be mixed into one’s cream to achieve flawless skin
You can grind cloves and mix them into your regular face cream or body lotion. This helps to give your skin a natural glow and can help reduce blemishes over time.
8. Cloves can be incorporated into any kind of pastry
They give a sweet flavour to one’s cakes, cookies etc. When baking, just add a pinch of ground cloves to your batter and you’ll notice how it enhances the taste and aroma of your baked goods.
What are the Side Effects of Cloves?
Too much of everything is detrimental to human health, as taking things in moderation is key. Yes, cloves are packed with lots of nutritional value, but taking them with caution gives the best result. Some of the side effects of cloves are as follows;
- Taking cloves excessively can cause bleeding
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid consumption of cloves as this cause havoc to the former as well as affects the baby in the latter.
- Excessive consumption of cloves destroys the liver
- Directly putting cloves in the gum destroys the gum causing irritation
What is the Best Time to Take Cloves?
Cloves can be taken at any time of the day. To get the best result, one needs to take clove according to the purpose one wants to use it for.
- To aid digestion, cloves are best consumed after a meal
- To boost the immune system and improve gut health, cloves are best consumed on an empty stomach
- To relax the nerves for better sleep at night, cloves are best consumed just before bedtime
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cloves should I take daily?
2-3 whole cloves or 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves daily is generally safe for most people.
Can diabetic patients use cloves with their medication?
Yes, but they should consult their doctor first to avoid any interactions.
Are there any people who should avoid cloves?
Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and people on blood-thinning medications should use cloves with caution.
Read Also
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12 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Pawpaw You Should Know
Health Benefits of Lemon Grass: 8 Incredible Ways This Super Herb Transforms Your Health
Conclusion
Cloves are one of a kind among the spices and Herbs we have in the world as they are packed with numerous essential ingredients that improve the body system. Do you have problems visiting the loo? Take boiled cloves just before breakfast! Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Take a little sip of clove concoction just before bedtime and see how you zoom off to dreamland in no time! Falling sick regularly, take boiled cloves first thing in the morning for a couple of days and see how your body regulates itself.
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