Health Benefits of Cloves: Uses, Nutritional Value & Side Effects

Cloves are a wonderful aromatic herb that originated in Indonesia around 2000 years ago. It is a popular spice that has distinct culinary uses and health benefits. Cloves are the tiny brown colored flower buds from the clove plant, i.e., Syzygium Aromaticum.

One of the staple spices in Indian cuisines, cloves have high demand in Ayurvedic medicines. To learn about the health benefits, uses, side effects, and more, here is a detailed blog on cloves for readers. 

Clove Scientific Name & Synonyms

A clove tree belongs to the family of evergreens, growing to a height of 8-12 meters. The flower buds are grouped in clusters that turn red when they reach the stage of harvesting. There are different names for cloves, and here is the list. Let’s find out what you call it, or the common name in your city!

Cloves Nutrition 

Though used in very small amounts, it is densely packed with high-quality nutrients and other compounds. The nutritional profile of cloves per 100 grams is as follows:

Benefits of Cloves

These tiny seeds exhibit remarkable health benefits of cloves, some of which are also supported by scientific research. The cloves benefits are:

1. Regulates Blood Sugar
Certain studies have reported that cloves help to bring down the glucose spike in the body. The extract from cloves acts as an insulin regulator that is highly beneficial for controlling the blood sugar levels. Researches also suggest that, if you consume 1-3 cloves per day for one complete month, you can easily help yourself in managing type 2 diabetes. 

2. Overcome Cough

Clove and clove oil have mastered in controlling the upper respiratory ailments like cough. If you think about how it is possible, then it is the magic of the anti-inflammatory properties of the clove. If you crush some cloves and add them to your regular tea, you will notice a significant relief from your cough as they soothe your throat.

3. Good for Bone & Joints

The properties that cloves exhibit include compounds that are helpful in maintaining density and minerals in the bones. Conditions like osteoporosis and weak bones improve if you consume cloves regularly in the recommended portions.  

4. Reduce Inflammation 

Inflammation, swelling, or bloating is common and affects millions regularly. To overcome, here comes the herb called cloves. The extract from clove or oil helps to relieve the pain of arthritis and inflammation in any general condition. 

5. Promotes Digestion
In Ayurveda, cloves are considered to improve digestion and promote digestive enzymes rapidly. If you, or someone you know, face poor digestion or conditions like nausea, gastric irritability, or frequent flatulence, then cloves may be an ideal choice for you. Consider making clove tea, clove powder, or any form, mixing with the other natural digestive ingredients.            

6. Cloves for Sexual Health

The benefits of cloves sexually are seen through several experiments, and the observation notes are remarkable. Though the studies were mainly conducted on animals, cloves have shown significant improvement in sexual health. The cloves benefits for male are:

• Enhance blood circulation
• Boost libido 
• Helpful in premature ejaculation 
• Improves sperm quality and motility 

7. Promotes Hair Growth
Not so popularly known, but there are benefits of cloves for hair. Cloves strengthen hair growth and soothe the scalp. It also helps to improve scalp itching by making the hair look shinier. Moreover, if you witness dandruff or hairfall, try clove water to rinse or apply some clove oil to your hair and notice the amazing results. 

8. Clove Water Benefits for Females

For females, clove water has several benefits. It helps to reduce menstrual cramps, bloating, and discomfort. Along with this, it also supports digestion, oral health, sugar control, and antioxidant support. While it has several benefits, cloves should not be replaced with regular medicines. Consider a doctor before taking this step. 

9. Strengthen Immune System
Cloves contain an ingredient that helps boost the immune system in the body and enhances overall health. To the surprise, cloves also exhibit anti-viral and blood purification properties that improve resistance against different diseases. 

Cloves in dental care 

Clove contains eugenol, which shows great antiseptic and anesthetic properties. This compound decreases the swelling and pain in the mouth and is considered best as clove oil for tooth pain.  Also, this is the reason that cloves are highly used by companies to manufacture products like toothpastes, mouthwash, and even by dentists in temporary dental fillings. 

If you observe a toothache, then gently put some clove oil on a cotton ball and then place it on the tooth that is painful. This clove oil phenomenon works as it numbs the pain area and decreases the bacterial presence, which also prevents the infection from spreading. 

Remember: 

However, avoid using direct application of clove oil as it can cause irritation and tissue damage in the gums if used in excess or undiluted. 

Cloves are also used to maintain oral health and hygiene. The antimicrobial properties of clove help to:

• Reduce Harmful Bacteria 
• Bad Breath &
• Cavities 

Clove Oil Benefits

Clove oil is one of the important oils that has numerous health benefits and is therapeutic in nature. This oil is extracted from the clove buds of the clove tree and then used for conditions like pain, dental care, etc. Though clove oil and cloves show similar benefits, some of them are as follows:

• We already mentioned above that clove oil for teeth is a super natural and healthy medicine. Many people around the world who are aware of Ayurvedic wisdom prefer clove oil for tooth pain. It has certain properties, such as antiseptic and analgesic, that also help in conditions like gum pain, bad breath, etc. 

• Clove oil is also beneficial in addressing respiratory issues such as cold, cough, and asthma. The extract is added to a diffuser or to a steamer for long-lasting relief. 

• As said above, clove oil is also used to relieve joint pain, arthritis or sore muscles. The massage helps improve blood circulation by producing a warming effect. 

Uses of Cloves

For centuries, cloves have been used in medicine, cooking, and personal care, making them highly versatile. Here are the different cloves uses:

1. Culinary Uses

Cloves are widely used as a spice in various cuisines across countries such as India, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Also, it adds a distinct flavour to beverages like tea or cold drinks. Cloves have a strong flavor when added to food and therefore, small quantities are generally used.

2. Medicinal Uses 

As mentioned above, cloves have several medicinal uses due to their distinct health-related properties. They are antiseptic, anti-inflammatory. Antioxidant and good for digestion. Therefore, any of the following problems can be relieved:

• Toothache
• Indigestion
• Bloating
• Gas
• Cold & Cough
• Joint Pain, etc. 

3. Aromatherapy & Care

This could be divided into 3 categories where cloves are being used. These are:

• Oil: The powerful smell of clove oil is extensively used for stress relief and mental clarity. Generally, experts recommend it in aromatherapy. 
• Skincare: You all might have faced problems like acne and skin infections, and must have tried endless treatment options. Cloves are one such ingredient that is used in Ayurvedic skin care medicines for boosting skin health. 
• Oral Hygiene: It is added to toothpastes and mouthwashes to make them germ-killing and give a refreshing effect. 

4. Household Uses

May it be known to you or not, clove oil is also added to make room fresheners after combining it with other citric fruits (like oranges). Another clove oil uses is a natural insect repellent that repels mosquitoes, moths, or other insects. Another time you observe insects or mosquitoes in the house, try clove oil mixed with other essential ingredients. 

5. Spiritual Uses

Cloves also have religious utilization as it is used in the Hindu religion for activities like havans. 

Side Effects of Cloves

While cloves are generally safe and offer numerous health benefits, they can also exhibit some side effects when consumed in excessive amounts or in inappropriate proportions. Some of the cloves side effects that one must be aware of are:

1. Mouth and Throat Irritation

Clove oil, if undiluted, may irritate or cause a burning sensation in your throat and mouth.

2. Allergic Reaction

Some individuals may experience allergic reactions after incorporating cloves. The symptoms generally faced are rashes, itching, or breathing issues. 

3. Liver Problems

Cloves have certain compounds that are generally harmful to the liver when taken in large amounts. Therefore, if you have a liver condition, it is always advised to consult a doctor before incorporating cloves into your diet.

4. Thinning of Blood

The compound called eugenol in cloves has the blood-thinning properties that increase the risk of bleeding in cases:

• Of surgery
• Taking blood-thinning medicines 

Special considerations 

For clove, there are some precautions and special points that one needs to remember before consumption. So, you need to take care of:

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Women

Thinking about cloves in pregnancy? Here is what you all need to know. For all such women out there, do not worry! Adding cloves to dishes or using them for just cooking purposes will not be harmful. But the use of clove extract or oil is generally not recommended due to safety concerns. 

• Children

Stop your children right away and completely avoid their clove oil consumption, especially if it's oral intake. This action can lead to serious health complications like liver damage.

Conclusion

The famous among all spices, clove has managed to maintain its versatility in uses and flavours. But the right proportion, method, and guidelines that the experts provided are important to follow to attain the benefits rather than the side effects. Also, Ayurvedic experts confirm that using cloves for cooking purposes is absolutely safe. However, if you are thinking of including it as a supplement, then expert advice is mandatory. The doctor will thoroughly examine the body prakriti and then recommend the portion if needed.  For more such information, you can contact Dr. Sharda Ayurveda and attain health benefits anytime.