Clove, also called clove, can bring several health benefits, as it can be used to treat infections and pain, in addition to improving digestion, reducing coughing and helping to increase sexual desire.
These benefits are due to the fact that cloves have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, spasmodic and aphrodisiac properties, in addition to being rich in nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin E and beta-carotene.
The scientific name of the clove is Syzygium aromaticum and can be used in its natural form to flavor foods, such as soups, stews and breads or to prepare infusions, in addition to being found in powder or essential oil form.
Main benefits
The main health benefits of cloves are:
1. Fights infections
Due to its antimicrobial action, cloves can be used to combat infections caused by some types of bacteria, especially staphylococci and E. coli, or by fungi, for its antifungal action. This action appears to be linked to the presence of eugenol, methyl salicylate, kaempferol, gallic acid and oleanolic acid in its composition.
These components appear to denature the proteins that react with the bacteria’s cell membrane, altering their permeability and preventing them from continuing to develop and multiply.
2. Prevents cancer
Cloves also have a high concentration of phenolic compounds, which gives them a powerful antioxidant action, protecting the body from serious chronic diseases, such as cancer, as it fights free radicals that cause the aging of body tissues.
3. Reduces pain
Eugenol is one of the most recognized components of cloves, which, as it is very well studied, has been used for several years in dentistry to reduce pain and inflammation caused by dental treatments.
According to several studies, this effect is due to the suppression of prostaglandins and other mediators of inflammation, as well as the depression of sensory receptors involved in the sensation of pain.
4. Keeps away mosquitoes and other insects
Clove oil contains an aroma that repels insects, because its characteristic smell is unpleasant to them. Just crush a few cloves and leave them on a plate on the table to keep fruit flies away, for example. Sticking a few cloves into an orange or lemon is also a good way to keep flies and mosquitoes away.
Another simple way to use this natural power is to buy products based on clove oil, such as candles, for example.
5. Stimulates sexual desire
Clove extract is a great home remedy for sexual impotence because it increases libido, due to its aphrodisiac properties.
6. Combat bad breath
Because it has good natural antiseptic and aromatic properties, cloves can be used as a natural option to improve bad breath. To do this, simply chew 1 clove to notice its aromatic effects in your mouth. Swishing clove tea around your mouth is also a good solution to combat bad smells.
7. Facilitates digestion
It also improves digestion and helps control diarrhea, by activating enzymes that help the stomach and intestine. Furthermore, it also combats flatulence, being especially recommended to be consumed in the form of tea after a meal containing black beans, broccoli or cauliflower, for example.
8. Improves healing
When used directly on the skin, clove oil or a clove-based herbal product also facilitates healing and reduces inflammation and irritation, due to its antiseptic action. This is a good option to combat small anal fissures, for example.
9. Relaxes muscles and combats fatigue
Clove essential oil helps relax muscles and can be used in massage oils. Due to its characteristic aroma, it is also a good option for combating fatigue and melancholy, improving your mood for everyday activities. A clove-based herbal gel is a great pain reliever to use on muscles in case of bruises, for example.
10. Lowers blood pressure
Some studies carried out with cloves indicated that the essential oil has a hypotensive effect, promoting the relaxation of muscles and the dilation of blood vessels, reducing blood pressure. However, there are no indications for the use of cloves for hypertension.
11. Relieves cough
Due to its expectorant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, cloves can be used to help treat coughs, bronchitis and the common cold, helping to reduce inflammation and eliminate phlegm, as well as acting as a complement to the treatment of infections. respiratory infections caused by bacteria.
12. Fights gingivitis
Cloves help to combat gingivitis, as they have eugenol in their composition with analgesic and anti-inflammatory action, helping to reduce pain and inflammation of the gums, and can be used in the form of a tea for mouthwash.
How to use cloves
Cloves can be consumed in cakes, breads, desserts and broths, but their properties are best used in the form of teas, which are great when made together with cinnamon, lemon or ginger.
- For tea: crush 4 cloves and add to 1 cup of boiled water, letting it rest for 5 minutes. Another option is to place 10g of whole cloves in a pan with 1 liter of water and bring to a boil for around 15 minutes. Afterwards, it must be cooled, strained and taken up to 3 times a day;
- Dust: take 200 to 500 mg diluted in water, 2 or 3 times a day;
- Essential oil: apply 2 or 3 drops to a cotton ball and apply to the desired areas.
Herbal preparations such as creams or gels containing cloves can be found in health food stores and compounding pharmacies.
Check out a recipe for a natural deodorant with cloves for the body.
When it is not indicated
Clove is contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding and by children under 6 years of age, as there are no studies of its effects in these groups. It is also not recommended in case of gastritis or ulcers.
Cloves can cause irritation to the skin and digestive mucosa in some more sensitive people, which is why it should be used, preferably, with the advice of a herbalist.
Clove has a substance called eugenol that slows down blood clotting, which is why clove tea and its dry extract should not be used 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Furthermore, eugenol, which is one of the components of cloves, when consumed pure and in large quantities (concentration greater than 600 mg/ mL) can be quite toxic to health.
Cloves can also interact with some medications, such as antidiabetics and anticoagulants, and it is important to consult your doctor before consuming cloves.
