Cloves are a popular spice that we most often reach for at Christmas time. But did you know that cloves also have many other uses and healing properties? Among other things, they alleviate the symptoms of many diseases and have an analgesic effect. Discover the benefits of cloves.

We usually associate the smell of cloves with Christmas. This is not surprising, since cloves are part of the spice used for baking, added to tea, mulled wine or pricked into oranges. During the festive season, their fragrance wafts throughout the house. However, it should be remembered that cloves are not only an excellent and aromatic spice, but also a medicinal agent with beneficial effects on our health.

Cloves – origin

Cloves are collected from the fragrant clove (Aromatic syzygium). This tree grows in Tanzania, Zanzibar, Madagascar and smaller islands of Indonesia. The fragrant clove itself has been growing for approximately 150 years. To obtain cloves as we know them, undeveloped flower buds must be harvested from the tree by hand. Once the buds develop, the cloves would release their fragrance and then they would not be as aromatic. The collected buds are then dried in the sun, giving them a brown color.

What is a clove for?

The medicinal properties of cloves were used already in the 3rd century BC in China. They contain a valuable oil that has strong antibacterial and analgesic properties.

What do cloves help with? According to the indications, cloves can be used:

  • with a cold,
  • with toothache,
  • against parasites,
  • on the stomach
  • to purify the body,
  • for hair growth,
  • as a pain reliever.

The main benefit of cloves is their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. They strengthen the immune system and help fight colds. Their antibacterial and analgesic function effectively helps with sore throats or toothache problems.

A 2006 study in San Francisco found that a few grams of cloves a day increases insulin production and lowers cholesterol levels. Reductions in glucose, triglycerides and “bad” cholesterol were observed in all subjects who consumed cloves in any amount. Therefore, it was concluded that cloves can prevent the development of diabetes in adults, because they increase the amount of insulin in the blood up to three times.

Cloves contain antioxidants that remove free radicals from the body and cleanse it of toxins. Another advantage of cloves is that they alleviate stomach problems, stimulate the secretion of digestive juices and speed up metabolism. Eugenol contained in cloves can strengthen liver function and increase its detoxification potential, reduce inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of cirrhosis.

Clove hair rinses clean the scalp, nourish hair follicles and prevent hair loss. In addition, they add shine to the hair and deepen the brown color.

It is interesting that cloves also act as an aphrodisiac. Chewing cloves freshens the breath and their aroma relieves stress and removes fatigue. In ancient times, cloves were used as a remedy for impotence, and even today some claim that they increase libido and increase desire.

However, it is advisable to consult your doctor and use common sense before using cloves, as cloves can cause various side effects. The most commonly mentioned side effects of using cloves include:

  • allergies,
  • dermatitis,
  • local irritation.

How to use cloves?

Cloves can be used in a variety of ways. They are most often consumed in the form of teas or infusions, but they can also be chewed or used as a natural oil. The latter can be used to rub sore teeth or joints.

How to make pickle from cloves?

Ingredients:

  • 500 ml of black tea,
  • 5 cloves (or more depending on your preference),
  • orange slice
  • a spoonful of honey
  • cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon),
  • fruit, herbs to taste (dried apples, ginger, rosemary),
  • raspberry juice

Preparation:

Pour boiling water over the tea in a jug, add cloves, orange, cinnamon, honey, dried apples and ginger and a little raspberry juice. Cover the infusion and wait 10 minutes. After this time, our aromatic clove infusion will be ready to drink!

Essential oils are also produced from cloves, which, thanks to their scent, effectively repel moths and mosquitoes.

As you can see, there are many benefits to using cloves. It is worth reaching for them, especially in autumn and winter, because they strengthen the immune system and help prevent infections, and spiced teas are not only tasty, but also effective in improving mood.

Before the arrival of warm days, I cut the lemon into slices and stick the cloves in. I stop the invasion of my home