In Nigeria, when you think or talk about cloves, the only thing that comes to mind is zobo drink. Many of us don’t know Jack about the powerhouse of antioxidants, anti-vomiting, antiviral, and antibacterial that this age-long herb contains.
Cloves are the flower buds of the clove tree, an evergreen also known as Syzygium aromaticum.
Cloves are best known as sweet and aromatic spice, but they have also been used in traditional medicine. In fact, animal studies have found that the compounds in cloves may have several health benefits,
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CLOVES
Toothache Remedy
Several kinds of research have proven that eugenol, present in clove has an antinociceptive effect which helps in inhibiting the painful sensory nerves and thus helps in managing toothache.
Cough and Cold Remedy
Eugenol and flavonoids present in clove possess the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial activity and inhibits the growth of bacteria, virus, and yeast. It also acts as an expectorant and helps in expelling mucus from the respiratory passage. This reduces inflammations and helps in managing cough
Resolves Flatulence
Clove improves digestion and reduces the risk of formation of gas due to its appetizing and digestive properties. Just add 2 to 3 whole cloves to rice or in your stews while cooking.
Calms Nausea and Vomiting
Studies reveal that clove might help in digestion and is useful in relieving the symptoms of gastric irritability and vomiting.
Other benefits include:
Cures infertility and decreased libido issues.
Cures weakness in bed.
Malfunction of the heart and joints.
Handles joint pain effectively including arthritis and rheumatism.
Weakness of digestion.
Weakness of memory and misunderstanding.
Weakness of bladder muscles, involuntary urine, and urinary incontinence.
Double the period of sexual activity
Weakness of vision and eye
Acne and skin infections from insect bites
Helps in the prevention of cancer.
Treats anxiety, depression, and psychological condition effectively.
Hemorrhoids and inflammatory diseases
Precautions when using cloves
Eugenol in clove might slow blood clotting, therefore may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. So it is advisable to stop taking cloves at least two weeks before the scheduled surgery
Allergy
It is advisable to use clove under a doctor’s supervision if you are allergic to it or its constituents.
Breastfeeding
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers due to lack of scientific evidence should avoid the medicinal use of clove during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Other Interactions
As per a few animal studies, clove might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements like Ginkgo biloba, garlic, and saw palmetto.
Patients with diabetes and liver disease
Clove may lower blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. So it is generally advisable to monitor the blood glucose level regularly if you are taking clove along with other anti-diabetic drugs.
Also, patients with liver disease should avoid clove in case of liver disorders.
You can easily incorporate ground cloves into many dishes. They’ll bring a warm, distinctive flavor to desserts and stews.
You can also simmer the whole clove in boiling water for 5–10 minutes to make a soothing cup of clove tea. Apart from the pleasant taste of cloves, it is very healthy.
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