In every home there is a jar of clove buds in the kitchen. Do we know that this spice is included in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia? Do we know that fragrant cloves are part of the famous anti-parasitic dietary supplement? Perhaps take a fresh look at the spice jar and take advantage of the beneficial properties of cloves?
Table of contents
- Chemical composition of fragrant cloves
- 8 Health Benefits of Cloves
- Recipes
- How to choose a clove
The unusual-looking buds of the clove tree are famous not only for their pungent taste and spicy aroma, but also for their healing effects. This spice has long been used in traditional medicine recipes for the prevention and even treatment of certain diseases. So, we read about the unique medical properties of the unopened buds of the Syzygium clove tree in this article.
What is clove
Cloves are a spice obtained from the dried and unopened buds of the clove perennial tree. The plant's homeland is the Moluccas Islands. Now cloves are grown in Tanzania (90% of world production), Indonesia, India, and Ceylon.
What does a clove look like?
The clove tree is an evergreen shrub or tree with a pyramidal crown that has a strong aroma. The leaves are leathery, petiolate, glabrous, dark green in color.
Appearance (photo) of the fruits of the clove tree.
Carnation blooms 2 times a year. The flowers are purple-red, small, collected in complex semi-umbrellas. The fruit is a false berry.
The spice has a brown tint. The clove buds are harvested and then fermented in direct sunlight. A high-quality clove, if thrown forcefully into a glass, should sink or float vertically. If the spice floats horizontally, it is of poor quality.
Method of obtaining
Spice cloves are the unopened inflorescences of the clove tree. They begin to collect them at the moment when the inflorescences have already gained strength, but have not yet blossomed. At this time, the buds contain the maximum amount of useful substances and have a valuable aroma.
The buds are collected manually using special scrapers. Inflorescences are removed only from trees older than 6 years. Drying does not require ovens or other equipment. The buds are simply dried in the sun, packed in bags and boxes and sent to all corners of the world.
Smaller packaging (the kind that can be seen on store shelves) is carried out directly in the countries that reseller raw materials.
Considering that each clove tree produces a very generous harvest, and the process of collecting and drying the spice is not expensive, the aromatic seasoning has an affordable price.
Useful properties of cloves
The seasoning contains:
- essential oil;
- ash;
- potassium;
- zinc;
- B vitamins;
- vitamin A;
- phylloquinone;
- eugenol;
- cellulose;
- phosphorus;
- iron;
- tannins.
Due to its rich chemical composition, the spice is often used for medicinal purposes. The product has the following beneficial properties:
- bactericidal;
- anthelmintic;
- pain reliever;
- anti-carcinogenic;
- antifungal;
- tonic;
- wound healing;
- carminative;
- antispasmodic.
Cloves are effective against many pathogens, such as diphtheria bacillus and anthrax. The fragrant spice suppresses the proliferation of tuberculosis bacillus. For preventive purposes, it is useful to take cloves against the flu.
Cloves have proven to be an effective remedy for parasites. It is part of the antiparasitic drug “Troichatka”. In folk medicine, the spice is used to eliminate parasites in the form of decoctions and infusions.
When consumed, the spice activates the production of gastric juice. This is useful for problems with appetite or gastritis with low acidity. With increased acidity of gastric juice and ulcers, the use of cloves can be harmful.
In medicine, the fruits of the clove tree are used in the treatment of colitis, intestinal colic, flatulence, and liver diseases.
The spice is good for teeth. It helps eliminate toothache and has a positive effect on gums. The spice is used for gingivitis and periodontitis. To the question whether chewing dried buds of a plant is beneficial, the answer is yes. Cloves help get rid of bad breath and destroy harmful bacteria.
Thanks to the B vitamins in the product, it is effective for nervous disorders and stress. For example, clove extract is present in the drug Doppelherz Melissa, the use of which allows you to relax and calm the nervous system.
Eugenol, present in the product, effectively fights cancer cells. Therefore, the spice is often prescribed to patients with cancer, as well as to prevent the onset of a dangerous disease.
Cloves are an unusual spice. It eliminates spasms and tones muscles. Cloves can eliminate spasm of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, and at the same time tones the muscles of the uterus and increases blood pressure.
For more information about the beneficial properties of cloves, watch the following video:
Compound
The composition of cloves includes the following components:
- essential oil – has a wide spectrum of effects: normalizes neuropsychic processes, improves memory, restores strength, increases appetite, treats respiratory diseases, etc.;
- tannins – tone, strengthen immune defense;
- flavonoids - help cope with fatigue and weakness, fight capillary fragility, inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines;
- sterols – have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory effects;
- fiber – cleanses the body of harmful substances;
- proteins – increase the body’s defenses, improve metabolic processes;
- vitamins, C, A, E, B, microelements, etc.
Uses of cloves
Cloves have a wide range of uses. It is used for medicinal purposes in the form of decoctions and infusions. Experts recommend using cloves for married couples and people with low libido, as it increases desire and improves sex life.
The spice is also actively used in cooking, cosmetology, aromatherapy and for weight loss. The spice has found application in everyday life; it is used to repel blood-sucking insects.
In cooking
In cooking, the spice is most often used in the preparation of marinades and pickles. The spice is actively used when canning tomatoes and cucumbers. The fragrant spice is also used in making homemade ketchup and sauces.
Cloves have also been used in confectionery production. It is used together with cinnamon and cardamom. Cloves are used to flavor baked goods, puddings, mousses, compotes, and punches.
Dried clove fruits are widely used in cooking.
Cloves and black pepper add a unique flavor to pork and lamb dishes. The fragrant spice will highlight the taste of tender turkey and chicken meat.
The spice has a rich and pronounced aroma. Therefore, the spice must be used with caution so as not to interrupt the smell and taste of the dish. Add ground cloves to sauces, and whole spice to all other dishes.
In cosmetology
Clove oil is used in cosmetology. It is added to homemade masks based on clay, fermented milk products, and fruit purees. Such masks are useful for the face; when used regularly, they eliminate acne, cleanse the dermis of bacteria, improve blood circulation and increase tone.
The buds of the plant are used in homemade hair masks. Cloves improve blood circulation, as a result of which hair begins to grow more actively. With the systematic use of home remedies based on clove oil, you can get rid of dandruff and oily scalp.
For weight loss
Nutritionists recommend using cloves for people who are on a diet. The rich chemical composition of the spice allows you to enrich the body with vitamins and beneficial elements during a period of limited nutrition.
Eating cloves improves the digestion process of food. Therefore, those who want to get rid of excess weight do not have to worry about the food they eat, which will be deposited in the form of excess fat on the body.
Contraindications, possible harm
Cloves, benefits and harm... We have already talked about the benefits of the spice, we will tell you about the harm that can occur when consuming the spice.
- It is worth remembering that clove buds are a powerful stimulant, and therefore the spice should be excluded from the diet of children under three years of age.
- It is not recommended to use cloves in tinctures to treat illness for pregnant women; this can negatively affect the development of the fetus and the condition of the woman carrying the child. It is important to know that the spice has abortifacient properties, and in the early stages it can cause miscarriage.
- Spicy hot spice is also contraindicated for hypertensive patients. In its pure form and in tinctures, cloves can significantly increase blood pressure in a very short time.
- And lastly, harm from cloves can occur if you have an existing individual intolerance. There is no need to include or use spice-based medications in the menu for allergy sufferers and those who have noticed symptoms of an allergic reaction to flowering plants and spices.
I would like to add, when deciding to use a folk remedy based on herbs, first consult a doctor, follow the principle of “do no harm,” and you can only benefit from cloves.
Watch the video - clove spice: beneficial properties and contraindications
Treatment with cloves
You can start therapy with the product only after a doctor’s prescription. You should also read the list of contraindications. Below are recipes for preparing clove-based remedies for various ailments.
From parasites
Cloves should be used against worms only after parasites have been identified in the body. To do this, you will need to undergo the appropriate tests, as well as obtain permission from your doctor.
Below we will tell you how to prepare and how to take medicinal remedies for parasites.
Recipe No. 1
Ingredients:
- Wormwood - 20 g.
- Tansy - 20 g.
- Cloves - 20 g.
How to prepare: Grind each ingredient separately in a coffee grinder. Then mix them.
How to use: On the first day, eat half a dessert spoon of the medicine 30 minutes before dinner. On the second day - half a dessert spoon 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner. From the third to the ninth day - half a dessert spoon three times a day 30 minutes before meals.
Result: Getting rid of parasites.
Recipe No. 2
Ingredients:
- Cloves - 100 g.
- Flax seed - 100 g.
How to prepare: Grind the ingredients in a coffee grinder. Place the resulting mixture in an airtight container and place in a cool place.
How to use: Take 25 g of the medicine every day, diluting it in tea or fruit drink. The duration of treatment is 3 days, after which take a break for 3 days. Then repeat the treatment again. The general course of treatment is 1-2 months.
Result: Elimination of helminths.
From pain
Cloves effectively cope with various types of pain, such as headaches or menstrual pain. Below is a recipe for headaches.
Ingredients:
- Clove oil - 1 drop.
- Chamomile oil - 1 drop.
- Lavender essential oil – 3 drops.
- Almond oil - 5 g.
How to prepare: Mix the oils.
How to use: Massage your forehead and temples using a mixture of oils.
Result: Elimination of headaches.
From pressure
For low blood pressure, experts recommend taking clove decoction. The dosage and duration of treatment with the decoction is prescribed by the doctor.
Ingredients:
- Ground cloves - 3 g.
- Water - 250 ml.
How to prepare: Boil water, then pour boiling water over the spice. Leave the broth for 1 hour, then strain.
How to use: Take 1 tsp decoction. three times a day.
Result: Normalization of blood pressure.
For sore throat
To eliminate a sore throat, just take 2 cloves, suck on them, then chew and swallow. Carry out this procedure until the inflammation disappears.
For diabetes
In medicine, cloves are actively used for diabetes. It lowers blood sugar levels, neutralizes the effects of histamine, and regulates the patient’s weight.
From the recipe below, you will learn how to drink cloves for type 2 diabetes.
Ingredients:
- Cloves - 20 buds.
- Water - 250 ml.
How to prepare: Pour hot water over the buds. Let the mixture sit for 12 hours, then strain.
How to use: Drink 75 ml infusion three times a day 20 minutes before meals.
Result: Maintaining optimal blood glucose levels.
For pancreatitis
Experts often recommend using clove infusion as part of complex treatment. The effectiveness of the product largely depends on whether you follow the recommended diet when you are sick.
The decoction recipe below should be used to treat chronic pancreatitis.
Ingredients:
- Cloves - 20 g.
- Water - 100 ml.
How to prepare: Pour cold boiled water over the cloves. Leave the product for 8 hours, then strain.
How to use: Take 1 tbsp infusion. three times a day.
Result: Elimination of symptoms of pancreatitis.
For women
The spice has a positive effect on the female body. In ancient times, cloves were used to stimulate labor, for uterine bleeding, and as an abortifacient.
Clove ether increases the tone of the uterus, normalizes the menstrual cycle and hormonal levels. Cloves also increase libido and prolong sexual pleasure.
Cloves are useful for menopause. It improves sleep, eliminates nervousness, and reduces the symptoms of menopause.
For men
Cloves have a positive effect on the male body. It increases sexual activity and potency, improves reproductive function. Also effective for prostatitis: normalizes blood circulation, eliminates pain and inflammation, suppresses the activity of bacteria.
How to select and store
Cloves are available in any store in buds and ground form. It is better to give preference to the whole one, as the powder quickly loses its aroma.
Properly dried buds should release a delicate aroma when the stem is squeezed. It’s easy to check the quality of the buds: just throw a few of them into the water and watch how they float. If the bud is facing up, then the product is of high quality. If they “lay down” horizontally, then they lose their nutritional qualities.
Be sure to store in an airtight container with a lid in a cool place. Chopped - in the refrigerator in a container with a lid. Use as quickly as possible, because essential oils disappear quickly.
Clove tincture
Clove tincture has healing properties. It can be used to prevent colds and viral diseases, increase immunity, for bronchitis, and sore throat. The remedy is also taken for neuroses. The product is used externally for arthritis and rheumatism.
To prepare the tincture at home, use the recipe below.
Ingredients:
- Cloves - 25 buds.
- Vodka - 250 ml.
How to prepare: Pour cloves into a glass container and fill with vodka. Close the jar with a lid. Leave the product for a week, shaking occasionally.
How to use: Take tincture 1 tsp. before eating.
Clove oil
Clove oil can be purchased at any pharmacy.
Clove oil is used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. It is obtained from buds, leaves, and tree trunk.
The most common oil made from the buds. The oil obtained from the leaves of the tree has a pungent and pungent aroma. The oil, which is obtained from tree trunks, is produced for industrial purposes.
Clove essential oil has the same beneficial properties as regular spice. But the oil is more convenient to use for preparing homemade cosmetic masks for the face and hair, eliminating toothaches and headaches, as well as other diseases. Ether is also used for massage and added to commercial creams and lotions.
Clove oil has found wide use in everyday life. It is used instead of mothballs against mold in damp areas of the apartment. The product also helps to wean your pet from going to the toilet outside the litter box.
Why chew cloves?
To treat diseases, it is not necessary to prepare decoctions and infusions of cloves or take clove oil. You will get a healing effect even from chewing the spice buds.
Chewing a few clove buds eliminates bad breath, relieves toothache and sore throat. When losing weight, chewing clove buds will saturate the body with useful elements.
If you feel unwell, do not use cloves, consult your doctor. You may be prescribed another form of taking the spice for treatment.
Effect on the bone apparatus
Bone fractures, especially in old age and old age, are an extremely unpleasant event. The fragility of the bone apparatus is caused by deficiencies in the body of various microelements. Scientists say that taking the spice helps increase the flow of microelements such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus to bone tissue, thereby helping to strengthen it.
Manganese, which is also found in cloves, is responsible for the formation of bone tissue elements. It improves bone strength, making them better able to withstand physical stress. The spice is recommended to be included in the diet to prevent fractures, especially for people over 60 years of age.
Cloves against mosquitoes
In the warm season, when blood-sucking insects haunt you, use a simple and effective remedy for midges and mosquitoes. It is completely safe for both children and adults.
Ingredients:
- Lemon - 1 pc.
- Cloves - 20 pcs.
How to prepare: Cut the lemon in half. Stick clove buds into each half.
How to use: Place lemon halves in the room or outside. Mosquitoes and other flying insects will avoid this area.
Clove oil is no less effective against mosquitoes. Pour it into the aroma lamp and light it. And mosquitoes won't bother you.
