10 Surprising Health Benefits And Uses of Cloves: Side Effects & Warnings

What are cloves?

If you want to make your dishes full of flavor and spicy, go for a spice that is none other than Cloves. Besides an aromatic spice, it is also known for many health benefits. It has been used as a traditional medicine since ancient times. Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are the dried buds of the clove tree, have numerous health benefits such as improving liver condition, stabilizing blood sugar, minimizing stomach ulcers, etc.

Cloves benefits and uses

10 impressive health benefits of cloves

  1. Nutritional facts of cloves: Cloves are known for their important nutrients contents. The presence of manganese in the spice is good for a healthy brain and bones. About 2 grams of the spice contains Calories (6), Carbs(1gm), Fiber (1gm), Manganese (55%) of the daily value, Vitamin K (2%) of the daily value.
  2. Full of antioxidants: It has an adequate amount of antioxidants, which combat free radicals and protect you from various infections and bacterial activity. It contains a phytochemical substance called Eugenol, which has greater relevance to stop oxidative damage.
  3. Keep your liver healthy: The presence of eugenol in cloves helps to clean your liver, protect you from liver cirrhosis, and improves its health. This antioxidant also acts as an anti-inflammation and reduces the activity of oxidative stress.
  4. Reduces blood sugar level naturally: Cloves contain nigericin, which helps to absorb sugar from the blood and stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin thereby ensures in regulating blood sugar.
  5. Cloves for healthy bones: Low density in bones leads to risk of fracture and osteoporosis. Eugenol in cloves is good to overcome osteoporosis and also increases the density of bones. On the other hand, manganese is also good for bone density, its formation, and overall health.
  6. Anti-bacterial: Cloves are having anti-microbial properties. In a recent study, it has been confirmed that it can kill E.coli thus save the stomach from becoming upset.
  7. Relieve stomach ulcer pain: The biochemical substances present in cloves are helpful in mitigating the problems of stomach and peptic painful ulcers. Cloves help to release mucous, which prevents the stomach lining from digestive acids.
  8. Oral health care: Cloves are extremely beneficial if somebody has toothache pain. Using cloves rinse is effective to fight against plaque, gingivitis, and other dental care and health and also useful to minimize inflammation.
  9. Reduces obesity and overweight risks: In a study with mice, it has been confirmed that clove extract helps to reduce the incidence of obesity, less abdominal and liver fat.
  10. Cancer prevention: The use of it is also beneficial in the prevention of cancer. However, it should be taken after the consultation of a physician.

10 potential uses of cloves

Cloves oils, dried flower buds, leaves, and stems are used for various purposes including medicine. Some of the important uses of it are:

  1. It is used in soups, stews, meats, sauces, and rice dishes, and other various cookings.
  2. It is an important ingredient in condiments like ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. There are the cloves, which are used for aroma purposes in the case of various perfumes.
  4. It is used in the case to cause a numbing sensation.
  5. It is used to give flavor to oatmeal, muffins, and cookies.
  6. It is used to make chai, which is a combination of tea, spices, and cloves.
  7. It is used to make sweet dishes like ‘pumpkin pie’ along with cinnamon and nutmeg.
  8. Drinks like mulled wine and cider are also prepared from it.
  9. It is an important ingredient in making gingerbread cookies and Briyani.
  10. Its essential oil is used in aromatherapy for stress relief and also as a stimulating substance.

10 side effects and warnings of cloves

  1. Cloves shouldn’t be taken in high amounts as the chemical Eugenol may cause serious liver damage.
  2. Cloves may cause skin, eye, and respiratory problems.
  3. Skin allergy can also be observed.
  4. It should be taken very cautiously because entering it into the airway may cause serious problems.
  5. The presence of eugenol facilitates slow blood clotting. Therefore, it shouldn’t be taken by people who have bleeding disorders.
  6. The application of clove oil on gums may damage gums and mucous membranes.
  7. Inhaling smoke from cloves can cause breathing and lung problems.
  8. Cloves, generally shouldn’t be given to children as it may cause seizures, liver damage, and fluid imbalances.
  9. It is better to be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
  10. Avoid using clove oil at least two weeks before surgery.
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