Clove: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage

Botanical name

Syzygium aromaticum

Cloves are flower buds of the tree. It is used as a whole and in powdered forms. Clove is a versatile spice used in many food formulations such as hot beverages, cookies, and cakes. Cloves are a rich source of a rare mineral that is manganese, and it adds low calories to the formulations. Clove has importance in Ayurveda due to its medicinal health benefits. Cloves contain a powerful antioxidant that is Eugenol has enormous health benefits. As per Ayurveda, Cloves are called Laung in Sanskrit, which is beneficial for increasing digestive fire.

Due to its heating properties or the spicy hot nature of cloves, it is used during winter rather than summertime. Due to cloves’ Astringent and Pungent nature are suitable for pacifying the Kapha and Vata dosha. Cloves contain bioactive, which has diaphoretic properties, and they are good at sweating out the toxins produced by the body.  

Sources of Cloves

Cloves are primarily cultivated in foreign nations such as Zanzibar, Indonesia, Pemba, and Clove’s significant producers. In India, Clove is produced in the hilly regions of states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Other Names for Cloves

There are different names of Cloves depending on regional languages in India.

• In Hindi, Clove is known as Laung.
• In Bengali, Clove is known as Lawang.
• In Gujarati, Clove is known as Lavang.
• In Kannada, Clove is known as Lavanga.
• In Malayalam, Clove is known as Grambu.
• In Marathi, Clove is known as Luvang.
• In Punjabi, Clove is known as Laung.
• In Sanskrit, Clove is known as Lavanga.
• In Tamil, Clove is known as Kirambu.
• In Telugu, Clove is known as Lavangalu.

Chemical constituents of Clove

Clove is an excellent source of many pharmacologically active components such as phenolics, flavonoids, and Eugenol, the central bioactive molecule. The flavonoids in cloves are mainly composed of quercetin and kaempferol, whereas phenolic acids are composed of ferulic, caffeic, ellagic, and salicylic acids. 

Nutritional composition of Cloves

Cloves are composed of nutritional components such as fibre, minerals, and vitamins. A rare mineral like manganese is present in cloves which helps to manage the enzymes in the body that helps to repair bones as well as production of hormones. The one teaspoon of cloves contains carbs of 1 g, the fibre of 1 g, manganese (55% of the daily value) and vitamin K (2% of the daily value).

Cloves and reduction in inflammation

Cloves contain several compounds which are known to possess an anti-inflammatory property. Eugenol is a major bioactive component among all other presents in Clove. Research showed that Eugenol includes the anti-inflammatory response in the body to reduce the risk of disease like arthritis. 

Clove and its effect on free radical reduction

Eugenol in Clove is known as a potent antioxidant. The antioxidant is majorly functioning to reduce and fight the free radicals produced in the body during stress. The free radicals are responsible for damaging the cells in the body. The damage is further accountable to the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Clove and Ulcer

Cloves are very beneficial in protecting the stomach from ulcers. The primary cause of ulcer is thinning of the mucus layer in the stomach lining. Research studies showed that cloves help in thickening mucus, which further lowers the risk of developing ulcers.

Clove and enhanced liver functioning

Cloves are very effective in promoting better liver functioning. Research studies have shown that the Eugenol present in cloves helps reduce the signs of liver cirrhosis. 

Cove and hypoglycemia

The regular intake of Clove in the diet helps control the blood sugar levels. Eugenol of Clove is an essential component that helps to lower blood glucose levels. 

Other Health Benefits of Cloves

• Due to the antiemetic property of clove components, it helps to reduce vomiting and nausea. 
• Eugenol of Clove effectively manages cardiovascular diseases and other problems like chest, sinus congestion, etc.
• The inclusion of Clove in a regular diet is very beneficial for abdominal parasite problems.
• Eugenol has shown its effectiveness in controlling toothache, and therefore it has been included in toothpaste.
• Eugenol of Clove is also helpful for fighting against bad breath.
• Cloves contain a good number of antioxidants which is helpful to reduce oxidative stress.
• Clove extract contains antimicrobial components, which helps to stop the growth of bacteria. It could be the reason it is included in herbal mouth wash to maintain oral hygiene. 
• Cloves help to increase the secretion of insulin by improving the functioning of cells that produce insulin.
• Eugenol is used as a natural preservative for extending the shelf life of food due to its potent antimicrobial properties.
• Cloves are used as a stimulating and warming agent in Indian and Chinese traditional medicines.

Recommended Dosage of Cloves

The ayurvedic dosage of Cloves varies according to its variants of different forms of Clove products.

Product	Preparation	Dosage/ Day
Oil	Take five drops of Clove oil and mix it with one teaspoon of water. Apply it on pimples before going to sleep.	NA
Powder	Take half a teaspoon of Clove powder and mix it with honey. Apply it on the skin for about 10 min to control pimples.	NA

Side effects and Precautions While Using Cloves

• The application of undiluted clove oil on direct skin is avoided as it can burn and damage the skin.
• It recommended conducting a small allergic test of Clove oil and powder on a small area of skin.
• Eugenol is hypersensitive to some specific group of people; therefore, it is essential to take some advice from a doctor.

FAQs

Is Clove suitable for cough treatment?

Yes, Cloves is very helpful in managing cough because of its anti-inflammatory property. Cloves are known to have an expectorant property that helps in expelling mucus secretions. It will further help in reducing inflammations and cough.

Can Clove help in boosting immunity?

Yes, Clove is beneficial in boosting immunity. Eugenol, a major bioactive component in Clove, has a substantial immunomodulatory property that helps modify the immune system’s function. Therefore, it helps in suppressing the effect of drugs for strengthening the immune system.

Is Clove suitable for acne treatment?

Yes, Clove is very effective in the treatment of acne and pimple. Clove contains antibacterial compounds that effectively kill bacteria Staphylococcus aureus cells, which are majorly responsible for causing acne problems.

Summary

Cloves are used for the preparation of delicious food and are used preparation of medicinal formulations, which provide many health benefits. Due to Clove’s hot and warm properties, the right time to consume Clove is the winter season, which will keep the body warm. Eugenol is a potent antioxidant present in Clove. Clove has an antibacterial property that helps replace synthetic food preservatives.

Read more about: Uses Of Tulsi (Holy Basil): Benefits and Supplements

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