15 Health Benefits Of Cloves And Side Effects

Cloves are small, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to health benefits. These tiny flower buds, native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia, have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking. But beyond their culinary uses, cloves offer a range of health benefits that are nothing short of amazing.

Cloves are powerful antioxidants with many amazing health benefits. The term “clove” is derived from the French word “clou” and the English name from the Latin “clavus” — both meaning “nail.” Clove is one of the ancient and valuable spices, dating back to the first century B.C.

The ancient Chinese dynasty gave the world the first clue of its use as a fragrance when they ordered visitors of the Emperor to put cloves in their mouths to save the ruler from bad breath. Clove is farmed in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Southern China, Indonesia and Tanzania. In Tanzania, specifically Zanzibar, there is a place called “Island of Cloves“.

The Clove bud contains carbohydrates, fixed oil, steam-volatile oil, resins, tannins, proteins, cellulose, pentosans, and mineral elements. It also contains nutrients like proteins, minerals and vitamins. It is used as a spice in many dishes. Some Indians use cloves to cook biriyani and other rice dishes. Others add it to soup, barbecue sauces, and more.

In this post, I’ll take you through the 15 incredible health benefits of cloves, along with the potential side effects you should be aware of.

15 Amazing Health Benefits Of Cloves

1. Improves Dental Health and Whitens Teeth

Clove contains 80-85% of Eugenol; Eugenol is a strong anaesthetic that works similarly to an antiseptic in fighting bacteria-causing infections. Cloves are known for their anti-microbial properties and it is used in various toothpaste, dental creams, mouthwashes and tooth sprays to cleanse bacteria. They are used for oral cooling and to treat oral diseases and toothaches.

Additionally, dentists mix clove oil with zinc oxide to create temporary filling of cavities. Brushing your teeth with clove oil also removes stains and microbial agents that adhere to the teeth.

2. Alleviates Tooth Ache

Cloves have been traditionally used to combat oral health issues like toothaches and bad breath. The antimicrobial properties of eugenol make cloves effective in killing bacteria in the mouth. Eugenol inhibits the activity of certain enzymes that play a role in pain perception, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipooxygenase (LOX).

Clove oil, in particular, is often used as a remedy for toothache due to its numbing properties. One study found that clove oil can help relieve tooth pain caused by dry sockets. To relieve any pain, you can apply clove oil along the nerve where the pain is.

3. Used As An Aphrodisiac

Cloves have been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac to enhance sexual health. They are believed to improve libido, increase testosterone levels, and improve sexual performance. Including cloves in your diet or using clove oil as part of your routine can help boost sexual wellness.

A 2004 study found that 50% ethanolic extract of clove produced a significant and sustained increase in sexual activity of normal male rats, without causing any side effects.

Please note that this study was carried out on rats, not on humans.

4. Lowers Inflammation

The eugenol in cloves is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Clove contains high levels of flavonoids including kaempferol, rhamnetin and beta-caryophyllene which reduce the body’s inflammatory response and can lower the risk of arthritis and rheumatism.

It can help reduce inflammation in the body, making it beneficial for people with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Clove oil can be applied topically to reduce swelling and pain associated with inflammation. Aromatherapists use pure clove oil to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Adding cloves to tea may help combat inflammation.

5. Soothe Digestive Discomfort

Cloves stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, reducing the risk of digestive disorders like gas, bloating, and indigestion. They are also used as a carminative to remove excess gas from the intestine by increasing hydrochloric acid and improving peristalsis.

They also help in alleviating nausea and are known to promote regular bowel movements by increasing the production of digestive fluids.

If you have stomach pain or gas, you can make clove tea. Here is how:

1. Boil a cup of water and a tsp of clove powder to it
2. Let the water and clove steep for a few minutes before drinking it

6. Heals Acne

Due to the anti-inflammatory properties of cloves, the application of clove oil helps to relieve skin inflammation. Cloves also possess anti-bacterial properties to aid in treating acne caused by bacteria. Just remember to always do a patch test before adding any new ingredients to your skin.

To incorporate cloves into your skincare routine, follow these steps:

1. Make a paste using clove powder and honey
2. Mix the ingredients until you achieve a smooth paste
3. Apply the paste of clove powder in honey to treat acne.
4. Let the paste dry for some time and then rinse it off with lukewarm water

7. As Anti-Aging Properties

Clove extract has demonstrated anti-aging properties due to its antioxidant and its ability to prevent UV-induced skin damage. It is used in many anti-wrinkle creams and other cosmetics. In one study, topical application of clove oil showed significant mitigation of skin aging induced by UVB radiation, reducing wrinkle formation.

8. Heals Wound

Clove extract possesses wound-healing properties due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It helps to reduce swelling and pain associated with wounds. Inflammation is an essential part of the wound healing process; however, excessive inflammation can delay healing and cause tissue damage. Eugenol, the main bioactive compound in clove extract has been shown to accelerate wound healing by promoting angiogenesis, increasing collagen and reducing inflammation associated with wounds.

Apply clove oil directly and immediately to burns or minor open wounds to alleviate pain, reduce the possibility of infection and reduce healing time.

9. Is A Potent Antioxidant

Cloves are loaded with antioxidants, which help protect your cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage. The primary antioxidant in cloves is eugenol, which has been shown to be more effective than vitamin E in fighting free radicals. Including cloves in your diet can boost your body’s ability to ward off chronic diseases linked to oxidative stress, such as heart disease and cancer.

Clove extract when combined with vitamins C, E and carotenoids, has synergistic antioxidant activity. In a study, the combination of clove extract with vitamin C produced a more significant antioxidant activity compared to either compound alone.

10. Used As A Food Preservative

Cloves are able to increase the shelf-life of food by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and preventing food deterioration, which frequently occurs during food processing and storage. Cloves are also able to exhibit bactericidal activity, making them a suitable candidate for food preservation.

Add clove spice to your bag of rice or other food to repel weevils and preserve your stored food.

11. Boost Immune System

Traditional medicine attributes cloves to boosting the immune system and improving disease resistance. In experimental studies, clove oil improved total white blood cell count and enhanced delayed-type hypersensitivity response.

The antiseptic, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties of cloves make them a powerful ally in boosting your immune system. Regular consumption of cloves can help your body fight off infections and reduce the severity of common illnesses like the flu and colds.

12. Remedy For Respiratory Ailments

Hot clove tea is used in aromatherapy for respiratory disorders like cough, cold, asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis. In Asia, it is customary to chew cloves to treat sore throat and inflammation of the Pharynx. Clove oil when mixed with honey, helps to ease chronic cough.

Also inhaling clove oil helps soothe respiratory infections and clears nasal tracts. You can also make clove tea and inhale the aroma.

13. Used To Deodorize & As Mosquito Repellant

Clove has a deep, powerful fragrance that is warm, pungent, strongly sweet, and slightly astringent. It can be used to deodorize a smelly drawer or a closet. Just put cloves in a small open container and let it sit there. Alternatively, you can tie a handful of cloves in a handkerchief and put it in the closet. The fragrance is pleasant and nice.

You can also use cloves as an air freshener. Use a spray bottle and mix clove oil in water. Shake well before spraying. The same spray bottle can be used to repel mosquitoes.

14. May Help Regulate Blood Sugar

Cloves can be beneficial for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition. Research suggests that the compounds in cloves can help regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production and improving the function of insulin in the body.

A 2019 study, found that people with and without prediabetes who took 250mg of clove extract once daily for 30 days showed significantly lower blood glucose after meals. However, the study still requires more research on a large scale.

15. Effective For Athlete’s Foot

Clove has significant antifungal activity against a wide range of fungi. Eugenol in cloves disrupts cell membranes and inhibits the growth and reproduction of fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and nail fungus.

Potential Side Effect Of Cloves

While cloves offer numerous health benefits, they can also cause side effects, especially when consumed in large quantities.

• Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to cloves, experiencing symptoms such as skin rashes, itching, and difficulty breathing.
• Blood Thinning: Cloves have blood-thinning properties, which can be dangerous for people taking anticoagulant medications. Excessive consumption can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Liver Damage: Although cloves support liver health, consuming too much eugenol can lead to liver toxicity and damage.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Ingesting large amounts of clove oil can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Hypoglycemia: For people with diabetes, consuming too much clove can lower blood sugar levels too much, leading to hypoglycemia.

Clove or clove oil should be avoided during pregnancy.

Key Takeaways

• Powerful antioxidants – Cloves are rich in antioxidants, particularly eugenol, which helps prevent oxidative damage and supports overall health.
• Oral Health Benefits – love oil’s antimicrobial and analgesic properties make it effective in dental care, alleviating toothaches, and maintaining oral hygiene.
• Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief – Cloves’ anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation and pain, making them useful in treating arthritis, sore throats, and skin inflammations.
• Digestive Aid – Traditionally, cloves have been used to treat digestive issues like vomiting, nausea, and flatulence. Clove tea can help relieve stomach pain and gas.
• Skin Care – Clove oil has anti-aging, antibacterial, and wound-healing properties, making it beneficial for treating acne, reducing wrinkles, and speeding up wound healing.
• Immune System Support – Cloves can boost the immune system, improving resistance to diseases and infections.
• Respiratory Health – Clove tea and clove oil are used in aromatherapy to treat respiratory disorders like coughs, colds, and bronchitis, and to soothe sore throats.
• Food Preservation – Cloves can extend the shelf life of food by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and exhibiting bactericidal activity, making them useful in food preservation.
• Blood Sugar Regulation – Compounds in cloves help regulate blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for people with and without prediabetes.
• Antifungal Properties – Eugenol in cloves disrupts fungal cell membranes, making cloves effective against fungal infections like athlete’s foot and nail fungus.
• Precautions – Cloves and clove oil should be used with caution, especially during pregnancy and in children. High doses can cause liver damage, allergic reactions, and other health issues. Always consult a physician if you experience any adverse reactions.

Conclusion

Cloves are a powerhouse of health benefits, from improving digestion to boosting your immune system. However, it’s important to consume them in moderation to avoid potential side effects. Whether you’re looking to enhance your health or add a flavorful twist to your meals, cloves can be a great addition to your routine. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Thank you for reading! If you found this post helpful, please share it with your friends and family. Let me know in the comments how you incorporate cloves into your daily routine!