Discover the Surprising Health Boost of Cloves!
Cloves are a powerhouse spice that can improve your health and breath.
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While you are making your hot cider and sticking cloves into oranges to make Christmas ornaments this year, pop a few in a few cloves in your mouth and suck on them for well-being! Cloves boosts your immune system, cures bad breath, and more!
The use of cloves dates back thousands of years and they have played significant roles in various cultures throughout history: from the Egyptians using cloves in embalming rituals, to the ancient Chinese cultures using cloves for medicinal purposes such as to treat digestive disorders, and in the Middle Ages cloves were often used as currency and were a common trade item.
Cloves come from the flower buds of the clove tree, scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum. The tree is native to Indonesia, specifically the Maluku Islands, also known as the Spice Islands. It can also be found in other countries such as Sri Lanka, India, Tanzania, and Madagascar.
Above a clove tree.
What is the best way to consume cloves?
There is no specific time frame mentioned for sucking on cloves to obtain health benefits. However, it is believed that the active compounds in cloves are released gradually over time. It is generally recommended to suck on a clove for at least 10-15 minutes to experience its therapeutic effects.
Here are the top 6 benefits of cloves:
1. Anti-inflammatory properties: Cloves contain compounds such as eugenol, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. This makes them effective in reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms of conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
2. Antioxidant activity: Cloves are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against damage from free radicals. By neutralizing these harmful compounds, cloves can lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
3. Pain relief: Eugenol, found in cloves, has analgesic properties and can help alleviate pain. Clove oil is often used topically to relieve toothache, headaches, and muscle pain.
4. Digestive aid: Cloves can improve digestion by stimulating the production of enzymes and gastric juices. They can help reduce bloating, gas, and indigestion. Cloves are also effective in relieving nausea and vomiting.
5. Oral health benefits: A study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology found that swapping sucking on a clove instead of using mouthwash reduced the levels of oral bacteria and improved overall oral hygiene where some mouthwash products kill off all the good bacteria in your mouth.
6. Heal the Liver: Using cloves for your liver can have potential benefits as they contain compounds like eugenol and beta-caryophyllene, which have been shown to have hepatoprotective properties, helping to support liver health and protect against liver damage.
Want to geek out and learn more about cloves, watch Dr. Mindy Pelz break down all of the health benefits of cloves:
Until next week, Age and Prosper!