The 15 Health Benefits of Cloves

Clove of India is believed to originate from the Moluccas Islands, called by European explorers the Spice Islands, in Indonesia. The island of Zanzibar, which is part of Tanzania, is the world’s largest producer of cloves. Madagascar and Indonesia are also producers. In Brazil, Bahia is the main commercial producer.

The clove tree is an evergreen that grows between 8 and 12 meters in height. Its dotted leaves are small, simple and opposite. Trees are usually propagated from seeds that are planted in shaded areas. Flowering begins in the fifth year. A tree can produce up to 34 kilograms of dry shoots annually. The buds are handpicked in late summer and winter and then dried in the sun.

Blackheads range in length from about 13 to 19 millimeters. They contain an essential oil, the main components of which are eugenol and aromatic oil. Eugenol is extracted by distillation to obtain clove oil. This oil is used to prepare a local anesthetic for toothaches. Eugenol is used in germicides, perfumes and as a sweetener.

In ancient times, in China, cloves were used to perfume the breath. During the Middle Ages, cloves were used in Europe to preserve, season and decorate food. This and other spices had great value at a time when there was no refrigerator and it was necessary to disguise the taste of what was already deteriorating. Also, in the absence of a currency with exchange value between different peoples, some of the spices, such as cloves, had gold value in commercial operations.

In the 16th century, clove cultivation was almost entirely confined to Indonesia, and in the early 17th century the Dutch eradicated cloves on all islands except the islands of Amboina and Ternate in the Moluccan archipelago in order to create scarcity and keep prices high. In the second half of the 18th century, the French smuggled cloves from the East Indies to the islands of the Indian Ocean and the New World, breaking the Dutch monopoly. So, check out now  The 15 Health Benefits of Cloves for Health:

Benefits of Cloves for Treating Asthma: The Vitamin C  present in  Cloves  helps to reduce the symptoms of asthma . as it helps protect against the harmful effects of contamination on the human body, which often results in asthma -like symptoms .

Benefits of Cloves for Blood Pressure: Potassium present in  Cloves works as  an essential component that maintains normal blood pressure in the human body. This further reduces the risk of heart disease and hypertension. Regulation of blood pressure is one of the most important functions of this powerful mineral. Cloves  have vasodilating  properties that work to relieve blood vessel tension, which is one of the main causes of high blood pressure.

Benefits of Clove for Throat: The essential oils present in Clove  help in preventing fever and sore throat . They have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties that help keep germs away from the body. It also, helps in preventing phlegm from the respiratory system.

Clove intake  promotes sweating thus helps in reducing fever. In addition, cloves  are often chewed slowly to provide relief from a sore throat and prevent coughing.

Benefits of Clove to Improve Digestion: Bitter taste of Clove  helps to activate digestive enzymes that aid in digestion of food. Flatulence can be prevented by its consumption. Eugenic acid and crategolic acid are the oils present in cloves that  aid digestion.

Cloves improve digestion power by increasing gastrointestinal enzyme secretions. Thus, it helps to relieve indigestion and constipation problems. It also helps in cases of nausea and stomach upset.

Cloves are Rich in Vitamins: Cloves are an important source of vitamin A and beta-carotene. They act as anti-oxidants and prevent harmful free radical damage. Vitamin A is helpful for vision and helps protect the retina. It even supports the mucous membrane in the body. They help improve the body’s immunity and aid in the development of lymphocytes. These cells help in fighting harmful microorganisms and viral infections.

Benefits of Clove of India for Blood Circulation:  The oil extracted from Clove of India acts on blood circulation, improving its flow and, consequently, helping the whole body. The extract also helps to nourish the skin and improve the immune system by purifying the blood .

Benefits of Clove for Metabolism:  Among the benefits of Clove of India are the acceleration of metabolism , promoting increased production of saliva and liquids responsible for digestion, helping to burn fat quickly.

Benefits of Clove for Cough Relief :  Due to the expectorant properties of Clove , this is great for relieving cough. In this case, it is recommended to add the spice to the tea and consume it until the cough is relieved.

Clove Benefits for Muscle:  Clovesreduce muscle spasms and help relieve muscles in case of cramps .

Benefits of Clove for Skin:  Clove acts as an excellent antioxidant, which fights free radicals and helps prevent skin damage. It has great ability to release hydrogen and considerably reduce lipid peroxidation, which is the breakdown of polyunsaturated fats. Eugenol, a natural antiseptic present in cloves, helps to eliminate acne marks, also providing skin balance and preventing the appearance of wrinkles.

Benefits of Clove for Mouth:  Clove teais used to treat bacteria found in the mouth and stomach. Its antiseptic function also acts to eliminate bad breath. These benefits of cloves make it still used as an ingredient in toothpastes. The Indian clove also has proven action against toothache and gum pain and against cavities.

Benefits of Clove of India to Control Cholesterol:  Clove of India also helps in the control of bad cholesterol, being also good antiviral and antifungal.

Benefits of Clove to Treat Inflammation:  The eugenol present in Clove properties acts as an anti-inflammatory substance . Animal studies have shown that using cloves in some diets significantly reduced symptoms of inflammation. The spice also contains a variety of flavonoids, which also contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefits of Clove for  Thyroid Functioning:  Another ally to help those who suffer from   hypothyroidism . For those who do not have thyroid dysfunction, clove is also preventive against the emergence of this dysfunction, whether for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Benefits of Cloves for Treating Diabetes: Ingesting  one or two cloves daily can be beneficial for treatingtype 2 diabetes . Cloves  are beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels

NOTE:  The consumption of  Clove of India is contraindicated for pregnant or lactating women, in addition to children under six years and patients with gastrointestinal problems and neurological diseases. Its exaggerated use and its application in irritated mucous areas should also be avoided. Excessive application of the oil can cause skin irritation.