Clove is a seasoning with a very bright aroma and piquant taste. It is widely used in cooking and many useful properties to promote health. Consider the usefulness of cloves in traditional and traditional medicine.
What is this spice?
Cloves are unopened dried buds of cloves. In folk medicine, not only the flowers at the budding stage are used, but also the fruits of the clove. This evergreen tropical tree from the myrtle family is grown mainly in Indonesia, Tanzania, Sri Lanka and Madagascar. Cloves are one of the most commonly used spices in cooking. It owes its popularity, first of all, to its exceptional aroma and piquant taste, thanks to which it is perfect for meat dishes, mushroom dishes, sauerkraut or pickled products. This spice is an indispensable addition to winter drinks - tea with honey and oranges or mulled wine.
To take advantage of the substances contained in the spice, it is advisable to buy it in its entirety. Ground cloves quickly lose their aroma and healing properties. It is best to grind it immediately before use.
The nutritional value
To answer the question of how clove is useful, consider the nutritional value of this seasoning. Dried buds of cloves contain an oily substance that is responsible for the main beneficial properties of the spice. It contains eugenol - compounds that, in addition to good taste, have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic effects, and are also a very strong antioxidant.
Spice is the absolute record holder on the ORAC scale, which determines the strength of the antioxidant food. Seasoning is a very good source of manganese - an element that is necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system, is responsible for fertility and sexual function, has a positive effect on metabolism and increases bone strength. It also contains a lot of magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamins A, C and K, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.
How is clove useful?
Due to the antioxidant properties of eugenol, as well as vitamins A, C and manganese, the constant presence of this spice in the diet prevents the development of tumors and slows down the aging process of the body (including the skin). It reduces the risk of many diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as degenerative diseases of the brain (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's).
Eugenol contained in the seasoning has analgesic properties. This substance has a relaxing and analgesic effect. Because of these beneficial properties, clove spice is used in dentistry - if you hold it in your mouth, it effectively alleviates tooth pain. In case of diseases localized elsewhere, you can apply the essential oil.
Spice strengthens the immune system, and thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral effects it supports the body in the fight against infections. Chewing cloves on a regular basis prevents disease or alleviates symptoms that already exist. It relieves sore throat, helps with coughing, cleanses a stuffy nose.
Useful properties of cloves are used in the fight against candidiasis (fungal infections of the skin, nails and mucous membranes), dermatophytosis and foot mycosis. People suffering from such diseases are advised to drink tea from it or lubricate fungal skin lesions with clove oil with the appropriate concentration.
Even a few dried clove buds in your daily diet contribute to insulin production and lower blood glucose, which reduces the risk of diabetes. The use of spices affects lipid metabolism - it reduces the amount of "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, maintaining the "good" cholesterol at the same level.
Seasoning from it stimulates digestion, improves intestinal motility, and facilitates the removal of gases from the body. Therefore, it is worth adding it to daily dishes. Spice not only enriches the taste, but also prevents digestive disorders and flatulence.
Clove essential oil
Huge popularity among the means used in folk medicine, has clove oil, the properties and application of which have been known since ancient times. This essential oil is one of the best herbal ingredients with a variety of health and care properties. It can be successfully used as a valuable addition to other natural oils.
The following are the main properties and uses of clove oil:
- It relieves headaches. For this purpose, it is mixed with salt and applied to the forehead. The product creates a cooling effect and brings relief. It contains many flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory effects. When applied to the temples or neck, it reduces inflammation and tension associated with headaches. For the same reasons, this remedy is used to relieve pain in other parts of the body, such as joints or muscles. Helps fight pain, inflammation and swelling.
- Promotes the natural treatment of barley. Clove oil in folk medicine is a well-known cure for barley. Barley is an inflammation inside the eye that can be very painful and can impede the proper functioning of the organs of vision. Due to its antibacterial properties, clove oil prevents eye infections.
- Helps fight the respiratory system. It has a cooling and anti-inflammatory effect. Often used to clean the respiratory tract. As an expectorant, it helps in the treatment of many respiratory diseases, including cough, colds, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis and tuberculosis.
- Provides effective stress reduction. Clove essential oil is a natural aphrodisiac, which further reduces stress. Stimulates consciousness, relieves fatigue and mental exhaustion. Consumed in the right quantities, it refreshes the mind and stimulates the brain. This oil makes falling asleep easier. It is also a useful treatment for neurological disorders such as memory loss, depression, and anxiety.
- Allows you to reduce the feeling of nausea. The oil helps fight nausea and vomiting. It is often used for toxicosis and poor health in pregnant women.
- Affects a reduction in ear pain. A mixture of warm clove oil and sesame oil is a good cure for earaches.
- Clove oil helps cleanse the blood. Studies have shown that aromatic components can reduce the concentration of toxins in the blood and stimulate the action of antioxidants inside the body, stimulating the immune system and the cleansing functions of blood cells.
- Helps in the treatment of diabetes. Along with cleansing the blood, clove oil also helps control blood sugar levels, making it an effective treatment for diabetics. Studies have shown that mechanisms associated with the effects of insulin and glucose after meals can be better regulated through the action of this essential oil. This is due to the abnormally high, in comparison with other medicinal plants, phenol concentration in clove essential oil.
Carnation in aromatherapy and perfumery
Essential clove oil goes well with many essential oils, including oil from rosemary, rose, cinnamon, grapefruit, lemon, mint, orange, lavender. Due to this, it is a popular ingredient in aromatherapy, as well as in various mixtures of herbs. Clove oil is used in the perfume industry because of its unique, rich aroma. Its scent can be recognized in the most famous perfumes and eau de toilette of the best brands in the world. This oil is also often used in the manufacture of soap, often being its active ingredient.
Oral Hygiene Care
As mentioned above, clove oil finds its main application in oral hygiene. Its bactericidal properties make it an effective tool in soothing tooth pain, and in irritating gums and oral ulcers. The characteristic smell of clove oil also helps fight bad breath.
In India, caries is traditionally treated with caries at the initial stage. To do this, a small cotton swab is impregnated with clove oil and placed on the surface of a diseased tooth every day before bedtime. Ailments disappear after a few days. In this regard, clove essential oil is added to numerous products, medicines and dental preparations, including mouthwashes and toothpastes.
Dentists mix it with zinc oxide to produce a white filler - a temporary alternative for root canal treatment. However, one should be careful because this essential oil, used in the wrong dosage, can cause burns in the oral cavity.
Cloves and skin care
Natural essential clove oil is recommended for skin care, especially for people with acne. The best effect is achieved when applied in the form of a liquid distributed with a dry, clean cloth. This oil is also widely found in cosmetics for the skin of the eye, because it has anti-aging and stimulating properties. It stimulates blood circulation, makes the skin healthier and younger. It is a frequent component of creams and lotions, as well as many other natural skin care products. Widely used as massage oil, bringing relief from pain and stress.
Carnation from parasites
Spice effectively eliminates parasites, as the essential oils contained in it inhibit the reproduction of these organisms. Moreover, this product makes sure that these organisms do not emit toxins into the human circulatory system, helping him, therefore, to avoid further complications. Carnation from parasites reduces irritation of the gastric mucosa, swelling and repeated abdominal pain.
Clove and flax seeds - preparation method
Homemade products based on cloves and flax seeds can be used as an adjunct in the treatment of parasitic infections. Nevertheless, their regular use as a preventive measure is recommended. The following is one way to get rid of parasites in the human body using cloves.
Ingredients:
- one and a half teaspoons of cloves (20 g);
- 3/4 cup flaxseed (about 100 g).
Cooking method:
- cloves should be ground into powder;
- chop flaxseeds and mix both components together.
Method of use:
- Dissolve two tablespoons of the mixture in a glass of warm water. Drink on an empty stomach.
- Repeat taking the drug for 3 days in a row, then take a break for three days and continue treatment.
- If desired, you can also add remedy to fruit juices or cocktails for breakfast.
This method of how to get rid of parasites in the human body is best suited to combat various types of helminths.
Clove-based tincture
It is necessary to take:
- 1 part chopped cloves;
- 5 parts of 60% alcohol.
To prepare the tincture, chop the cloves, pour alcohol in a dark bottle. Allow to stand for about 6-8 weeks. Take 3 times a day, 30 drops in honey or in milk with honey. Cinnamon tincture helps with bronchitis, cough, colds, sinuses. Drops should be taken with gum disease, with halitosis and flatulence. Helps kill oral infections, and also relieves toothache.
Mulled wine recipe with cloves and orange
Prepare 500 ml of red wine, 4 sticks of cinnamon, 2 sticks of vanilla, 6-8 anise stars, 6 cloves, 2 thick slices of unpeeled orange (you can fill a couple of cloves in their peel), cane sugar to taste.
Heat red wine in a saucepan with sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, anise and cloves. While stirring, heat until sugar is completely dissolved. Cut the slices of the orange in half, pass into mugs or glasses and fill with wine. The finished drink can be sprinkled with a pinch of vanilla sugar and cinnamon. Carnation recipes are an integral part of the Christmas holidays. With this spice, holiday cakes and cookies are prepared.
The scent of cloves provides insect protection in the home
Clove oil is widely used as a component of candles to repel insects. Its pairs strongly affect the sense of smell of many insects. Putting a few drops of clove essential oil on a bed sheet at night will protect you from insects. Especially effective clove from midges in the house. To get rid of these insects, after washing the cabinets, you can:
- Wipe them with balsamic vinegar or a solution of water with vinegar 1: 1, with the addition of clove essential oil.
- Place a cup of hot vinegar on a shelf, close the cupboard and wait for the vinegar to cool.
- As a remedy for midges, with cloves, you can stuff an orange and leave it in a place where insects live.
Contraindications and Dangers
When using cloves, caution should always be taken, since it acts very strongly, even in small quantities. Oil from it should be diluted before application or administration. Some people develop a severe allergic reaction when taking too large doses.
It is worth adding that clove oil can cause a drop in blood sugar, so diabetics should use it very carefully. Pregnant and lactating women should be careful in using clove oil, because it is not known whether its intensely acting components will enter the body of a newborn, for example, along with mother's milk. Therefore, in the case of every change in diet or the introduction of a new supplement, it is better to consult a doctor first.
Now you know how cloves are useful and how to use them to promote health.