Health Benefits of the Spice With a Bite - Clove and Clove Oil

Cloves - The Spicy Spice

Latin Name : Syzygium aromaticum.

Cloves are called laung or lavang in India.

Clove is a spice that is obtained from the Syzygium aromaticum tree which is native to the Malaku islands or Spice islands as they are also known, of Indonesia. It is also grown in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Zanzibar.

Cloves are nail shaped and derive their English name from the Latin word 'clavus' meaning a nail.

The clove tree is evergreen and grows to a height of about 25 to 40 feet. Cloves, in fact, are the dried, unopened flower buds which are harvested when they are bright reddish in colour. The flowers grow in terminal clusters.

Cloves were a highly traded spice in the Middle Ages and later in the 15th century when 1 kg of cloves cost 7 grams of gold. Later on, in the 17th and 18th centuries, cloves were worth as much as their weight in gold since importing them involved huge costs.

Ground cloves stay good for about 6 months when kept in an airtight container in a cool and dark place. Whole cloves stay well for about 1 year. If kept in the fridge, their shelf life can be extended.

Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) Tree

Nutrients in Cloves

Cloves contain

• Very good amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, copper and sodium.
• good amounts of phosphorus, potassium, Vitamins C and K, choline, calcium and magnesium.
• small amounts of iron, zinc, copper, selenium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, folate and Vitamin A and E.

Nutritional Values In Cloves

Freshness Check For Cloves

A fresh clove will float vertically.

A stale one will either sink or float horizontally.

Health Benefits Of Cloves

• The main use of cloves besides cooking is in dental issues. It relieves toothaches, gum pain and mouth ulcers. It removes bad breath and reduces cavities.
• Because of its antiseptic activity, it is used to treat cuts, wounds, fungal infections like scabies, bruises, prickly heat, athlete's foot etc. Also used on insect bites and stings.
• Treats acne.
• It is an aphrodisiac - thus reduces stress and mental fatigue.
• It induces sleep in those suffering from insomnia. Also treats mental problems like anxiety depression and loss of memory.
• It relieves respiratory distress like bronchitis, asthma, cough, colds and tuberculosis and sore throat.
  Chew a clove to ease a sore throat.
• It treats indigestion, flatulence, hiccups, nausea and vomiting even pregnancy-related. It is much used in the latter case.
• It purifies blood, improves blood circulation and controls blood sugar levels.
• Cloves boost immunity levels and increase resistance to diseases.

Home Remedies Using Cloves

• COUGH

Take equal quantities of cloves and pomegranate skin. Grind both well. Take 1/4 th tsp of this mixture with 1/2 tsp of honey 3 times a day to relieve cough.

• HEADACHE

1. Grind a few cloves with a little milk to make a paste. Add a little salt. Mix well and apply on the area of pain. It relieves pain. One can apply clove oil too.
2. Grind 5 cloves. Add them to a cupful of water. Boil this till 1/2 a cup of water remains. Strain the water, add sugar and cool just enough to be able to drink. Take 2 times a day; once in the evening and then at night.

• TOOTHACHE

1. Grind 5 cloves. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon on the ground cloves. Mix well and massage this on the painful tooth for relief.
2. Boil 5 cloves in 250 ml water. Swish this water around in the mouth 3 times a day.

• DENTAL DISEASES

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In cases of tooth infection, keep a clove at the affected tooth or apply clove oil to that tooth.
If you happen to bite and cut your tongue, keeping a clove in the mouth heals the tongue.

• COUGH & PHLEGM

1. Keeping a clove in the mouth will loosen and remove the phlegm. It controls bad breath too.
2. Roast 2 cloves and suck for relief. This also stops the formation of phlegm.

• VOMITING IN PREGNANCY

Grind 2 cloves; mix 1 tsp honey and lick. It stops vomiting.

• EXCESSIVE THIRST

Drink clove water. It reduces thirst.

• MEASLES

Rub 2 cloves in honey and consume. It cures.

• WHOOPING COUGH

Roast 2 cloves on fire. Mix in honey and lick for relief.

• NAUSEA

Grind 2 cloves. Add 1/2 cup of water. Heat this water and drink. It relieves.

• VOMITING

Grind 4 cloves. Add 1 cup of water. Boil till 1/2 cup water remains. Strain, add sugar and drink. Take 4 such doses. It stops vomiting.

• HIGH FEVER

Grind 4 cloves. Mix in water and drink. It reduces fever.

• TYPHOID

Drink clove water.

Make Clove Water As Follows :
To 2 litres water add 5 cloves. Boil this until 1 litre of water remains. Strain & cool. Drink this water frequently. Drink only boiled and cooled water

• FEVER

Grind 1 clove and take it with hot water 3 times a day.

• ACIDITY

1. If you suffer from acidity regularly, keep 1 clove in the mouth and suck on it slowly, once in the morning and once in the evening or take clove syrup. (Recipe for clove syrup given on the right)
2. Eat 1 clove after meals in the afternoon and night.
3. Take 15 grams amla juice, 5 cloves ground, 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp sugar. Mix all and drink. Take thrice daily for some days.

Any of the above 3 methods can be tried and the best suited adopted.

• INDIGESTION & GAS

Grind 2 cloves. Add 1/2 cup of boiling water. Stir and keep. Drink when cool. Drink 3 times a day.

• EARACHE

Mix clove oil and sesame oil in equal quantities. Put a drop in the painful ear.

Source: Kitchen Remedies By Dr Ganesh Narayan Chauhan

Recipe For Making Clove Simple Syrup

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
• 250 ml of water
• 250 grams of sugar

Method

1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cloves, and water and bring to a boil then simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
2. Remove from the heat and let it cool down completely.
3. Strain through a fine strainer or muslin cloth and pour into an airtight bottle.
4. Keep refrigerated. Stays good for 1 month.

Use this clove syrup to spice up your cocktails.

Medicinal Uses of Cloves

In Ayurveda, clove is believed to have a warming effect on the body and hence is used in a number of Ayurvedic medicines related to respiratory disorders like coughs, colds, asthma etc.
In Chinese medicine and also Western herbalism cloves are much used. They are used to improve the secretion of hydrochloric acid, to aid in the peristaltic motion and to remove intestinal worms.

In Aromatherapy, clove oil is used for its warming and stimulating effects in digestive problems.

Dentists use its essential oil to kill pains due to its numbing action on dental tissues. The oil apart from relieving toothache also kills the infection.

Cloves are used to control hiccoughs and strengthen the kidneys. It is useful in impotence, prevents premature ejaculation and relieves vaginal discharges as well.

Cloves control morning sickness, vomiting and diarrhoea. They have anti-herpetic action, reduce blood sugar and fever.

Unripe Flower Buds Of Cloves

Cloves In Different Stages Of Ripening

Ripe Clove Flower Buds Kept for Drying

Clove Oil

Clove Oil

Clove oil primarily contains Eugenol making up about 70 to 90% of the essential oil component. Eugenol is responsible for the aroma that cloves give and is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anaesthetic in action.

Some of the other components of clove oil are acetyl eugenol, beta-caryophyllene and vanillin; some tannins like methyl salicylate which is a painkiller and gallotannic acid: flavonoids like eugenin, kaempferol, rhamnetin, which are anti-inflammatory antioxidants, and some triterpenoids.

The dried buds contain 15 to 20% of the essential oil, mainly in the form of eugenol.
1 Kg of dried buds yields about 150 ml of eugenol.

Eugenol even in doses as low as 5ml can be toxic.

Clove oil can treat a variety of health problems like;

• Toothache
• Indigestion
• Asthma and cough
• Headache
• Blood disorders and skin infections
• In burns to reduce the sensitivity of the skin

Clove oil is also called Eugenol. Dentists use eugenol and zinc oxide mix as temporary fillings during root canal treatments.

Clove oil is used in toothpaste, laxative medicines and a dental solution Clovacaine which is used as local anaesthesia.

How To Make Clove Oil at Home - SIMPLY & EASILY

World's Healthiest Foods Rating For Cloves

Uses Of Cloves - As Food Ingredient

Cloves are primarily used as a spice in most cuisines of the world. They may be used either whole or ground but are used sparingly as they have an extremely strong flavour.

In India, it is used all over the country but is very much used to spice up the North Indian cuisine. Garam masala, a mixture of various spices, has cloves as one of its ingredients. In South Indian cooking it is used to enhance the flavour of rice.

Cloves are also used to in the preparation of the Indian masala chai.

In American cooking, sweetbreads like zucchini and pumpkin bread contain cloves along with other spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Cloves are used to make cheese in the Netherlands, often along with cumin; also the Dutch speculaas, a type of spiced shortcrust biscuit, traditionally baked for consumption on or just before St Nicholas' Day in the Netherlands and Dutch hachee, a beef and onion stew.

Mulled wine made during Christmas in Europe contains cloves as one of its ingredients.

Cloves are used in the production of the well known 'Worcestershire sauce' as also in making of pickles, sauces and chutneys.

Other Uses of Cloves

Indonesian cigarettes 'Kretek' contain cloves. In China & Japan cloves are used in making of incense, perfumes and soaps. Pomanders used for hangings during Christmas in some European countries, contain cloves along with oranges; the provide a fresh and great scent all over the house.

In a Jewish religious ceremony called Havdala, cloves are used.

Cloves are also used as an ant repellant.

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Disclaimer

This hub is for information purposes only. Please consult your health provider or medical doctor before starting any new therapy or health regime or practice.

Clove Oil & Pimples : Natural Health Remedies

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

© 2012 Rajan Singh Jolly

Comments

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on April 15, 2020:

Thanks for stopping by, Skylar Johnson.

Skylar Johnson on April 15, 2020:

I love clove I always keep it on my side table.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on July 10, 2013:

Thanks Praveen for reading and appreciating.

praveen nambiar....ooty on July 10, 2013:

Interesting health benifites of lavang...thank you.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on November 25, 2012:

VCM, Cloves are hot in nature. Hence consume in moderation.

VCM on November 25, 2012:

Excellent article.

Are there any contra-indications when cloves are eaten in large quantities?For example 8-10 cloves 3x day?

Could you please post a well-researched reply?

It is supposed to be ' Garam' in Ayurvedic terminology.

DHANYAVAAD?

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on October 08, 2012:

Absolutely right, cheetah. Rice with cloves and meat with cloves is an entirely different experience.

Thanks for coming by.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on October 08, 2012:

Absolutely right, cheetah. Rice with cloves and meat with cloves is an entirely different experience.

Thanks for coming by.

cheetah786 on October 07, 2012:

another great hub.. clove are essential ingredient of cooking traditional food in india.. especially in rice..

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on July 12, 2012:

Hi Kate.

I'm glad you like it and thanks for appreciating it so much. Appreciate all the votes. Thanks.

Kate P from The North Woods, USA on July 12, 2012:

This is honestly one of the best hubs I have ever come across. The information is appealing and interesting, the formatting is excellent, and there is a lot to learn. Bravo!

Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on July 06, 2012:

Hi alipuckett. I'm glad you appreciate this spice. Clove tea is just heavenly the taste as well as the aroma.

Thanks for stopping by.

alipuckett on July 06, 2012:

Wow! Great article. I love adding cloves to my tea. I just love the flavor and the smell!

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on July 05, 2012:

@ rex - thanks for stopping by and appreciating.

@ prasetio - I'm glad you found it so informative. Thanks for sparing time to read and vote.

prasetio30 from malang-indonesia on July 05, 2012:

This is new for me. My mother often use cloves to make cookies. I learn many things here. Thanks for share with us. Voted up :-)

Prasetio

rex michaels on July 05, 2012:

One of the most detailed article on cloves that I have ever read. Excellent job! Many more uses for cloves than I ever imagined

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on July 05, 2012:

Peggy It is heartening to learn you found the hub this interesting. It sure gives me immense pleasure to get such appreciative comments from a writer of your caliber. Thank you.

Thank you also for reading and giving it so many votes and all the sharing. I'm glad you are using this very healthy spice.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on July 05, 2012:

We have always had cloves in our home, both the powdered and the whole varieties. I like the flavor but had no idea that they were so healthful. I truly enjoyed seeing the trees on which they grow...learning how to tell fresh whole cloves from stale...and learning about other ideas on how to use this super spice which was worth more than gold at one time. Amazing! Voted up, useful, interesting and sharing this + tweeting. You really put a lot of time and effort into this hub and it shows.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on June 30, 2012:

It gives a great high to know that you appreciate my health hubs. Thank you so much Qudsia.

QudsiaP1 on June 30, 2012:

Rajan you are so wise when it comes to all these herbs, fruits and various other items. I love reading your hubs just to lern the nutritious value of the various things I eat. Thank you for sharing this.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on June 30, 2012:

moonlake thanks for reading and i hope you will be using it more now on. Thanks for the vote and share.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on June 30, 2012:

I am happy to note that you have found the info to your benefit. Armed with this, you now must be glad you have been using this healthy spice. Many thanks for appreciating and commenting nmdonders.

Nira Perkins on June 30, 2012:

I had no idea they were used for so much. I love both the smell and taste of cloves. Glad to see they are so beneficial. This is great information.

moonlake from America on June 30, 2012:

I did not know all of this about cloves. I only use it on my ham and in cookies, cakes and desserts. Very good hub so much information. Voted Up and shared.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on June 29, 2012:

Global-Chica, I do hope you can incorporate this wonderfully healthy spice into your daily diet routine. Glad to have a new reader and appreciate your reading and commenting.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on June 29, 2012:

Hi Brett. Cloves apart from making the food more flavorful benefit health on so many different levels making inclusion in diet very healthy. I'm glad you appreciate this.

Thanks for reading, sharing and the votes

Anna from New York, NY on June 28, 2012:

I've never used cloves before but will definitely be on the lookout for them now that your wonderful article made it so clear how beneficial they are and have so many uses. Thanks!

Brett C from Asia on June 28, 2012:

Another useful hub! Cloves have sooooo many benefits, I am actually quite surprised. Seems they are worth including in your diet, as from what you have said here, they would certainly make you feel good.

Shared, up and useful.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on June 27, 2012:

Mike, your comments are always so inspiring. I try to do as best as I can and I'm glad you appreciate the write ups.

Thanks for your support and I appreciate your sparing time to read and comment.

Mike Pugh from New York City on June 27, 2012:

Great hub Rajan, your knowledge is remarkable. I notice your writings are always quite accurate, and very consistent all throughout all of the health concious hubs you write about foods and their Indian Ayurveda origins of definitions for everyday natural remedies usage and medicinal qualities.

This hub writing form is very useful for people looking for this sort of assistance or for research purposes, and I love how you detail such info for a much more highly intelligible, yet relevant experience for the reader.

Awesome hub! voted up and out, and I learned a great deal about cloves here for sure.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on June 27, 2012:

Thanks for stopping by kingmaxler. I'm glad you found it informative and enjoyable as well.

kingmaxler from Olympia, Washington USA on June 27, 2012:

Very interesting and full of information. Thank you. I am going to test this out. I am enjoying the comments also.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on June 27, 2012:

Lisa this is a helpful feedback. I'm glad for it. Thanks for reading and commenting. appreciate the vote up.

Nina Chroni from Florida on June 27, 2012:

This is a great and informative article. I have actually used clove oil for a toothache before and it worked way better than anything else! I voted up.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on June 27, 2012:

Thanks for reading Girish.

Girish puri from NCR , INDIA on June 27, 2012:

great article on clove, in fact thanks few more properties are an addition to my knowledge, voted up.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on June 27, 2012:

Hi Jen. Glad you found the write up useful and interesting. Thanks for all the votes etc.

Jennifer Stone from the Riverbank, England on June 27, 2012:

Interesting hub with lots of useful information! Thanks! Voted up and stuff, Jen

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on June 26, 2012:

Vinaya, thanks for reading and letting us know that you have been using it for its multiple health benefits as well. I am thankful for your time and comments.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on June 26, 2012:

Gypsy Rose Lee, glad to note the hub supplied you information that you wanted. Thanks for taking out time to read and comment. I appreciate your votes and sharing it.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on June 26, 2012:

unknown spy, you can always get cloves from any Indian store if you have around the place you live or else can order it from an online store. It is indeed a spice with multiple benefits.

Thanks for reading and giving it a vote up. I appreciate the fine gesture.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on June 26, 2012:

Cyndi, the all spice powder that you are referring to is almost akin to the Indian garam masala powder. missolive has a recipe in her hub " What Is Chai " that includes cloves as well as other spices.

Thanks for all the kind words of appreciation and it is always a pleasure to read your comments.

Vinaya Ghimire from Nepal on June 26, 2012:

Cloves have been used in my family as long as I can remember, not only to spice up food but also as herbal remedy.

Rajan, thanks for sharing this wonderful hub.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on June 26, 2012:

Mary, the mistyped words stand corrected. Thanks for pointing them out. These benefits and reliefs are according to what Ayurveda says and since it is a traditional Indian science that has stood the test of time, I guess they have good reasons to say so. I'm happy to note you did quite a thorough reading of the hub. As a writer I really appreciate your questions.

Thanks for sparing time to read and give your feedback. All the votes are also much appreciated.

Gypsy Rose Lee on June 26, 2012:

Voted up and interesting. So many things I didn't know about cloves and there they sit ready for use. Thanks for sharing and passing this on.