Clove is one of the oldest spices, especially in India and other Asian countries, such as Indonesia, East Africa and Pakistan.
Clove also has a rich history which is used as an important commercial product in the world. It is generally known to deal with health problems such as headaches, oral diseases, cancer, diabetes, microbial infections and so on. It also boosts the immune system to protect the liver and improve bone strength.
It is widely used in aromatherapy, and in the oil form for dentistry due to its antiseptic properties and for other problems such as diarrhea, cold and cough.
The effective components of cloves
The most active ingredient in clove oil is called eugenol which is used to make toothpaste and mouthwash due to its antiseptic properties. Other compounds in essential oil of clove included aceta-eugenol and beta-caryophyllene. The eugenol and beta-caryophyllene content of commercial clove oil was about 70%, while beta-caryophyllene was about 15%. Also in clove extract, eugenol was approximately 15% and beta-caryophyllene was 4%.
Eight compounds were identified in the clove extract that its main components were eugenol (85.5%), eugenol acetate (2.3%) and heptacosone (1.8%). Seven chemical compounds were identified in the clove oil which the main ones including eugenol (86.36%) and beta-cariophilic (7.66%). Eugenol as the main combination was the highest concentration in both the extract and the essential oils.
Also it contains phenolic compounds such as flavonoids, hydroxybenzoic acids and hydroxycinnamic acids that gallic acid and caffeic acid are the most abundant. Also among the flavonoids, catechin and Kaempferol are the higher than quercetin.
In one study on the antioxidant properties of essential oil of clove leaf, 13 compounds was identified which the main ingredient was 76.8% eugenol and consequently 17.4% beta-cariophilic, 1.1% alpha-humulin and 1.1% eugenol acetate.
Health properties and benefits of cloves
Liver protection
Clove is rich in antioxidants, so it is a very ideal herb to protect the organs especially the liver.
The researchers reported that clove helps to produce insulin in the body and regulates blood sugar levels.
Gastrointestinal health
Clove is very effective for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and treats problems related to the stomach such as diarrhea, bloating, nausea, vomiting, indigestion and constipation.
Strengthen the immune system
Clove increases white blood cells in the body, also strengthens the immune system.
Oral diseases
Clove oil has effective analgesic and antiseptic properties. It is recommended for oral problems and can be used for gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. It’s applied on the teeth infection.
Improve and increase bone strength
Cloves contain phenolic compounds such as flavones, flavonoids and isoflavones. Researches declared that these compounds enable the body to build strong bones, as well as increase bone density and will be very useful for patients with osteoporosis.
Headaches
Clove effectively reduces pain. Using clove oil on the forehead and around the nose or consuming with milk will be very effective for headaches.
Ear pain
A combination of cloves and sesame oil is a good treatment for ear pain because it numbs the area of pain.
Improve digestion
Clove with honey improves the production and secretion of digestive enzymes, which speeds up the digestive process. Cloves also help to reduce irritability, stomach pain, cramps, nausea and indigestion.
Strong antibacterial
Clove fights against human pathogens. The use of flower buds, clove extract and oil destroy pathogens. Also it can fight and eliminate pathogens that cause cholera.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Cloves are very effective in treating pain, helping to reduce pain receptors in the body. The presence of large amounts of eugenol in cloves is primarily effective in treating chronic inflammation.
Heal wounds
Clove is used as an analgesic and antiseptic to treat bruising and scratching and due to its anti-inflammatory properties is effective in eliminating inflammation.
Rejuvenate the skin
The presence of antioxidants in clove rejuvenates the skin and also neutralizes and eliminates free radicals that cause damage to skin cells and premature wrinkles.
Sexual problems
Clove consumption in some cases may solve common sexual problems among men, such as erectile dysfunction and lack of sexual desire. Its due to disorder in testosterone, clove has an amazing effect on maintaining and regulating of the level of hormones.
Clearing the lungs and throat
Clove prevents the growth of harmful bacteria in the lungs, so it prevents colds, coughs, and shortness of breath.
Eyelash flower treatment
Clove is very effective in treating eyelashes due to its anti-inflammatory nature. Clove oil also prevents eye infections due to antibacterial properties.
Cleanse the blood
Studies have shown that aromatic extracts of clove can reduce blood toxicity and stimulate antioxidant activity throughout the body, thereby strengthening the immune system while clearing platelets.
Prevent the flu
Consumption of cloves effectively prevents the flu. When consumed with food, it increases saliva production which is benefit for gastritis, acidity and loss of appetite.
Treat cramps and spasms
Clove with soothing properties can reduce cramps and spasms of the body.
Lose weight
Clove is one of the recommended spices for those who have a diet plan for weight loss, because it has anti-obesity properties. Clove consumption may prevent excessive weight gain as well as treat the symptoms of insulin resistance.
Whiten teeth
Brushing teeth regularly with cloves powder every day for 10 to 15 minutes is a substitute for toothpaste to whiten teeth.
Treat bloating
Just mix 4 or 5 cloves with warm water and drink it every morning to cure bloating.
Reduce anxiety and stress
Clove has a warming effect on the body that will refresh the person. Topical application or consumption of diluted clove oil can help reduce mental stress and fatigue.
Special prescriptions of traditional medicine for cloves
Combine 15 cloves with a tablespoon of honey and consume 15 minutes before each meal to improve and stimulate digestion. It helps to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers as well as high blood pressure. Clove oil is also effective in treating pimples, apply a tablespoon on your pimples. It also used for arthritis and osteoarthritis because it reduces pain and inflammation.
Side effects of excessive use of cloves
Due to the presence of eugenol, if cloves consumed in excess, it may lead to some side effects which include: Increased bleeding, lower blood sugar levels, allergic, respiratory problems, convulsions, skin allergies.
Is it safe to use cloves during pregnancy?
It is safe to use cloves during pregnancy, but only as a portion of food and do not eat alone. There is insufficient research information on whether it is also suitable for use as a supplement?
References
Law in Medicine, Ibn Sina. 2010. Translated by Sharafkandi, A. Tehran, Soroush Publications, 9th edition. 2.
Recognition of medicinal and aromatic plants of Iran. Mozafarian V., Contemporary Culture Publications. first edition, 2012, p. 728.
http://sjoapb.journal.qom-iau.ac.ir/article_532803.
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