Cloves are the flower buds of a tree called the clove. This tree can live for over a hundred years and begins to produce flowers in its seventh year. The buds are picked before flowering and they immediately turn brown, hence their dark brown, almost black color. Cloves have a very pronounced, harsh, and slightly pungent scent. They are used as a spice to add an unmistakable flavor to many recipes, both sweet and savory. Consumed as an infusion, clove is effective against digestive disorders, stomach pain, and bloating. A powerful antiseptic, it also acts against urinary tract infections such as cystitis and kidney stones. Clove is used as an anti-inflammatory against toothache in mouthwash. The anesthetic action of eugenol, an active molecule in cloves, would also alleviate the pain of toothache by simply placing a dried nail in the mouth in the affected area. Its antiviral and antibacterial properties prevent winter ailments such as the flu and colds. When applied externally with massage oil, clove also relieves muscle pain such as rheumatism or lumbago. It is used as a natural treatment for acne problems since it limits the growth of the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. Finally, this dried flower bud would help the cervix to dilate during childbirth and reduce the pain felt.

Main Health Benefits of Cloves

1. Cloves Prevent Common Cold

Used one to three times a day for a week, a few drops of the essential oil of clove, consumed before the meal, will help you to avoid the flu, the common cold, and other winter infections thanks to its antiviral and antibacterial properties. The soothing warmth of clove infusions can comfort you during the chilly months. Cloves are known to boost the immune system, making them a first line of defense against seasonal viruses. For a simple remedy, try steeping a few cloves in hot water to make a fragrant tea that can clear congestion and soothe a sore throat.

2. Fight Toothache

By boiling a few cloves in water, you obtain a preparation which, used as a mouthwash, relieves toothache. This remedy is effective because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. For those who’ve ever suffered through the agony of a toothache, the numbing effect of cloves can feel like a lifesaver. The eugenol in cloves acts as a natural anesthetic, making it a handy home remedy. A small piece of clove can be placed directly on the aching tooth or gum to provide immediate relief.

3. Cure Digestive Problems

Against digestive problems, including stomachache and bloating, an infusion of cloves is an excellent remedy. Do not hesitate to add a little cinnamon, lemon juice, or a spoonful of honey to sweeten the drink, and to consume it outside of meals. The carminative properties of cloves help eliminate gas and soothe the digestive tract. For those with chronic digestive issues, incorporating clove tea into your daily routine might just be the soothing ritual you need.

4. Treat UTIs

An infusion of cloves is also recommended, once or twice a day, to treat pain from cystitis or kidney stones. The antimicrobial properties of cloves help fight off the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections. It’s a gentle, natural alternative to antibiotics for those seeking to manage minor UTIs at home. Always remember to consult with a healthcare provider for persistent symptoms.

5. Relieve Muscle Pain

Massaging the painful areas with cloves essential oil strongly diluted in sweet almond vegetable oil or another fatty vegetable oil can be particularly effective. Clove oil’s warming properties make it ideal for sore muscles and joints. If you’re a weekend warrior or just dealing with the aches and pains of everyday life, consider adding clove oil to your post-workout recovery routine. Mix a few drops with a carrier oil and massage into the affected area for relief.

6. Good for the Skin

Clove is recognized as a spice that has many benefits for skin care: antibacterial, healing, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, etc. In addition to that, it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which are beneficial for the skin. Thus, the composition of cloves helps relieve skin inflammation, eliminate bacteria (a pimple forms when there is an abnormal proliferation of bacteria), disinfect the skin, and protect unaffected areas. For those struggling with acne, a clove-infused toner can be a great addition to your skincare routine. It helps to reduce redness and prevent breakouts.

7. Good for Hair

Cloves are a great ally for women’s hair. They are an excellent remedy for soothing inflammation of the skin, reducing dandruff, and stimulating blood circulation when applied as a lotion to the scalp and hair. Hair regrowth is stimulated, and its vitality is reinforced when using a cloves-based lotion. Before using it as a massage on the scalp, you just need to make your own hair lotion yourself by adding about ten ground cloves, the equivalent of 1 teaspoon, to lukewarm water in a bottle. You are advised to leave it on before rinsing or shampooing. For those battling dandruff, a clove and coconut oil hair mask can be a game-changer.

8. Help Against Painful Periods

Cloves are also very effective in relieving dysmenorrhea or painful periods. Do not hesitate to use it for painful periods, although it is generally known to relieve dental pain. The antispasmodic properties of clove can help ease menstrual cramps. A warm clove tea or a clove-infused heating pad can be comforting during this time. Gentle massages with clove oil can also provide relief.

9. Anti-Aging

Cloves are an excellent natural remedy for aging skin and body cells. Indeed, it has remarkable anti-aging properties, especially the essential oil of cloves. Rich in antioxidants, cloves protect your cells from oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to aging. Incorporating clove essential oil in your skincare regimen can help maintain youthful skin. A few drops in your night cream can work wonders.

10. Help with Weight Loss

Clove flowers contain the essence of eugenol, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory. This is precisely why they are often part of the composition of the ingredients for diet drinks. Clove will be all the more effective when used in an overall weight loss strategy by playing sports and regulating your lifestyle. A clove infusion before meals can aid digestion and metabolism, making it a supportive companion on your weight loss journey.

11. Stimulate Fertility

Clove, reputed to be an aphrodisiac, joins ginger as one of the mythical foods for sexual stimulation. In truth, the action of cloves, like that of ginger, is stimulating and warming. It’s believed that cloves enhance circulation and increase libido. For couples trying to conceive, incorporating cloves into their diet could be beneficial. A warm clove and ginger tea can be a cozy way to end the day.

12. Fight Against Neuralgia

The clove poultice is highly recommended for women with muscle or joint pain and neuralgia. To do this, they need to mix two teaspoons of ground cloves with green clay and a little water until they have a thick paste. They should put this paste in a thin cloth and apply it to the painful area. The soothing warmth and anti-inflammatory properties of the clove poultice make it a comforting treatment for nerve pain.

13. Fight Against Bad Breath

Clove is a very fragrant spice with bactericidal properties, which help to keep the mouth fresh. To do this, you can simply bite a clove (as with a toothache), or, if the feeling is unpleasant to you, just boil 5 nails in half a liter of water and rinse your mouth for a long time with this decoction. For those seeking a natural solution to halitosis, clove mouthwash can be a powerful ally.

14. May Protect Against Cancer

A study has shown that cloves provide some anti-cancer protections. Indeed, the medical community has been highly interested in cloves because of their chemo-preventive or anti-carcinogenic properties. Tests have shown they are used to control early lung cancer. While more research is needed, the potential anti-cancer properties of cloves are promising. Including them in your diet could contribute to a holistic approach to health.

Are There Any Dangers in Eating Cloves?

Whether taken externally or internally, clove is not without its risks. Clove essential oil can be toxic if the precautions for use are not followed and cause unwanted effects such as nausea, vomiting, or burning sensations. Cloves are also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 12 (risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation and acidosis), and people with fragile skin (possible skin reactions). Either way, it is always best to consult your doctor before using cloves for medicinal purposes.

While cloves offer a myriad of benefits, moderation is key. Like many potent natural remedies, they should be used with care to avoid any adverse effects. Always consult with a healthcare provider, especially when considering cloves for therapeutic use, to ensure it’s safe for your specific health needs.