Spices take your culinary art to a whole new level by adding that extra zing to the taste. Asian, African and Middle Eastern cooking styles are known for the use of a host of spices to make their food flavorful. Each spice has its own distinct taste that creates magic on our taste buds. Cloves is one such spice that is widely used in various parts of the world for elevating the food.
Cloves are a very versatile spice that has many more benefits apart from being the most often used in cooking.
Cloves are a very versatile spice that has many more benefits apart from being the most often used in cooking.
Cloves- The Queen of Spices
Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of the tree Syzygium aromaticum (commonly known as the clove tree), belonging to the family Myrtacae. Cloves are small (about 1 cm in length), dark reddish-brown, with a bulbous top and a spike. The word clove is derived from Latin and literally means ‘nail’.
The clove tree is native to Indonesia, which is its largest producer but also grows in other regions with a warm climate such as India and South America. Locally, cloves can be found in supermarkets under the spices section.
The main chemical ingredient found in cloves, responsible for their flavor, aroma as well as medicinal properties, is Eugenol. It is Eugenol that imparts cloves their unique, pungent taste and scent.
Owing to their flavor and aroma dried cloves are commonly used as spices and are an important constituent in various foods. Cloves also have extensive use in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine.
The clove tree is native to Indonesia, which is its largest producer but also grows in other regions with a warm climate such as India and South America. Locally, cloves can be found in supermarkets under the spices section.
The main chemical ingredient found in cloves, responsible for their flavor, aroma as well as medicinal properties, is Eugenol. It is Eugenol that imparts cloves their unique, pungent taste and scent.
Owing to their flavor and aroma dried cloves are commonly used as spices and are an important constituent in various foods. Cloves also have extensive use in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine.
A versatile spice with many benefits
Cloves are used as spices in food for their taste. They can be used whole or ground into a powder. They can also be used as clove oil.Aside from adding flavor to your foods, cloves pack a bunch of health benefits as well. They are a rich source of antioxidants, which play a role in destroying free radicals and have an anti-aging effect. They are known for their antimicrobial, anti-fungal and antiviral activities, as well as for their antiseptic properties.
Cloves have a role in aromatherapy and are also used as pain relievers especially in tooth and gum aches.
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A: Culinary use of cloves
Cloves, whether raw or cooked, have a hard, woody consistency, and are therefore uncomfortable and hard to consume whole. Cloves are usually added to the food – whether whole or ground to powder – to impart flavor and aroma. If used whole, they are picked out and discarded while eating or before serving the dish.
Cloves can be eaten daily, but they must never be consumed in excess as an overdose can lead to serious side effects including liver damage.
They are a common component in Asian, African, Mediterranean and Middle East cuisine, employed in meats, curries, and biryani ( rice cooked with meat) for its strong flavor and aroma.
Cloves are also used for their unique flavor and aromatic qualities in beverages and tea.
To make clove tea, add Tulsi (Holy basil) leaves, cardamom, and clove to water and boil. Add lemon for flavor and honey to taste. Your healthy cup of clove tea is ready. You can also add a bag of green tea for added benefit and taste. Clove tea is rich in antioxidants and believed to help in weight loss, promote digestion, provide relief in sore throat and cough, and a number of other health benefits.
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B: Home remedies with clove and clove oil
Cloves are a storehouse of health benefits and goodness. They are also known for their medicinal value. Clove oil is helpful in soothing toothaches and sore gums.
- Toothache: Clove oil is helpful in soothing toothaches and sore gums. The active ingredient in clove oil, Eugenol, has natural anesthetic properties and helps ease the pain. It also has anti-inflammatory action and reduces swelling.
Clove oil has also been found to have anti-microbial action and helps fight gum infections. In fact, Eugenol, which is the active constituent in cloves, is used by dentists in dental cement.
To treat toothache, dab a piece of cotton in clove oil so that it absorbs a few drops. Apply on the affected area for relief. Pain abates in about 10 minutes, and clove oil can be reapplied after 2-3 hours. - Dental cavities: In a research in 2012, it was found that clove oil was effective in preventing dental erosion and decalcification caused by apple juice, and thus may have a role to play in preventing cavities. It is also effective against microorganisms that cause dental cavities.
- Wisdom tooth pain: Cloves are also beneficial against wisdom tooth pain. Simply put a whole clove in your mouth, and squeeze it between your teeth for 3-5 minutes, and then spit it out. There will be significant relief in pain.
- Bad breath: For its aromatic properties, clove oil can be used to fight bad breath. Its antimicrobial action also helps fight against the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Simply add 3-4 drops of Clove oil in a glass of lukewarm water, and gargle twice a day. -
Fight infections: Clove oil can be used as antiseptic on cuts, wounds, insect bites and even against fungal infections. However, it must NOT BE DIRECTLY APPLIED to wounds, because it can cause burning at the wound site. It should be diluted with coconut or almond oil before application so that it does not harm the skin.
To dilute clove oil, mix 3-5 drops of clove oil with an ounce of carrier oil (coconut or almond). - Sore throat and cough: Cloves have great anti-inflammatory properties, have a soothing action on a sore throat, and decrease swelling and itching. Clove oil helps ease nasal congestion and also imparts a cooling sensation on the nasal cavity and throat. It helps clear the mucus out and helps abate cough.
- Headache and muscle/ joint pain: Eugenol present in clove oil has natural anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Clove oil mixed with a little salt applied on the forehead has a cooling effect and eases headaches. Oil of clove can also be used to massage joints and proves beneficial in easing muscle or joint pain.
- Diabetes: Clove oil is believed to promote insulin secretion, and helps maintain normal sugar levels in people living with diabetes.
- Anti-cancer properties: Research has indicated that clove oil may be beneficial in fighting against cancer cells. It was seen to stop the growth of cancer cells in vitro, but more research is needed to see its effects in humans.
- Toothache: Clove oil is helpful in soothing toothaches and sore gums. The active ingredient in clove oil, Eugenol, has natural anesthetic properties and helps ease the pain. It also has anti-inflammatory action and reduces swelling.
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C: Non-medicinal uses
Cloves are a multifaceted spice that has many uses. It is also renowned for enhancing beauty.- Beautiful hair: Clove oil can be mixed with coconut or olive oil, and applied on the scalp and massaged. This will boost blood circulation to the scalp, promote hair growth and render dull, dry hair shiny.
- Glowing Skin: Cloves are often added as a constituent of soaps, lotions, and even perfumes because of their aroma and beneficial effects. Clove oil contains Eugenol, which has antibacterial properties, and can be used against acne and to reduce swellings. Being rich in anti-oxidants, clove oil also has anti-aging properties. It can be applied directly to the skin, or it can be mixed with your cream or a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Use on face for a cleaner, healthier, youthful skin.
If any irritation or discomfort is experienced, use should be stopped immediately. - Indigestion: Eugenol present in cloves helps fight indigestion and reduces flatulence. For consistent benefits, cloves can be integrated into daily dietary habits, by adding into food or through beverages like clove tea.
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D: Other non-culinary uses of clove
- Aromatherapy: Clove oil is commonly combined with other oils in aromatherapy owing to its unique, invigorating scent.
- Insect repellent: Clove oil has been found to have bug and ant repellent properties and is a common constituent in bug repellents.
- Massage: Clove oil can be used for massage on the forehead, or on joints, and is beneficial in abating fatigue, exhaustion, and stress.
Adverse effects of cloves
- Skin Irritation – Some people may be sensitive to clove oil and may experience itching, redness or swelling. In such a case, topical use must be stopped immediately.
- Allergy: Allergy due to cloves or clove oil is rare. However one should be on the lookout for any signs or symptoms of allergic reactions like rashes, hives, wheezing, coughing or difficulty in breathing. In case an allergic reaction is suspected, contact a doctor immediately.
- Excess consumption:Eugenol, the major active chemical in cloves and clove oil, is hepatotoxic, that is it may cause damage to the liver in higher doses. Therefore, excess consumption of cloves should be avoided. Cloves are safe to consume in amounts commonly used in foods. However, cloves can be harmful if consumed in excess, and therefore always ought to be consumed in moderation.
Events in which consumption of cloves should be avoided:
Although cloves are a safe spice to consume, it should be avoided under certain circumstances.- Patients with liver disease, blood clotting disorders, immune system disorders or food allergies, as oral consumption of clove in these people, can cause adverse effects.
- People using anti-coagulants or anti-platelet drugs. Cloves can lead to increase chances of bruising and bleeding in such individuals.
- People using MAO inhibitors or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors.
- In children.
- Cloves are likely safe for consumption in amounts usually found in food during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, to be on the safe side, they should be avoided.
To conclude
It would not wrong to say that cloves are a wonder spice. They not only make your food flavorful and tasty but contain ingredients that have properties that are used for both medical and non-medical use. Clove oil is a commonly found item in the medicine cabinet in many countries to soothe toothache and sore gums. It is also a preferred item to keep your hair and skin irresistibly attractive. It is the queen of spices but even the queen has her own limitations. Cloves should not be consumed by people suffering from liver disease or people who use anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs. Taken in moderation cloves can be your life long companion for good health