What is Clove?
Clove is a dried flower originated from the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), native to Maluku Islands (Indonesia). It is used as a spice, medicine, and essential oil both for cookin and medicinal purpose. Clove has a warm, sweet, aromatic flavor and a strong scent due to its high eugenol content.
Botanical & Scientific Information
Common name: Clove
Scientific name: Syzygium aromaticum
Family: Myrtaceae
Plant type: Evergreen tree
Part used: Dried flower buds (also leaves & stem for oil)
Active compound: Eugenol (major medicinal component)
Nutritional Composition
Cloves are used in small amounts, but they are extremely nutrient-rich.
Calories
Carbohydrates
Fiber
Fat
Protein
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, and Iron
Most powerful compound in clove
Antimicrobial
Anti-inflammatory
Pain relief
Antioxidant
Antifungal
Antiviral
Most Health Benefits of using Clove
Improves Digestion
Clove stimulates digestive enzymes and reduces:
Gas
Bloating
Constipation
Indigestion
Powerful Antimicrobial and Antifungal
Clove oil can kill bacteria and fungi such as:
Candida
E. coli
Staphylococcus aureus
klebsiela
Toothache Relief (Most famous use)
Eugenol acts as a natural anesthetic and antiseptic, helping in:
Tooth pain
Gum infection
Mouth odor
Oral inflammation
Body dour
Wound infection
Anti-inflammatory & Pain Relief
Helps reduce:
Arthritis pain
Muscle pain
Headache (clove oil, rub it in the affected area)
Regulates Blood Sugar
Clove enhances insulin production and improves glucose metabolism, and help in repaired pancreas dead tissue.
Useful for people with diabetes (note that, this is not a substitute for medication)
Boosts Immunity
Rich in antioxidants → protects against infections & strengthens immune system.
Improves Liver Health
Eugenol reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver.
Respiratory Health
Helps in:
Cough
Asthma
Bronchitis
Cold & flu symptoms
Respiratory distress
Sexual Health Benefits
Traditionally used to:
Increase libido
Improve blood
What is Clove ?
Clove is a dried flower originated from the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), native to Maluku Islands (Indonesia). It is used as a spice, medicine, and essential oil both for cookin and medicinal purpose. Clove has a warm, sweet, aromatic flavor and a strong scent due to its high eugenol content.
Botanical & Scientific Information
Common name: Clove
Scientific name: Syzygium aromaticum
Family: Myrtaceae
Plant type: Evergreen tree
Part used: Dried flower buds (also leaves & stem for oil)
Active compound: Eugenol (major medicinal component)
Nutritional Composition
Cloves are used in small amounts, but they are extremely nutrient-rich.
Calories
Carbohydrates
Fiber
Fat
Protein
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, and Iron
Most powerful compound in clove
Antimicrobial
Anti-inflammatory
Pain relief
Antioxidant
Antifungal
Antiviral
Related Post: MORINGA HEALTH BENEFIT AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE
Most Health Benefits of using Clove
Improves Digestion
Clove stimulates digestive enzymes and reduces:
Gas
Bloating
Constipation
Indigestion
Powerful Antimicrobial and Antifungal
Clove oil can kill bacteria and fungi such as:
Candida
E. coli
Staphylococcus aureus
klebsiela
Toothache Relief (Most famous use)
Eugenol acts as a natural anesthetic and antiseptic, helping in:
Tooth pain
Gum infection
Mouth odor
Oral inflammation
Body dour
Wound infection
Anti-inflammatory & Pain Relief
Helps reduce:
Arthritis pain
Muscle pain
Headache (clove oil, rub it in the affected area)
Regulates Blood Sugar
Clove enhances insulin production and improves glucose metabolism, and help in repaired pancreas dead tissue.
Useful for people with diabetes (note that, this is not a substitute for medication)
Boosts Immunity
Rich in antioxidants → protects against infections & strengthens immune system.
Improves Liver Health
Eugenol reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver.
Respiratory Health
Helps in:
Cough
Asthma
Bronchitis
Cold & flu symptoms
Respiratory distress
Sexual Health Benefits
Traditionally used to:
Increase libido
Improve blood circulation
Boost energy
Enhance sex performance
Repair dead sperm
Anticancer Properties
Eugenol shows promising effects against certain cancer cells in lab studies.
Forms of Clove & Their Uses
Whole cloves
Used in cooking spices and also herbal remedies
Clove powder
Used in tea, during cooking food and herbal mixtures
Clove oil
Used for:
Toothache
Skin infections
Aromatherapy
Arthritis
Joint pain
Clove water
Used for:
Digestion
Weight loss
Cold & flu relief
Gastro issues
Burn fat
How to Use Clove
1. Clove Tea
Boil 3–4 cloves in a cup of water
Drink 1–2 times daily
Helps digestion, cough, and immunity.
2. Clove Oil
Always mix with carrier oil (olive oil).
Used for:
Toothache
Muscle pain
Skin infections
Arthritis
Body pain
For Toothache
Put a small piece of clove on the painful tooth
OR
Apply diluted clove oil with cotton
Drink clove water every 12hrs for 72hrs it solve many gastro issues
Weight Loss
Clove + ginger + cinnamon garlic tea improves metabolism.
Side Effects & Warnings
Do NOT consume clove oil directly
It is very strong and can cause:
Burns in the mouth
Liver damage
Kidney problems
Mouth ulcer
Nausea
Excess consumption of cloves may cause:
Stomach irritation
Nausea
Low blood sugar
Liver disorders
Avoid during:
Pregnancy (large amounts)
Breastfeeding
Bleeding disorders (clove thins the blood)
Before surgery
Clotting factor issues
Safe Daily Amount
Whole cloves: 1–3 pieces per day
Clove powder: ½ teaspoon per day
Clove oil: only external use unless advised by a doctor
Medicinal Uses in Traditional Systems
Ayurveda
Digestive aid
Anti-inflammatory
Aphrodisiac
Pain relief
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Warms the body
Treats nausea
Improves kidney yang
Boosts energy
African Herbal Medicine
Often combined with:
Ginger
Garlic
Lime
For immunity, cough, and sexual energy.
Clove & Weight Loss
Clove improves metabolism by:
Regulating blood sugar
Reducing appetite
Burning fat faster
Usually used with:
Ginger
Cinnamon
Turmeric
Garlic
Beauty & Skin Benefits
Clove oil helps:
Acne
Dark spots
Skin infections
Oily skin
Clove for infection
Clove is a fascinating spice with a rich history and a wide array of uses. Clove be used in many ways including both traditional medicine and supplement, Here is a full, detailed overview covering its botany, history, culinary uses, and medicinal properties.
History and Origin
Ancient Trade: Clove is one of the world’s most ancient and valuable spices. It was traded in the Middle East and Asia over 2,000 years ago.
China: As early as the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), courtiers were required to hold cloves in their mouths to sweeten their breath before addressing the Emperor.
The Spice Wars: The control of the clove trade was a major driver of European colonial expansion.
Dutch subsequently gained a near-monopoly on production in the 17th and 18th centuries by brutally restricting cultivation to a few islands.
Frenchman Pierre Poivre successfully smuggled seedlings out of the Maluku Islands in the late 18th century, breaking the Dutch monopoly and leading to cultivation in places like Zanzibar, Madagascar, and Grenada. Today, Indonesia, Madagascar, and Tanzania are major producers.
Meat Dishes: Used to season ham, pork roasts, stews, and braised meats. Whole cloves are often pressed into onions or hams before cooking to infuse flavor.
Pickling and Brines: Essential for flavoring pickles, chutneys, and marinades.
Beverages: Used to flavor hot drinks, particularly during the holidays:
Mulled Wine (Glühwein)
Wassail and spiced ciders some black teas (like chai)
Medicinal and Health Properties
Clove’s medicinal properties are largely attributed to its volatile oils, especially eugenol.
Traditional Anesthetic: Clove oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for toothaches. Eugenol acts as a local anesthetic and antiseptic.
Antiseptic: Used in commercial mouthwashes and dental preparations.
Anti-inflammatory: Eugenol exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties, potentially helping to reduce chronic inflammation.
Antioxidant: Clove is exceptionally high in antioxidants, helping to fight free radicals and oxidative stress.
Antimicrobial and Antifungal: Studies suggest clove oil can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
Digestive Aid: Used traditionally to help relieve gas, stomach upset, and stimulate digestive enzymes.
Clove oil is very potent and should be used cautiously. High concentrations, especially of the pure oil, can be toxic, particularly to children. Always dilute clove oil before topical use and consult a healthcare professional for serious conditions.
Other Uses and Nutritional
Aromatherapy: The strong, warm, and comforting aroma of clove oil is used to invigorate and stimulate the mind.
Scenting and Potpourri: Whole cloves are often incorporated into pomanders (studded into oranges) and potpourri for air freshening.
Cigarettes (Kretek): In Indonesia, clove is mixed with tobacco to make Kretek cigarettes, which are extremely popular.
Anticancer Properties
Eugenol shows promising effects against certain cancer cells in lab studies.
Forms of Clove & Their Uses
Whole cloves
Used in cooking spices and also herbal remedies
Clove powder
Used in tea, during cooking food and herbal mixtures
Clove oil
Used for:
Toothache
Skin infections
Aromatherapy
Arthritis
Joint pain
Clove water
Used for:
Digestion
Weight loss
Cold & flu relief
Gastro issues
Burn fat
How to Use Clove
1. Clove Tea
Boil 3–4 cloves in a cup of water
Drink 1–2 times daily
Helps digestion, cough, and immunity.
2. Clove Oil
Always mix with carrier oil (olive oil).
Used for:
Toothache
Muscle pain
Skin infections
Arthritis
Body pain
For Toothache
Put a small piece of clove on the painful tooth
OR
Apply diluted clove oil with cotton
Drink clove water every 12hrs for 72hrs it solve many gastro issues
Weight Loss
Clove + ginger + cinnamon garlic tea improves metabolism.
Side Effects & Warnings
Do NOT consume clove oil directly
It is very strong and can cause:
Burns in the mouth
Liver damage
Kidney problems
Mouth ulcer
Nausea
Excess consumption of cloves may cause:
Stomach irritation
Nausea
Low blood sugar
Liver disorders
Avoid during:
Pregnancy (large amounts)
Breastfeeding
Bleeding disorders (clove thins the blood)
Before surgery
Clotting factor issues
Safe Daily Amount
Whole cloves: 1–3 pieces per day
Clove powder: ½ teaspoon per day
Clove oil: only external use unless advised by a doctor
Medicinal Uses in Traditional Systems
Ayurveda
Digestive aid
Anti-inflammatory
Aphrodisiac
Pain relief
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Warms the body
Treats nausea
Improves kidney function
Boosts energy
African Herbal Medicine
Often combined with:
Ginger
Garlic
Lime
For immunity, cough, and sexual energy.
Clove & Weight Loss
Clove improves metabolism by:
Regulating blood sugar
Reducing appetite
Burning fat faster
Usually used with:
Ginger
Cinnamon
Turmeric
Garlic
Beauty & Skin Benefits
Clove oil helps:
Acne
Dark spots
Skin infections
Oily skin
Clove for infection
Clove is a fascinating spice with a rich history and a wide array of uses. Clove be used in many ways including both traditional medicine and supplement, Here is a full, detailed overview covering its botany, history, culinary uses, and medicinal properties.
History and Origin
Ancient Trade: Clove is one of the world’s most ancient and valuable spices. It was traded in the Middle East and Asia over 2,000 years ago.
China: As early as the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), courtiers were required to hold cloves in their mouths to sweeten their breath before addressing the Emperor.
The Spice Wars: The control of the clove trade was a major driver of European colonial expansion.
Dutch subsequently gained a near-monopoly on production in the 17th and 18th centuries by brutally restricting cultivation to a few islands.
Frenchman Pierre Poivre successfully smuggled seedlings out of the Maluku Islands in the late 18th century, breaking the Dutch monopoly and leading to cultivation in places like Zanzibar, Madagascar, and Grenada. Today, Indonesia, Madagascar, and Tanzania are major producers.
Meat Dishes: Used to season ham, pork roasts, stews, and braised meats. Whole cloves are often pressed into onions or hams before cooking to infuse flavor.
Pickling and Brines: Essential for flavoring pickles, chutneys, and marinades.
Beverages: Used to flavor hot drinks, particularly during the holidays:
Mulled Wine (Glühwein)
Wassail and spiced ciders some black teas (like chai)
Medicinal and Health Properties
Clove’s medicinal properties are largely attributed to its volatile oils, especially eugenol.
Traditional Anesthetic: Clove oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for toothaches. Eugenol acts as a local anesthetic and antiseptic.
Antiseptic: Used in commercial mouthwashes and dental preparations.
Anti-inflammatory: Eugenol exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties, potentially helping to reduce chronic inflammation.
Antioxidant: Clove is exceptionally high in antioxidants, helping to fight free radicals and oxidative stress.
Antimicrobial and Antifungal: Studies suggest clove oil can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
Digestive Aid: Used traditionally to help relieve gas, stomach upset, and stimulate digestive enzymes.
Clove oil is very potent and should be used cautiously. High concentrations, especially of the pure oil, can be toxic, particularly to children. Always dilute clove oil before topical use and consult a healthcare professional for serious conditions.
Other Uses and Nutritional
Aromatherapy: The strong, warm, and comforting aroma of clove oil is used to invigorate and stimulate the mind.
Scenting and Potpourri: Whole cloves are often incorporated into pomanders (studded into oranges) and potpourri for air freshening.
Cigarettes (Kretek): In Indonesia, clove is mixed with tobacco to make Kretek cigarettes, which are extremely popular.