Clove: Benefits, Side Effects, Interactions and Proper Dosage

Overview

Cloves are the flower buds of a tree botanically known as Syzygium aromaticum, which is from the family Myrtaceae. This evergreen tropical tree comes from the Indonesian islands of Moluccas (Spice Islands). It can reach about 50 feet in height and is propagated by seeds planted in shaded areas. Its trees begin to bloom after five years. Most of the world's supply of cloves comes from Zanzibar, Brazil, and Madagascar.

History

Archaeologists, based on evidence found in Syria, found that ancient civilizations from 1720 BC used cloves. In 200 B.C. Cloves were used to refresh the breath of visitors when having meetings with Chinese royalty. Cloves have since been used for their anesthetic, analgesic, and antibacterial properties. Cloves were also used during the Middle Ages to preserve and dress dishes.^[1]

Composition

Essential oils represent more than fifteen percent of a dried clove's weight, indicating the potency of the aromatic quality of the clove. However, about seventy percent of the essential oils themselves contain eugenol. Eugenol possesses powerful anaesthetic and antiseptic properties, so it is not surprising that it is used in dentistry as an analgesic.

Health Benefits

Clove Health Benefits

Antioxidants

The importance of antioxidants is not lost in modern times.^[2] But it is mainly unknown that cloves possess the highest levels of antioxidants of all spices. Whether helping the body protect itself against arthritis, cancer, diabetes, or heart disease, the level of antioxidants in cloves helps prevent diseases and illnesses. Your body produces only two antioxidants: catalase and superoxide dismutase. So the combination of these antioxidants and cloves is a potent and helpful combination that increases a person's antioxidant levels. Awesome, right?

Anesthetic Properties

Apart from being useful as an antioxidant, eugenol is applied for sore throats, toothaches, and gum trouble. Due to its antiseptic and germicidal properties, this more-than-useful ingredient is added to some mouthwashes. Eugenol basically improves oral health and is primarily used in dental antiseptics and toothpaste. Most dentists apply cloves when preparing an affected gum area for minor mouth operations. It gives off a scent of, well, clove, of course. Where would contemporary dentistry be without clove?

Healing Properties

Cloves are used effectively in many medicines to help treat digestive problems. Indigestion, symptoms of stomach ulcers, gastric discomforts, and upset stomachs are just some of the illnesses that this miracle spice can cure. Due to its natural antiseptic properties, diluted clove oil can be applied to cuts, bruises, wounds, and burns.^[3] Clove oil also helps relieve muscle cramps if applied to the affected area.

Eugenol in cloves also helps prevent blood clotting. Concoctions of sesame oil and cloves are used for ear pain after being heated. There are some home remedies for headaches that include a mixture of clove oil and salt. It can also be used as a massage oil to relieve stress. Clove oil is popularly used to kill intestinal parasites and fungi. It also is natural aromatherapy for the throat and lungs. Soaps, cream, and perfumes contain cloves due to their aromatic qualities. And as if it's not enough, it is a natural mosquito repellent!^[4]

Side Effects

Clove oil has no known side effects for toothaches, but it can irritate the skin and mucous membranes around the mouth on occasion. You should use it with caution and test a small amount first to see if there are any allergic reactions.

There is only one word of caution to be issued here. Clove oil is highly potent and should be diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut oil. It's also a good idea to avoid clove oil and instead use the ground spice. Excessive intake of clove oil can induce hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). It can also cause comas and dizziness. Instead of using clove oil, use the ground spice.

Recommended Dosage

Adults and children are typically dosed based on their body weight. On the consumer market, clove is becoming increasingly popular in both ground and pill form. One of the most effective methods for locating the best overall distributor is to use this method. Pilled cloves are bottled and sold all over the world in organic supply markets.

Clove in Supplements

Clove is a common ingredient that can be found in most grocery stores. When purchasing it in pill form, consumers should be aware of the various elements that may be present. Pilled cloves may contain fillers and other compounds. If customers buy cloves in bottles, they must be especially cautious of allergens. This can result in difficult-to-control reactions.

Interactions

Because clove is a herbal ingredient, there won't be many interactions. Cloves are contraindicated by a small number of drugs. Medical professionals, on the other hand, frequently issue warnings. One of the most dangerous combinations found in these herbal supplements is eugenol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it good to take cloves daily?

A: Yes, it is good to take cloves daily. But it is advisable to take in measured doses. As with many foods, they are most efficient when consumed in proper meals.

Q: Can I eat cloves at night?

A: Eating cloves at night can help with digestion and intestinal issues. This is because of its numerous antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

Q: Is clove good for high blood pressure?

A: Cloves have also been claimed to promote blood circulation, lower blood pressure, and raise immunity by virtue of their stimulating and carminative characteristics. According to further studies, cloves offer antibacterial and antioxidant qualities.

Q: Is clove good for anxiety?

A: Yes, clove good for anxiety. Its essential oil contains energising characteristics that might aid with anxiety, tension, and weariness. A relaxing massage with clove oil can help you relax while also recharging your batteries.

Q: Is clove anti-inflammatory?

A: Clove essential oil possesses antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. However, only a few studies have focused on its current application.

Q: Where is clove from?

A: Cloves are the clove tree's unopened flower buds. The clove tree is native to India and Indonesia and grows to more than fifteen meters. It produces flower buds in bunches that are pale at first, then turn green, and then deep red when ready to harvest.

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Conclusion

Cloves' utility has only grown over time, increasing their appeal for many people buying them in the market. It's frequently combined with essential oils for a calming effect. This product can help hypertonic muscles relax. Consumers may want to read through reports to see how other people were affected. However, the evidence continues to point to cloves as a highly beneficial organic additive.