Why Chewing Dry Cloves is Recommended: This Spice Has Amazing Powers!
Almost every kitchen has a jar filled with clove buds. We know that this spice is included in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, and we are aware that aromatic cloves are part of well-known anti-parasitic dietary supplements. But have you ever considered looking at your spice jar in a new way and taking full advantage of the remarkable health benefits that cloves offer?
Clove buds, with their unique appearance, are famous not only for their strong flavor and pungent aroma but also for their medicinal properties. This spice has been used for centuries in traditional medicine recipes, both for the prevention and treatment of certain ailments. In this article, you will learn about the unique medicinal properties of whole, uncrushed clove buds and why chewing them can be particularly beneficial.
The Chemical Composition of Aromatic Cloves
Even a single clove contains an impressive variety of nutrients. Its health benefits are due to the abundance of vitamins, minerals, and essential oils.
Vitamins in Cloves: Cloves contain provitamin A (beta-carotene), B vitamins (B1, B2, B3 or PP, B4, B6, B9), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (tocopherol), and vitamin K (phylloquinone).
Minerals: They are also rich in potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, selenium, and zinc.
Essential Fatty Acids: Cloves contain significant amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Essential Oil: About 20% of a clove is essential oil, which contains aromatic compounds such as eugenol, caryophyllene, and illicin, among others.
Cloves also contain glycosides and mucilage. When considering macronutrients, cloves have about 6% protein, 20% lipids, roughly 27% carbohydrates, and nearly 30% dietary fiber.
It is no wonder that cloves are considered a powerful medicinal tool—just look at their composition!
The Therapeutic Effects of Cloves
Cloves have multiple health-promoting properties:
Bactericidal: They can fight various bacteria.
Anthelmintic (anti-parasitic): Cloves help expel intestinal parasites.
Antifungal: Effective against fungal infections.
Analgesic: They can reduce pain.
Antispasmodic: They relax muscles and relieve cramps.
Wound Healing: Promote tissue repair.
Carminative: Relieve bloating and gas.
Anticancer Potential: Studies show potential anti-tumor effects.
Many pathogens are vulnerable to cloves, including Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, diphtheria bacilli, and even agents causing plague. Aromatic cloves can inhibit the reproduction of tuberculosis bacteria, and their use may help prevent the flu.
The anthelmintic effect of cloves has been tested on pigs and dogs infected with roundworms. While this property has long been utilized in Chinese medicine, in many countries, cloves are a key ingredient in anti-parasitic dietary supplements like “Troichetka.”
Digestive and Metabolic Benefits
Chewing cloves stimulates the production of digestive juices, which is helpful for people with low stomach acid or reduced appetite. However, they are not recommended for individuals with high stomach acidity or peptic ulcers. Cloves are also used to treat colon inflammation (colitis), gas, rectal conditions, and liver inflammation.
Practical Uses and Recipes
For Heart Health: A popular recipe involves infusing cloves in wine. Although mulled wine is usually boiled, soaking cloves in wine for several weeks preserves their vitamins and aromatic compounds better. Take 0.5 liters of quality red wine, add five cloves, a little cinnamon if desired, seal tightly, and store in a dark place for three weeks. Consume one teaspoon with tea 1–3 times per day.
Oral Health: Chewing a clove can relieve toothache, gum inflammation, stomatitis, and bad breath. Cloves also help soothe sore throats.
Digestive Aid: To stimulate digestion, chew 1–2 cloves with a teaspoon of honey 15 minutes before meals. They are not suitable for individuals with peptic ulcers, high stomach acidity, or high blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Regulation: Cloves can be chewed to support people with low blood pressure (hypotension), as they may have a stabilizing effect.
Skin Care: Baths with clove essential oil can help manage problematic skin.
Joint and Muscle Health: Clove oil is widely used for arthritis and arthrosis. It helps relieve pain and inflammation. For external use, mix 15 drops of clove essential oil with one tablespoon of massage oil and apply to affected joints.
Why Chewing Cloves is So Beneficial
Chewing dry cloves allows for a gradual release of their essential oils directly into the mouth, enhancing their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. The mechanical action of chewing stimulates saliva production, which can improve digestion and oral health simultaneously. Over time, this simple habit can contribute significantly to general well-being.
Cloves are a versatile spice that goes far beyond flavoring food—they are a natural medicine. From oral care to digestive support, from skin health to pain relief, the tiny clove bud is a powerhouse of natural benefits. So the next time you reach for a spice jar, don’t just think about cooking—consider chewing a clove and letting this incredible spice work its magic.
By appreciating the full potential of cloves, we can embrace a centuries-old natural remedy that is still relevant today. Its rich composition, wide-ranging therapeutic effects, and practical applications make it a must-have in every home. Chewing dry cloves is more than just a culinary choice; it’s a simple, natural way to support your health every day.
