Over the centuries, people have valued certain spices for their amazing health benefits, and one of these spices is cloves. Cloves have a unique taste and strong medicinal powers. While we often use cloves in cooking and aromatherapy, chewing them directly has become popular because of the good things they can do for our health. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how chewing cloves can help us, supported by both research and stories from people’s experiences.
Historical Significance
Cloves come from the flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, which grows in Indonesia. They’ve been used for hundreds of years, even by ancient civilizations like the Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Back then, people thought highly of cloves for their ability to help with dental pain, digestive problems, and breathing issues.
Antimicrobial Properties
Cloves contain strong antimicrobial substances like eugenol, eugenol acetate, and beta-caryophyllene. These substances can fight off harmful microorganisms like bacteria. When we chew cloves, these substances are released, helping to get rid of bad bacteria in our mouths that can cause dental problems like cavities and gum disease. A study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology showed that using clove oil as a mouth rinse reduced oral bacteria levels and improved overall oral hygiene. In another study, researchers found that clove worked well against all types of harmful bacteria they tested. It was especially good at fighting Proteus species, a type of bacteria, by creating a zone where they couldn’t grow that was 19 millimeters wide. This shows that cloves can be a natural and effective way to keep our mouths healthy.
Dental Health Benefits
Arabian dentist Al-Gazzar, back in the 10th century, praised cloves’ ability to freshen breath and ease oral discomfort. The main substance in cloves that helps with this is eugenol. It can relieve pain and reduce swelling in our gums and teeth. As mentioned above, cloves also have antimicrobial properties to kill off the harmful bacteria in our mouths, preventing infections and keeping our gums healthy. Many people say that chewing cloves directly on the sore area in their mouth helps to soothe the pain and make it feel better. This natural remedy can give us temporary relief from toothaches and contribute to keeping our mouths clean and healthy.
Digestive Aid
Cloves have a long history of improving digestion. They stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, making it easier for our bodies to break down food and absorb nutrients. This can alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, and gas, promoting smoother digestion. Additionally, cloves increase digestive motility, reducing flatulence, gaseous irritability, and nausea. Their rich fiber content also contributes to easing symptoms of constipation and their ulcer-fighting properties add to their digestive benefits. Chewing cloves or enjoying clove-infused tea is a natural and effective way to support digestive health, providing relief from stomach aches and promoting overall well-being.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Chronic inflammation is linked to many health issues, from arthritis to heart disease. Cloves are known for their strong anti-inflammatory properties, mainly because of eugenol. Eugenol works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory molecules in the body, thus reducing swelling and discomfort. Additionally, cloves contain flavonoids and other antioxidants that further contribute to their anti-inflammatory effects. Research suggests that incorporating cloves into your diet or chewing them directly can help alleviate inflammation associated with various conditions, such as arthritis and gingivitis.
Respiratory Support
Clove is famous for helping with coughs and stuffy noses. Cloves have special stuff in them that can clear our noses and make breathing easier. We can chew cloves or drink clove tea to get these benefits. Some people mix cloves with honey and chew them to help with coughs and chest congestion. Adding cloves to what we eat or drink every day can make it easier to breathe and keep our respiratory system healthy.
Boost Heart Health
Chewing cloves can contribute to a healthy heart due to their rich antioxidant content. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, both of which are linked to heart disease. Eugenol in cloves have been shown to have cardio-protective effects by improving circulation and reducing the risk of blood clots. Additionally, cloves may help lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure, further promoting cardiovascular health.
Respiratory Support
Clove is famous for helping with coughs and stuffy noses. Cloves have special stuff in them that can clear our noses and make breathing easier. We can chew cloves or drink clove tea to get these benefits. Some people mix cloves with honey and chew them to help with coughs and chest congestion. Adding cloves to what we eat or drink every day can make it easier to breathe and keep our respiratory system healthy.
Liver Health Support
Cloves are known for their ability to support liver health. The eugenol and flavonoids content in cloves have hepatoprotective properties, meaning they help protect the liver from damage and promote its detoxification processes. Studies suggest that cloves may help reduce liver inflammation and prevent liver diseases such as fatty liver disease and liver cirrhosis. Incorporating cloves into your diet can help support overall liver function and keep this vital organ healthy.
Improved Bone Health
Chewing cloves can also benefit bone health. Cloves are rich in minerals like manganese, which is essential for bone development and maintenance. Research has shown that manganese helps increase bone mineral density and strengthen bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Additionally, the eugenol element in cloves have been found to help in bone formation and repair. So, chewing or adding cloves in your diet can help support bone health and prevent bone-related issues.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Recent research shows that cloves might help people with diabetes or insulin resistance control their blood sugar levels. Compounds like eugenol and antioxidants in cloves seem to make our bodies better at using insulin and keeping insulin levels steady. Also, cloves contain nigericin compounds that help insulin-producing cells work well and manage insulin resistance. By eating cloves, either by chewing them or adding them to food, we could keep our blood sugar levels steady and lower the chances of diabetes problems.
Weight Loss
Cloves may also help in weight loss and management. They contain compounds that help boost metabolism and increase fat burning in the body. Additionally, cloves have been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing cravings and preventing spikes in insulin that can lead to weight gain. Studies have suggested that incorporating cloves into your diet can help promote satiety, leading to reduced calorie intake and improved weight management. Adding cloves to your meals or chewing them directly can be a flavorful and beneficial addition for your weight loss.
Overall, chewing cloves has many health benefits, from helping with toothaches to supporting our digestion and more. With their long history of use and modern research backing, cloves show us the power of nature to heal. So, the next time you reach for a clove, remember that it’s not just a spice – it could also be helping to improve your health.
Sohail has been searching diets and belly fat solutions for over a decade, and manage a pool of trained authors to write articles, which have helped thousands of readers to this date. He has CPD accredited Certificate in Nutrition for Weight Loss besides his MBA degree. He also owns this website, which he founded in 2013 to share his ideas and knowledge. Not to mention he has tried numerous supplements over the years and has an extensive and thorough knowledge on supplements. Besides spending time on his study, research and literature, Sohail loves swimming, gardening and travelling.
