benefits of cloves

The extracts of cloves are potent enough to kill pathogens, including cholera causing bacteria. Cloves have anti carcinogenic properties. They have been proven to be helpful in controlling lung cancer when it is in the early stages.

The spice contains high levels of antioxidants which not only help in detoxifying the body and delaying ageing, but protect internal organs like the liver. Over the due course of time, metabolism increases the free radical production and encourages a high lipid profile in the liver all of which are counteracted by this spice.

Eugenol and its derivatives (which include flavones, isoflavones and flavonoids) are beneficial in the preservation of bone density, mineral content of bone and bones tensile strength; and so it helps in the prevention and cure of osteoporosis.

Cloves and nutmeg have been claimed to be effective aphrodisiacs according to Unani medicine, and tests proved these observations. The spice contains compounds that increase the white blood cell count, thus improving immunity and delaying hypersensitivity.

Cloves are rich in manganese. Cloves contain significant amounts of potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. Cloves are a good source of vitamins C and K, and to a lesser degree, vitamins A and B complex. Cloves are also a great source of dietary fiber and omega 3 fatty acids.

Cloves have antispasmodic and expectorant properties. Clove tea can ease cough and bronchial spasms brought on by colds, upper respiratory infections, cholera, malaria and tuberculosis. Topical use of clove oil can ease muscle spasms.

The clove tree, Syzygium aromaticum, is a broad leafed evergreen that can reach a height of about 35 feet. It has smooth shiny leaves that are dotted with glands that emit the tree s aromatic fragrance. Even more fragrant are the tiny yellow flowers that appear in loose clusters at the ends of the branches. Those flowers are seldom allowed to bloom. When the pink buds turn fiery red at the base, they are plucked and sun dried to a deep reddish brown. These dried buds are the delicious smelling cloves known to pharmacists and chefs world wide.

Ground cloves and whole cloves are used for seasoning in cooking around the world. It is common to use cloves to flavor pickles, ham and mincemeat. Cloves also go well with cooked apples. Some cake recipes also include ground cloves.

Clove oil has a pleasant smell but is very potent. The National Institutes of Health warn that it can damage your skin and mucous membranes. Although it seems to be safe, there is not enough research to be certain about clove oil s potential danger. It s advisable to stay away from pure clove oil, using products that contain much less than 1 percent eugenol.

Cloves can be bought whole or in the ground form. Whole cloves are much more aromatic and flavoursome and if possible try to buy whole cloves as opposed to the ground powder. Although some cooking recipes will call for ground clove powder, it is possible for you to grind the whole cloves at home. Using a pestle and mortar to grind the cloves is not the best choice, and if possible try to use an electric grinder of some sort, such as a coffee grinder.