How Cloves Grow
If you’ve ever looked at whole cloves and thought that they resemble flower buds, then you were right: They are the flower buds of the clove tree, scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum. The clove tree is an evergreen plant native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia, but it is now cultivated in tropical regions around the world. They grow best in tropical climates with rich, well-drained soil and regular rainfall. The tree can grow to a maximum height of 30 feet and produce fragrant, crimson flower buds that are harvested before they bloom. Those little buds are then dried in the sun, and when they turn the deep reddish-brown color that you are probably used to. This process can take anywhere from several days to weeks, depending on the method used. Cloves are always harvested by hand to ensure the best quality possible.
Benefits of Cloves
There is a compound in black cloves that you may never have heard of, but it can do amazing things for your health. This compound is called eugenol. It contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and has been used for generations in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. While more scientific research is still needed to fully understand the properties of cloves and how they improve our health, no one is denying that this is a powerful little spice. Here are some possible health benefits of cloves:
Ease Dental Pain and Prevent Gum Disease
Eugenol, as we now know, is a powerful antibacterial agent. This means that it can help to reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria contribute to dental plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Traditionally, cloves have been recognized for their ability to decrease tooth pain and prevent gum disease. You can access these benefits by using clove-based herbal mouthwashes or even by applying clove oil topically to the affected area. Be careful not to use too much and avoid swallowing the oil. This may help to alleviate toothaches and gum inflammation. Cloves may offer a natural and effective solution to promote oral health and prevent dental issues. That being said, if you have persistent tooth pain, bleeding or inflamed gums, or jaw pain, you should visit your dentist.
May Help Lower Blood Sugar
If you have a family history of high blood sugar, cloves may offer a natural solution to help you keep yours at an appropriate level, avoiding the need for medications. The impact of cloves on blood sugar levels has garnered some attention, as some research has found potential benefits for those with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition. The research suggests that the eugenol in cloves may help to improve insulin sensitivity, thus helping to lower blood sugar levels. Though this is exciting research, it is important for diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals not to ignore the advice of their doctor. First of all, cloves cannot replace traditional blood sugar medications and treatments. Secondly, if you are already on medications to control your blood sugar, it is important that you talk to your doctor before incorporating high doses or concentrations of cloves into your daily routines. The best way to profit from the blood sugar-controlling benefits of cloves without compromising your medication or your health is to simply incorporate them into a well-balanced diet. Consuming it as a spice in food and warm drinks shouldn’t be problematic. If you are curious about using cloves in a more potent form, you must consult your health care provider first.
May Help Lower Blood Pressure
Not only can they help to lower blood sugar, but this powerful little spice can help to lower blood pressure at the same time. Research has shown that eugenol, along with some of the other compounds found in cloves, have vasodilatory effects. This means that they may help to relax and widen blood vessels, potentially leading to lower blood pressure. Cloves also contain antioxidants which help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, two factors known to contribute to high blood pressure. Some research shows that incorporating cloves into your diet or using clove oil in aromatherapy may help to promote healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular health. That being said, they can not replace prescribed blood pressure medications. Anyone already on blood pressure medication should consult with their doctor before trying any kind of naturopathic aid for their blood pressure.
Eugenol in Cloves: Exploring Potential Anti-Cancer Properties
Eugenol is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance. Thanks to these properties, it has some promising potential as an anti-cancer agent. There is some research that suggests that the bioactive components in cloves may help to inhibit the growth of cancer cells while simultaneously inducing cell death in certain types of cancer. More research is required to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these anti-cancer effects of cloves. Incorporating cloves into an already healthy, balanced diet may offer some additional cancer protective effects. As always, it is important to remember that cloves cannot and should not replace traditional cancer treatments. It is important to consult a healthcare practitioner before incorporating cloves for potential cancer prevention, especially if you are looking to take them in high concentrations.
Relieve Itchy Skin
In traditional medicine, cloves – in particular, clove oil – have been used to help relieve itchy skin. This is thanks to the spice’s natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Again, it is the powerful compound eugenol at work here, having been found to have a soothing effect on itchy, irritated skin. To use clove oil on your skin, you must first dilute it in a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. From there, apply this oil mixture topically to the affected area. Before applying to a large or highly visible area of your skin, first do a patch test to check for any adverse reactions. Just because clove oil is natural, doesn’t mean it will necessarily be right for you. As always, it is best to first consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider before use. This is especially if you have sensitive skin or pre-existing skin conditions, to make sure that this is safe for your skin and won’t make your condition worse.
Improve Breathing
If you’re having some difficulty breathing, perhaps some phlegm build-up post cold and flu season, then breathing in steam with cloves may offer some respite. Eugenol and other aromatic compounds in cloves have been traditionally used for their therapeutic benefits on the respiratory system. Clove-infused steam can help to open up your airways, soothe sore throats, and alleviate respiratory congestion. It can be beneficial for relief from colds, bronchitis, and even allergies. It does this by loosening mucus and making it easier to breathe. All you have to do is add a few cloves or a few drops of clove oil to a bowl of steaming hot water, lean over the bowl and cover your head with a towel to trap the steam, and breathe deeply. Do be cautious to ensure that the steam is warm but not too hot, as steam can very easily burn your skin. If you have pre-existing respiratory conditions or sensitivities, consult with your doctor before trying this method.
