Cloves are popular herb gotten from the flower buds of the clove tree; they are small and shaped like nails and they are popular home remedies for many ailments due to their powerful therapeutic effects.
They are potent in treating a lot of ailments and they have a sweet aroma and flavor. It is one of the main ingredients in ginger bread; it is added to meals, drinks and cookies and can be taken as tea.
This herb is rich in many powerful compounds and healing phytochemicals, there are at least 36 different active compounds and the most active is eugenol; it has lots of health benefits despite their tiny shapes and they are nutrient dense.
A teaspoon of clove is estimated to contain a good amount of vitamin C, and K; fiber, magnesium, sodium, manganese, potassium, iron, iodine, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and other important and vital minerals that the body needs for optimum growth and development.
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The flower buds, leaves and stems are all used for therapeutic purposes; oil can also be extracted from this herb and used for medicinal purposes. This is an evergreen plant and it is available all year round.
Therapeutic Uses of Cloves
They are popular for their anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties; but they have a lot of other health benefits and we will be looking at the most relevant health and therapeutic benefits of cloves.
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They prevent mutation
Cloves are rich in powerful compounds that prevent oxidative damage and mutations in the body which can lead to cancer, DNA damage and other health complications.
Their strong anti-mutagenic properties prevent damage to the DNA; they prevent changes in the genetic makeup of an individual, and guide the integrity of the DNA and genetic molecules.
This also keeps the whole body healthy and prevents diseases.
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They cure headaches
Its active ingredient Eugenol is a powerful alternative to painkiller medications; it is more effective than painkillers and it can act without leaving negative impact on the body.
It is used as a natural remedy for headaches due to these factors and it is even effective against tension headaches and migraines. Make clove tea and take it regularly when experiencing headache; it will relieve the pain and calm the body.
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They make the bones healthy
Regular intake of cloves keeps the bone healthy and prevents bone problems; their rich content of minerals like calcium, magnesium and phosphorous prevents de-mineralization, osteoporosis and bone weakness.
They help to retain bone mass and prevent deterioration; they even help to reduce the symptoms and pains of rheumatic arthritis. This is due to their rich content of flavonoids, isoflavones and flavones.
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Prevent and treat stomach ulcers
The phytochemicals in cloves that helps in treating painful stomach ulcers; cloves stimulates the production of mucous in the stomach and this helps to cover the thin lining of the stomach that have been exposed.
This mucous produced covers that thin lining and prevent the thinning of the lining; which can expose them to gastric acids and erosion of gastric tissues can occur.
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Soothes toothaches
Clove or clove oil is an effective remedy for toothaches and other periodontal problems; their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties relieve pain and swelling around the affected tooth.
Their antiseptic properties also kill bacteria that cause toothache, gum disease, mouth odour, accumulation of plaque on the teeth and other periodontal problems. It also prevents infections from spreading in the mouth.
You can take clove tea or add clove oil to a cotton ball and rub it on the affected tooth and surrounding gum. You can also crush clove leaves and place it on the affected gum or tooth for few minutes if you don’t have access to the oil. Or you can grind two cloves and add little olive oil; and apply this mixture to the affected area for some minutes.
Clove is a natural antiseptic and due to this, it can kill microbes in the mouth that cause bad breath; they also keep the tongue clean by clearing bacteria and decaying matter from the palate, tongue and the upper part of the throat.
Their aromatic scent which is strong helps gives the mouth a wonderful and natural scent; you can chew few pieces of cloves or drink clove tea for healthy oral health.
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Treat respiratory conditions
All parts of clove plant and its oil are effective for all types of respiratory problems; they have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
They prevent and treat common cold, viral infections, stuffy nose, asthma, sore throat, tuberculosis, sinuses and bronchitis. They also have chemo protective compounds that prevent and guards against lung cancer.
If you are having any respiratory condition; take many cups of tea daily till you see improvement. You can also inhale the oil by adding it to hot water and inhaling it. Or you can chew o three or more cloves daily.
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Prevent morning sickness
Cloves are effective against morning sickness and nausea and vomiting; their aromatic and soothing properties relieve these conditions and they are safe for pregnant women. This will help them overcome morning sickness, nausea and vomiting and other symptoms of pregnancy.
Mix clove powder and raw honey; take this mixture to stop vomiting. You can take clove tea, chew few cloves or inhale clove oil.
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They treat earaches
Their anti-inflammatory and pain relieving compounds can give instant relief from earaches; their antimicrobial and antiseptic properties prevent ear infections and also treat it.
Combine clove and sesame oil in equal amounts and warm the mixture lightly; soak a cotton ball in this oil blend and place it inside the ear canal. You can also mix crushed cloves in hot olive oil; let it sit for 30 minutes, then you strain it and put few drop in the ear. Let it stay for some minutes, and then you drain it out.
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They relieve stress
Their strong and soothing aroma and rich nutrient phytochemicals help to relieve stress and relax the body; their active ingredient eugenol, is a powerful muscle relaxant. Take clove tea to relieve stress.
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Improve the circulation of blood
Cloves impact the metabolism of the body; they reduce high body temperature and boost the circulation of blood. Take clove tea and you can also massage your body with clove oil.
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