Cloves, scientifically known as (Syzygium aromaticum) have been used as a flavouring agent in so many cuisines in different parts of the world.
It is one of the ingredients in gingerbread baked goods, hibiscus flower beverages (zobo drink), and even in Indian cuisine. However cloves are just beyond flavour, it contains a vital surprising healthy nutrient that you may not know.
They are found in both whole and ground forms, this versatile spice can be used to season pot roasts, add flavor to hot beverages, and bring spicy warmth to cookies and cakes.
Histologically Cloves have been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, Africa and Chinese for their supposed aphrodisiac properties and ability to treat headaches and indigestion.
Cloves are used in food industries as food preservatives.
Evidently, some animal studies have supported this, indicating that the compounds in cloves may have several health benefits, including supporting liver health and helping stabilize blood sugar levels.
This article reveals to you the important health benefits of eating cloves including uses, side effects, and cloves recipes you may start enjoying. Feel free to skip ahead.
The small, round spice that we know of as clove is actually tiny flower buds grown on the evergreen tree with the species name Syzygium aromaticum belonging to the Myrtaceae family.
Small amounts of clove are typically ground and added to dishes like fall-inspired baked goods and beverages — such as gingerbread cookies, some red wine, zobo drinks, mulled wine, and marinades for meats.
The clove buds contain several compounds of interest, such as eugenol, eugenyl acetate, trans-caryophyllene, β-caryophyllene, polyphenols, tannins, and triterpenoids.
These rich bioactive compounds make it a sought-after home remedy for illness from dental complications to inflammation of several kinds.
Clove flower buds are harvested in their immature state and then dried. Whole cloves are shaped like a small, reddish-brown spike, usually around 1 centimeter in length, with a bulbous top.
Today, cloves are mostly grown in India and Madagascar. In addition to being used as a warm and aromatic culinary spice, it’s also the source of clove oil, which is a concentrated essential oil that is high in volatile compounds and antioxidants.
Health Benefits of Cloves
Cloves are rich in antioxidants, especially the type called eugenol, which is a phenolic compound that can reduce oxidative stress.
This compound is present in concentrations of 80%–90% in clove bud oil and 82%–88% in clove leaf oil.
Other bioactive compounds isolated from clove extracts include flavonoids, thymol, benzene, and methylene chloride.
Studies have found that with its ability to fight free radical damage, eugenol may especially help defend against the development of chronic diseases and may help promote healthy aging.
Clove’s top benefits include some of the following:
1.Support Immune Function And Kills Bacteria
In addition to fighting inflammation and acting as an antioxidant, eugenol also acts as a natural germicide due to its antimicrobial properties.
This makes it similar to raw garlic, another type of bulb that contains immune-boosting compounds, such as allicin, that fight bacteria growth.
In addition, research has shown that clove buds have immunostimulatory activities that can help promote immune response mechanisms.
Cloves have been shown to have antimicrobial properties, meaning they can help stop the growth of microorganisms like bacteria.
One test-tube study showed that clove essential oil killed three common types of bacteria, including E. coli, which is a strain of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
What’s more, the antibacterial properties of cloves could even help promote oral health.
In one test-tube study, the compounds extracted from cloves were found to stop the growth of two types of bacteria that contribute to gum disease.
Another study of 40 people tested the effects of an herbal mouthwash consisting of tea tree oil, cloves, and basil.
After using the herbal mouthwash for 21 days, there were improvements in gum health, as well as the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth.
In combination with regular brushing and proper oral hygiene, the antibacterial effects of cloves may benefit your oral health.
Clove extract and oil are even sometimes used in food preservation because they can help keep the growth of bacteria, including listeria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus, under control.
These can contribute to food poisoning.
2. May Improve Liver Health
Studies show that the beneficial compounds in cloves could help promote liver health.
The compound eugenol may be especially beneficial for the liver.
One animal study fed rats with fatty liver disease mixtures containing either clove oil or eugenol.
Both mixtures improved liver function, reduced inflammation, and decreased oxidative stress.
Another animal study showed that the eugenol found in cloves helped reverse signs of livercirrhosis, or scarring of the liver.
Unfortunately, research on the liver-protecting effects of cloves and eugenol in humans is limited.
However, one small study found that taking eugenol supplements for 1 week decreased levels of glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), a family of enzymes involved in detoxification that’s often a marker of liver disease.
Cloves are also high in antioxidants, which may help prevent liver disease due to their ability to help decrease oxidative stress.
Nevertheless, eugenol is toxic in high amounts. One case study in a 2-year-old boy showed that 5–10 mL of clove oil caused serious liver damage.
Research shows that the compounds found in cloves may help keep blood sugar under control.
An animal study found that clove extract helped moderate blood sugar increases in mice with diabetes.
Another test tube and the animal study looked at the effects of clove extract and nigericin, a compound found in cloves, both on human muscle cells and in mice with diabetes.
Cloves and nigericin were found to increase the uptake of sugar from the blood into cells, increase the secretion of insulin, and improve the function of cells that produce insulin.
Insulin is a hormone responsible for transporting sugar from your blood into your cells. The proper functioning of insulin is essential for maintaining steady blood sugar levels.
In combination with a balanced diet, cloves could help keep your blood sugar levels in check.
4. May Reduce Stomach Ulcers
Some research indicates that the compounds found in cloves could help treat stomach ulcers.
Also known as peptic ulcers, stomach ulcers are painful sores that form in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus.
They’re most commonly caused by reductions in the protective lining of the stomach, which are due to factors like stress, infection, and genetics.
In one animal study, essential oil from cloves was shown to increase the production of gastric mucus.
Gastric mucus functions as a barrier and helps prevent erosion of the stomach lining from digestive acids.
Another animal study found that clove extract helped treat stomach ulcers and exhibited effects similar to those of several anti-ulcer medications.
Though the anti-ulcer effects of cloves and their compounds may be promising, further studies are needed on their effects in humans.
5. May be used as Pain Relief/ Anti-inflammatory agent.
Clove, and especially clove oil, has long been used in dental care due to its natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its antiseptic and antibacterial effects.
It can help dull aches, reduce swelling and provide relief from discomfort among people with toothaches, skin breakouts, headaches, and sometimes other conditions.
It can also help prevent plaque from forming on teeth, which may cause painful cavities.
A new application of clove as a larvicidal agent is an interesting strategy to combat dengue which is a serious health problem in Brazil and other tropical countries.
6. High In Antioxidants
In addition to containing several important vitamins and minerals, cloves are rich in antioxidants.
Cloves also contain a compound called eugenol, which has been shown to act as a natural antioxidant.
In fact, a test-tube study found that eugenol stopped oxidative damagecaused by free radicals five times more effective than vitamin E, another potent antioxidant.
Including cloves in your diet along with other antioxidant-rich foods can help improve your overall health.
7. May promote bone health
Low bone mass is a condition that affects an estimated 43 million older adults in the United States alone.
It can lead to the development of osteoporosis, which may increase the risk of breaks and fractures.
Some of the compounds in cloves have been shown to help preserve bone mass in animal studies.
For example, an animal study found that clove extract high in eugenol improved several markers of osteoporosis and increased bone density and strength.
Cloves are also rich in manganese, providing an impressive 30% of the DV in just 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of ground cloves.
Manganese is a mineral that’s involved in the formation of bone and is incredibly important to bone health.
An animal study found that taking manganese supplements for 12 weeks increased bone mineral density and bone.
However, current research on the effects of cloves on bone mass is mostly limited to animal and test-tube studies. More research is needed to determine how it may affect bone formation in humans
8. May Help Protect Against Cancer
Some research suggests that the compounds found in cloves might help protect against cancer.
One test-tube study found that clove extract helped stop the growth of tumors and promoted cell death in cancer cells.
Another test-tube study observed similar results, showing that concentrated amounts of clove oil caused cell death in 80% of esophageal cancer cells.
The eugenol found in cloves has also been shown to have anticancer properties.
A test-tube study found that eugenol promoted cell death in cervical cancer cells.
However, keep in mind that these test-tube studies used very concentrated amounts of clove extract, clove oil, and eugenol.
Eugenol is toxic in high amounts and overdosing on clove oil may cause liver damage, especially in children. Further research is needed to determine how lower amounts may affect humans.
Cloves Plant
Risks and Side Effects
When consumed in small amounts in food, clove is generally well-tolerated and safe for most people, assuming they don’t have an allergy to the spice.
However, clove oil should be handled with more caution, especially if using it internally.
The Clove essential oil is generally recognized as a safe substance when consumed in concentrations lower than 1 500 mg/kg.
On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) established that the daily quantity acceptable of clove per day is 2.5 mg/kg of weight in humans.
Clove oil should only be ingested in very small amounts since it can trigger side effects if over-consumed.
What Are The Side Effects Of Cloves?
Consuming clove oil has the potential to cause indigestion and other digestive issues, burning sensations, and possibly liver damage.
When applied topically it can also cause skin rashes, burning, and tingling, so use it with caution.
Clove oil and extracts are not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, due to a lack of research.
People who are taking medications to control diabetes, hypoglycemia, or bleeding disorders should only use clove products under supervision from a doctor since eugenol can affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels.
Dogs given oral doses of 0.25 g/kg of eugenol manifest vomiting, weakness, lethargy, and ataxia.
Uses (Dosage/Recipes)
What Does Clove Taste Like?
Due to the presence of eugenol, it has a pungent taste. You’ll like to detect notes of sweetness, bitterness, astringency (drying the mouth), and also heat.
For culinary purposes, cloves can be used either whole (such as in marinades) or ground in spice form.
Pick out the clove bulbs before serving recipes, since they have a woody texture and very strong taste that is usually off-putting when consumed whole.
If using bulbs to make ground cloves, use a spice grinder, mortar and pestle, or a clean coffee grinder. Use one teaspoon of whole cloves in place of 3/4 teaspoon of ground cloves.
Clove uses include adding a warm and distinctive flavor to:
baked goods and desserts, like cookies, muffins and cakes, and “pumpkin pie spice”
pot roasts and other meat dishes
hot beverages, like zobo juice, spiced lattes, chai tea, mulled wine, and cider. I like enjoying it in my Zobo recipe (hibiscus).
Indian dishes, including curries, biryani dishes, or chutneys (cloves are one spice used in garam masala)
rice dishes
clove tea, which can be made at home by simmering about one tablespoon of whole cloves in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes
What Are Some Cloves Substitutes?
The best substitutes include other, similar warm spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice. Together, these spices are used in many of the same recipes, and they are the ingredients in pumpkin pie blends.
Overall, cloves are described as being “more powerful” in terms of flavor than similar spices, so only use a very small amount to keep the flavor from being overwhelming.
Dosage
How Much Clove Is Safe To Consume?
In-ground spice form, up to one teaspoon at a time, such as twice per week, is safe.
If using clove for dental health, look for mouthwash and toothpaste with 1% to 5% clove essential oil.
If using clove extract, read directions carefully, since concentrations vary from product to product.
Generally speaking, avoid ingesting clove oil unless you’ve gotten permission from a doctor. If you do ingest it, make sure to dilute it with another oil, such as olive oil, and to only consume 1–2 drops.
To keep ground clove or clove buds fresh, store them in an air-tight container at room temperature. Whole buds will remain fresh longer than finely ground powder.
When used as a ground spice, cloves contain very few calories but provide antioxidants and some essential vitamins and minerals, especially manganese — which is important for bone building, managing inflammation, and regulating blood sugar.
Because of its strong taste, it’s often used only in small amounts in cooking, but for even more powerful effects clove oil and clove extract can be consumed.
One teaspoon (2 grams) of ground cloves contains about:
6.5 calories
1.2 grams carbohydrates
gram protein
0.4 grams fat
0.7 grams fiber
0.6 milligrams manganese (30 percent DV)
2.8 micrograms vitamin K (4 percent DV)
1.6 milligrams vitamin C (3 percent DV)
Conclusion
Cloves are a warm spice sourced from flower buds of the evergreen plant Syzygium aromaticum.
These buds are high in antioxidants, including eugenol, as well as essential oils that have natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
Potential clove benefits include supporting oral health, fighting infections, prompting better metabolic health, and aiding in liver and digestive health.
You can consume clove as a ground spice, use the whole buds in marinades and herbal teas, or use clove oil or extract.
Be careful about applying this oil to your skin or taking it internally. It may cause burning, tingling, and other reactions in some cases.
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