🌿 The Healing Benefits of Cloves: Science-Backed Uses for Natural Wellness


 


  • Eugenol has antibacterial, antifungal, and numbing effects
  • Studies show clove gel works as well as benzocaine for minor dental pain
  • Used in some natural toothpastes and mouthwashes

🪥 How to Use:

  • Dab 1 drop diluted clove oil on a cotton ball and apply to sore tooth/gum (never undiluted!)
  • Chew one whole clove gently to release oils (spit out after)

⚠️ Not a replacement for dental care — see a dentist for infections.

2. Powerful Antioxidant Protection

  • Cloves have one of the highest antioxidant levels of any food (ORAC score: ~290,000 units per 100g)
  • Fights oxidative stress linked to aging, heart disease, and cancer

📌 Just ½ tsp of ground cloves provides more antioxidants than 1 cup of blueberries.

3. May Help Regulate Blood Sugar

  • Animal and small human studies suggest cloves improve insulin sensitivity
  • Contains nigricin, a compound shown to lower fasting blood glucose

🩺 A 2020 study found people with type 2 diabetes who took clove extract had improved HbA1c levels.

✅ Best when combined with a low-sugar diet and exercise.

4. Soothes Digestive Discomfort

  • Traditionally used for bloating, gas, nausea, and indigestion
  • Stimulates digestive enzymes and reduces gut inflammation

🍵 Try: Steep 2–3 whole cloves in hot water for 5–10 minutes → drink after meals.

5. Natural Antimicrobial & Antifungal Properties

  • Effective against:
    • E. coli, Salmonella (foodborne bacteria)
    • Candida albicans (yeast overgrowth)
    • Some strains of Staphylococcus

🧫 Lab-tested — but not a substitute for antibiotics in serious infections.

6. Anti-Inflammatory Support

  • Beta-caryophyllene reduces inflammation pathways in the body
  • May help with arthritis, joint pain, or metabolic inflammation

💡 Works best as part of an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.

🍽️ How to Use Cloves Safely & Effectively

✅ In Cooking

Add warmth and depth to:

  • Curries and rice dishes
  • Baked goods (pies, gingerbread)
  • Poached fruits (pears, apples)
  • Herbal teas and spiced lattes

📌 Use sparingly — strong flavor! Start with ¼ tsp ground or 3–5 whole cloves per recipe.

✅ As a Tea

Recipe:

  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 3–5 whole cloves
  • Optional: cinnamon stick, lemon, honey

Steep 10 mins → strain and enjoy warm.

✅ Topical Use (For Adults Only)

Diluted Clove Oil:

  • Mix 1 drop clove oil + 1 tsp carrier oil (coconut, olive)
  • Apply only to affected area (e.g., toothache)
  • Avoid broken skin or mucous membranes

🚫 Never ingest clove essential oil — toxic in large doses.

⚠️ Safety Tips & Precautions

❗Essential oil toxicity
Never consume undiluted clove oil — can cause liver damage, seizures
❗Tooth sensitivity or gum irritation
Stop if burning or swelling occurs
❗Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Culinary amounts safe; avoid therapeutic doses without medical guidance
❗Children under 2
Not recommended — risk of breathing issues or liver toxicity
❗Blood thinners (warfarin)
Cloves may increase bleeding risk — discuss with doctor

🩺 Always consult your healthcare provider before using cloves medicinally — especially if managing chronic conditions.

❌ Debunking the Myths

❌ “Chewing cloves cures cavities”
False — they relieve pain but don’t heal decay
❌ “Clove tea detoxifies your liver”
Misleading — no evidence of "detox"; liver cleanses itself
❌ “It boosts immunity instantly”
No — supports overall health, but doesn't replace immune function
❌ “More cloves = better results”
Dangerous myth — excessive intake causes nausea, liver issues

Final Thoughts

You don’t need exotic superfoods to support wellness.

But you can reach for the spice jar — knowing that something as simple as a clove holds centuries of healing wisdom.

So next time you're stirring a stew or sipping tea… pause.

Smell the warmth. Feel the comfort. Respect the power.

Because real healing isn’t loud. It’s quiet. And sometimes, it starts with one tiny bud — and one deep breath.

And that kind of tradition? It’s always in season.