Clove has been around for thousands of years, and while most people know it as a spice you can use to flavor food, there are actually many different health benefits to clove. Here are nine of the best health benefits you didn’t know about this popular spice!
1) Pure anesthetic
Cloves are well known as a spice, but they also contain high amounts of eugenol. Eugenol is a natural anesthetic. It's present in many other plants, such as basil and cinnamon, but cloves have more than others. When applied to a tooth or gum where there's an infection, clove oil will numb it and give you temporary relief from pain. It can even be used for gum disease. Eugenol may also help reduce mouth bacteria that can lead to infection; one study found it did better than chlorhexidine at reducing bacterial counts in lab tests.
2) Antibacterial
One of clove's most popular uses is as an antibacterial. Cloves have been used for centuries to treat infections and help with dental care. Studies show that eugenol, a compound found in cloves, has significant antibacterial and antifungal activity against both drug-resistant and sensitive strains of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), methicillin-sensitive and -resistant S. aureus, HABP (Haemophilus aphrophilus) P1, HABP (Haemophilus aphrophilus) P2, B. licheniformis, S.
3) Natural antifungal
Cloves are natural antifungal and anti-bacterial agents. Add a few cloves to any of your favorite sauces, dressings, or stews to enjoy its natural flavor with added disease prevention benefits. Cloves contain eugenol, which studies have shown is a potent antifungal agent that kills yeast and other fungi without damaging human cells. In fact, clove essential oil is often used as an inexpensive additive to topical treatments for fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm.[4] Simply mix 2–3 drops of clove oil into your daily moisturizer or lotion for best results. You can also use it straight out of a bottle, but make sure it’s diluted because it can irritate sensitive skin.
4) A natural painkiller
Cloves can be consumed in different ways, including being eaten whole. But many people use cloves as part of their natural painkiller regimen. A compound found in cloves, eugenol, has been used for years to treat toothaches, for example. However, new research suggests that eugenol can also help lessen inflammation and pain—at least temporarily—in other parts of your body. Eugenol helps manage two major inflammatory triggers: interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Studies have shown that taking 3 mg of eugenol twice a day can relieve short-term rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
5) Effective treatment for sinus infections
Cloves can treat inflammation caused by sinus infections. Cloves are effective in killing germs that cause illnesses. Studies have also revealed that using cloves as an antibacterial agent can kill bacteria-causing bacteria and viruses like staphylococcus, which is responsible for causing food poisoning, diarrhea, skin diseases and infections of hair follicles. Hence, it is always a good idea to keep a stock of clove oil at home to deal with seasonal allergies or infections in winter. Before using clove oil on your skin make sure to do a patch test on your skin before using it regularly so as to avoid any side effects caused due to sensitivity issues with your skin. You should avoid applying clove oil directly onto your eyes as it may cause irritation in them as well.
6) Eases muscle tension
When you’re feeling stressed or tense, one of your typical responses is to roll your shoulders up to your ears. This can put a lot of pressure on your neck and back muscles, which results in aches and pains. Clove oil can help with that. To ease muscle tension, apply a few drops on painful areas or place cotton pads soaked in clove oil over stiff spots for 20 minutes at a time. You should see improvement within a couple of days.
7) Regulates blood sugar
Diabetics can use clove to stabilize their blood sugar levels. The spice may also be useful for preventing Type 2 diabetes in those who are predisposed to it. Add a small amount of clove oil to a teaspoon of honey and mix well. This can be taken before meals. It is best not to exceed four doses daily or three teaspoons total per day, due to possible negative effects on heart rate and blood pressure if overused. Cloves may have medicinal applications as an insecticide because they contain eugenol, which has been shown in some studies to kill bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. They contain anti-inflammatory agents that reduce nasal swelling during a cold and help relieve pain when used in creams made from essential oils for topical application.
8) Kills cancer cells in the body
Clove, when taken in a concentrated essential oil form, has been found to kill cancer cells in several studies. Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled division of cells which eventually develop into tumors and lead to death if left untreated. Cloves contain Eugenol which is one of its major components along with Beta Caryophyllene (BCP) and Alpha Caryophyllene (AC). BCP has been found to induce programmed cell death in colorectal cancer cells as well as block tumorigenesis in animals. AC on the other hand inhibits cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is responsible for inflammation associated with colon cancer growth. This helps limit tumor growth and reduces cell proliferation.
9) Prevents tooth decay
The best way to prevent tooth decay is to take care of your teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and visit your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings. But if you’re already experiencing dental issues, there are natural treatments that can help with tooth pain. Cloves are known for their antibacterial properties and have been used for generations in Ayurvedic medicine to fight plaque and gingivitis—the primary causes of tooth decay.