Health Benifits of Clove
Cloves are a sweet, aromatic spice. It is the flower buds of the Clove tree, (Syzygium aromaticum). A native to Indonesia, it is mainly grown in Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Madagascar. A Majority of cloves' health benefits come from Eugenol and Caryophyllene, two strong germicides which are also antioxidants, antimicrobials, and kill parasites and repel insects. Moreover, One teaspoon of ground clove contains 30% of the recommended dietary intake of Manganese, 4% of Vitamin K, 3% of Vitamin C and small amounts of calcium, magnesium and vitamin C.
Cloves from Sri Lanka, identified with the geographical indication of Ceylon Cloves are available in pods, powder, and clove oil and offer distinctive health benefits, including;
- Benefits Digestive System
- Regulates Blood Sugar
- Improves Liver Health
- Improves Oral Health
- Improves Respiratory Tract Health
- Soothes Mental Tensions
- Soothes Acne
- Improves Scalp Health
- Rejuvenates Skin
Benifits Digestive System
Cloves have been widely used in Chinese and Ayurvedic herbal medicine to treat a multitude of digestive tract conditions and have been a potent home remedy against flatulence, hiccups, and motion sickness.
The high presence of Eugenol helps to reduce the occurrence of food poisoning through Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Salmonella, E.coli. As well as fighting against food poisoning, Eugenol’s antimicrobial properties make cloves a spice that helps food preservation.
Clove has been found to increase the production of gastric mucus, protecting the internal lining of the stomach, duodenum, or oesophagus from peptic ulcers. (2) In addition, clove extracts have been found to exhibit effects similar to anti-ulcer medications (3) which also accounts for its positive effect on gut health
Regulate Blood Sugar
Diabetes weakens the pancreatic cells that create insulin, leaving the body without sufficient insulin for normal functioning. Clove oil helps to maintain these insulin levels as it regulates the postprandial insulin and glucose response mechanisms.
According to research, the polyphenol in clove extracts, especially in clove oil, works in three different ways to regulate the blood sugar level.
- Helps mucus cells of the digestive tracts to absorb 63% more glucose, consequently reducing the glucose levels in blood circulation.
- Restraining the glucose production in liver cells.
- Restraining the activities of digestive enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates and sucrose into glucose.
Therefore, clove extracts can effectively control the blood sugar levels after meals, reduce fasting glucose levels, while increasing glucose consumption.
Improves Liver Heath
Repeated studies have found clove extracts to improve liver health, protecting the liver cells against inflammation and degeneration
The compound Eugenol found in clove has been found to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in liver cells while reversing the signs of liver cirrhosis. Incidentally, research has also found to reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress in liver cells caused by binge drinking (8) while antioxidants in clove also reduced oxidative stress in liver stress.
However, overconsumption of Eugenol can have negative effects on the liver and can cause permanent liver damage.
Improves Oral Health
Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum swelling caused by Gingivitis, a gum disease that is caused by bacteria build up around the gum line. Clove oil, which is rich with antiseptic and antibacterial quality can reduce the swelling and pain in the affected areas when applied and massaged gently. Chewing cloves also can relieve pain since it releases the clove extract within the mouth.
Clove is a proven treatment for mouth ulcers and small lesions that occur under the tongue, i
