Cloves have one of the highest antioxidant levels of any spice — even more than cinnamon or oregano
Packed with eugenol, a compound that fights free radicals and reduces oxidative stress
May help protect against chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer
📊 A study in Journal of Medicinal Food found clove extract had 30x more antioxidant activity than blueberries (by weight).
2. Natural Pain Relief (Especially for Toothaches)
Eugenol is a natural anesthetic and antiseptic
Clove oil has been used for centuries to numb tooth pain
Still used in dentistry today — found in some temporary fillings and pain-relief gels
✅ Try: A drop of diluted clove oil on a cotton ball for temporary toothache relief (not for children under 2).
3. Supports Digestive Health
Stimulates digestive enzymes
Helps reduce bloating, gas, and indigestion
Traditionally used to treat nausea and motion sickness
🌿 In Ayurveda, cloves are used to kindle “digestive fire” (agni).
4. Antimicrobial & Antifungal Properties
Studies show clove extract can inhibit:
Bacteria (including E. coli and Staph)
Fungi (like Candida)
Viruses (in lab settings)
✅ Makes it a natural candidate for oral health and food preservation.
5. May Help Regulate Blood Sugar
Animal and test-tube studies suggest clove extract can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose
Contains nigericin, which may help cells absorb sugar more effectively
🔬 Human trials are limited — but promising for metabolic health.
6. Liver Protection
Eugenol has been shown to reduce liver inflammation and fat accumulation in animal studies
May support detoxification pathways in the liver
✅ A great addition to a liver-supportive diet — but not a treatment for liver disease.
7. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Chronic inflammation is linked to diseases like arthritis and diabetes
Clove compounds help reduce inflammatory markers in the body
✅ Helpful as part of an anti-inflammatory diet.
🍽️ How to Use Cloves in Your Daily Life
1. In Cooking
Whole cloves: Add to rice, stews, mulled wine, or pickling brines (remove before eating)
Ground cloves: Use in baked goods, spice blends (like garam masala), or smoothies
🍏 Pair with cinnamon and nutmeg for immune-supportive warmth.
2. Clove Tea (Simple & Soothing)
Recipe:
