They may help relieve:
Bloating
Gas
Indigestion
Nausea
In Ayurveda, cloves are considered a “deepan” — a digestive fire igniter.
✅ Tip: Add 1–2 whole cloves to rice, soups, or stews — remove before eating.
4. Rich in Antioxidants
Cloves have one of the highest antioxidant levels of any spice — even higher than cinnamon or turmeric.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which damage cells and contribute to:
Aging
Chronic inflammation
Heart disease
Cancer
✅ ORAC value (measure of antioxidant capacity): Cloves score over 290,000 — among the highest of all foods.
5. May Help Regulate Blood Sugar
Preliminary studies suggest cloves may improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels.
A compound called eugeniin shows promise in regulating glucose metabolism
Animal studies show reduced fasting blood sugar
💡 Note: Not a replacement for diabetes medication — but may support metabolic health when used in moderation.
6. Boosts Immunity & Fights Infections
Cloves have natural antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
They’ve been shown to inhibit:
E. coli
Candida albicans (yeast)
Staphylococcus aureus
Even some respiratory viruses
✅ Great during cold and flu season — especially when combined with honey and lemon.
🍵 3 Simple Home Remedies Using Cloves
1. Soothing Clove Tea (For Digestion & Relaxation)
Perfect for: Upset stomach, bloating, or calming nerves before bed.
Ingredients:
2 cups water
4–5 whole cloves
Optional: 1 slice ginger, ½ tsp honey
Instructions:
Boil water
Add cloves (and ginger if using)
Simmer 10 minutes
Strain and add honey
Sip slowly
✅ Drink 1x daily — avoid excess (eugenol in high doses can be toxic).
2. Clove Steam Inhalation (For Sinuses & Skin)
Perfect for: Cold congestion, sinus pressure, or clearing pores.
Ingredients:
4 cups boiling water
8–10 whole cloves
Instructions:
Pour into a large bowl
Lean over it (safe distance!)
Cover head with towel
Breathe deeply for 5–10 minutes
✅ Add eucalyptus or tea tree oil for extra decongestant power.
3. Homemade Clove Tincture (For Dental Pain)
Perfect for: Emergency toothache relief.
Ingredients:
¼ cup dried whole cloves
½ cup high-proof alcohol (vodka or rum)
Instructions:
Place cloves in a glass jar
Cover completely with alcohol
Seal and store in a cool, dark place
Shake daily for 2 weeks
Strain and store in a dropper bottle
To Use:
Dip cotton swab in tincture
Apply to sore tooth or gums
Repeat every few hours if needed
✅ Keep out of reach of children.
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
While cloves are safe in culinary amounts, caution is needed with concentrated forms:
❌
Essential oil too strong
Always dilute (1–2 drops in carrier oil like coconut)
❗
Not for internal use in large doses
Eugenol toxicity can affect liver and blood clotting
❗
Avoid during pregnancy
May stimulate uterine contractions — consult doctor
❗
Allergic reactions possible
Test on skin first — redness or burning means stop
❗
Children under 2
Avoid clove oil entirely
✅ Bottom line: Whole cloves = safe. Oil and tinctures = use wisely.
💬 Final Thoughts: Sometimes the Most Powerful Medicine Comes in the Smallest Package
We chase wellness with expensive supplements, exotic herbs, and complex regimens.
But sometimes, the most potent remedies are already in our spice racks.
Cloves may be tiny.
But they carry the weight of ancient wisdom and modern science.
So next time you reach for that little jar…
Don’t just sprinkle.
Chew one.
Brew a tea.
Make a tincture.
Because sometimes, the difference between “just a spice” and “true healing”…
Isn’t in the dose.
It’s in the intention.
And once you start using cloves not just to flavor — but to heal?
You might just find that the best medicine doesn’t come from a lab.
It comes from the earth, fire, and quiet strength of a single bud.
