Originating from Indonesia, cloves are widely used for culinary purposes, as they impart a pleasant aroma and flavor to recipes.
But it has the potential for much more than that.
Cloves are rich in nutrients and essential oils that are important for the body.
There are many benefits of this spice.
Clove acts as an antiseptic, healing, antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
Its use is recommended for coughs, intestinal gas, inflammation, toothache, bronchitis and also to help with weight loss, as cloves speed up metabolism and improve digestion, facilitating fat loss.
Eugenol is the substance that gives cloves their scent and most of their medicinal powers.
Thanks to eugenol, cloves have antiseptic and anesthetic properties.
And there is research, also because of eugenol, on the action of cloves on cancers of the digestive system and inflammation in the joints.
In cloves, we also find minerals such as iron, manganese, potassium, selenium and magnesium.
Additionally, it provides vitamins such as A, C, K and beta-carotene.
An excellent oil is extracted from cloves, which is recommended for weak nails, to combat nail fungus and chilblains.
Another great byproduct of cloves is its extract.
Clove extract kills fungi and moths.
Dissolved in alcohol or water, it can be used as an air freshener.
Mixed with water, it works as a mouthwash.
The pure extract is also used for general itching and insect bites.
At the end of the post, we will teach you how to make clove oil and extract.
Now you will learn about ten benefits of cloves:
1. Analgesic and antiseptic
Cloves relieve toothache, gum pain and sore throats.
It is also a good home remedy for infections, burns and wounds.
2. Circulation
Cloves detoxify and improve blood circulation, benefiting the entire body and stimulating immunity.
3. Expectorant
Cloves act as an expectorant and loosen mucus present in the throat and esophagus.
This activity makes it effective against coughing.
4. Speeds up metabolism
Cloves speed up metabolism, promoting increased production of saliva and fluids responsible for digestion.
This results in rapid fat burning.
5. Digestive
Cloves improve digestion as they increase the secretion of digestive enzymes.
It combats constipation and helps with nausea and stomach discomfort.
6. Cramps
Clove reduces muscle spasms and relieves cramps.
7. Mouthwash
Clove is a good antiseptic, acting against bacteria found in the mouth and stomach and helping to eliminate bad breath.
It also works as a preventative against cavities.
8. Thyroid
Cloves are also beneficial to the thyroid and, therefore, act in the prevention of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
9. Cholesterol control
Cloves help control bad cholesterol.
10. Anti-inflammatory
Due to the presence of eugenol, cloves are a good natural anti-inflammatory, helping to combat inflammatory diseases.
CLOVE TEA, OIL AND EXTRACT
To take advantage of the benefits of cloves, in case of internal problems, such as inflammation and digestive problems, the ideal is to drink tea made from this spice.
Preparing clove tea is simple.
You will use a tablespoon of cloves and a liter of water.
In a container, place the water and cloves and bring to the boil.
When boiling bubbles start to form, leave it for another ten minutes and then turn it off.
Wait for it to cool, strain and drink immediately, a maximum of three cups a day.
Clove oil is recommended for weak nails, fighting nail fungus and chilblains.
To do this, mix 30 grams of cloves with 200 ml of olive or sunflower oil and cook in a bain-marie for one hour.
Let it cool, strain and store in a clean, dry glass jar.
Just apply a little of it to the affected areas.
And finally, clove extract kills fungi and moths.
Dissolved in alcohol or water, it can be used as an air freshener.
Mixed with water, it works as a mouthwash.
A teaspoon of the extract in a glass of water is used for itching in the genitals and in cases of genital candidiasis.
Simply rinse the area twice a day, in the morning and before bed.
The pure extract is also used for general itching and insect bites.
To make the extract, place 100 grams of cloves and one liter of cachaça in a dark glass.
Mix and leave to stand for at least two months.
It is ready to use when the liquid turns brown.
Important: cloves are contraindicated for pregnant or lactating women, as well as children under 6 years of age and patients with gastrointestinal problems and neurological diseases.