The Health Benefits of Cloves

Brief History of Cloves

The clove (Eugenia aromatica) is a pink flower bud of the clove tree that turns brown when dried. Cloves have a warm, sweet, and aromatic flavor and an oily compound that is vital to their medicinal and nutritional properties. Cloves are indigenous to the Moluccas volcanic islands of Indonesia previously known as the Spice Islands. Today Zanzibar is the largest producer of clove and are also grown commercially in the West Indies, Brazil, Pemba, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and India.

Nutrients in Cloves
Cloves (Eugenia aromatica) are an excellent source of manganese. They are a very good source of vitamin C, K, and dietary fiber. They are a good source of calcium and magnesium. NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS Nutritional value per Spices, cloves, ground 100 g (3.5 oz) Energy 323 kcal (1350 kJ) * Carbohydrates 61.21 g Dietary fiber 34.2 g * Fat 20.07 g * Protein 5.98 g * Vitamin C 80.8 mg Vitamin K 141.8 mcg * Calcium 646 mg * Magnesium 264 mg Potassium 1102 mg Manganese 30.033 mg A comprehensive breakdown of nutrients can be found in the Nutrition Database where this food can also be added to a meal planner.

Cloves as an Anti Fungal

Eugenol is a chemical compound extracted from the essential oil of cloves and other spices. Eugenol has been shown to be an effective natural anti fungal against the T. mentagrophytes and M. canis dermatophytes (tinia or ringworm), and although tea tree oil is a more effective anti fungal, a combination of tea tree oil and eugenol was found to be more effective. Tests have also demonstrated that essential oil of cloves to be effective against Candida albicans.

The fungicidal very well with drug nystatin, safe, and commercial drugs increasing pathogens, increasing side-effects.

potency of clove oil compares that of the commercial antifungal while providing for a less toxic, inexpensive alternative to without the risk of everresistance shown by the target toxicity problems at the required doses, and problematic

Cloves as an
Eugenol is the clove oil and is analgesic, local and antibacterial paste or mixture restorative Betacomponent of exhibit local

Anasthetic
principal chemical component of used in dentistry due to its anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, effects. It is used in the form of a as dental cement, filler, and material. caryophyllene, another clove oil, has also been shown to anesthetic activity.

Cloves can be used in relieving a toothache by placing a single clove on the aching tooth. Clove oil can also be used by soaking in some cotton wool and then placing the cotton wool on the aching tooth.

Cloves for Diabetes

USDAs Richard Anderson reports that bayleaf, cinnamon, cloves, and turmeric all can treble insulin activity, hinting that as little as 500 mg might be enough to have some effect. A tea of 500 mg each of these spices, with coriander and cumin, should be enough to treble insulin activity, possibly helping in late-onset diabetes.

Cloves as an Aphrodisiac
Extract of clove has been shown to enhance the sexual behavior of male mice. The results of the study resulted in a significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats, without any adverse effects. The results seem to support the claims for its traditional usage as an aphrodisiac.

Cloves
Like other spices, cloves are available throughout the year. They are renowned for providing their uniquely warm, sweet and aromatic taste to ginger bread and pumpkin pie, but they can also make a wonderful addition to split pea and bean soups, baked beans and chili. Cloves are the unopened pink flower buds of the evergreen clove tree. The buds are picked by hand when they are pink and dried until they turn brown in color. Cloves are about 1/2-inch long and 1/4-inch in diameter and with their tapered stem, they resemble tiny nails. In fact, their English name is actually derived from the Latin word clavus, which means nail. Although cloves have a very hard exterior, their flesh features an oily compound that is essential to their nutritional and

flavor profile.

This chart graphically details the %DV that a serving of Cloves provides for each of the nutrients of which it is a good, very good, or excellent source according to our Food Rating System. Additional information about the amount of these nutrients provided by Cloves can be found in the Food Rating System Chart. A link that takes you to the In-Depth Nutritional Profile for Cloves, featuring information over 80 nutrients, can be found under the Food Rating System Chart.

Health Benefits
Clove contains significant amounts of an active component called eugenol, which has made it the subject of numerous health studies, including studies on the prevention of toxicity from environmental pollutants like carbon tetrachloride, digestive tract cancers, and joint inflammation. In the United States, eugenol extracts from clove have often been used in dentistry in conjunction with root canal therapy, temporary fillings, and general gum pain, since eugenol and other components of clove (including beta-caryophyllene) combine to make clove a mild anaesthetic as well as an anti-bacterial agent. For these beneficial effects, you'll also find clove oil in some overthe-counter sore throat sprays and mouth washes. Anti-Inflammatory Activity Eugenol, the primary component of clove's volatile oils, functions as an anti-inflammatory substance. In animal studies, the addition of clove extract to diets already high in anti-inflammatory components (like cod liver oil, with its high omega-3 fatty acid content) brings significant added benefits, and in some studies, further reduces inflammatory symptoms by another 15-30%. Clove also contains a variety of flavonoids, including kaempferol and rhamnetin, which also contribute to clove's anti-inflammatory (and antioxidant) properties. A Nutrient-Dense Spice Like its fellow spices, clove's unique phytonutrient components are accompanied by an incredible variety of traditionally-recognized nutrients. Using our nutrient ranking system, we determined cloves to be an excellent source of manganese, a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids and a good source of calcium and magnesium.

Description
Cloves are the unopened pink flower buds of the evergreen clove tree. The buds are picked by hand when they are pink and dried until they turn brown in color. Cloves are about 1/2-inch long and 1/4-inch in diameter and with their tapered stem, they resemble tiny nails. In fact, their English name is actually derived from the Latin word clavus, which means nail. Although cloves have a very hard exterior, their flesh features an oily compound that is essential to their nutritional and flavor profile. Cloves have a warm, sweet and aromatic taste that evokes the sultry tropical climates where they are grown.

The Latin name for cloves is Eugenia caryophyllus.

History
Cloves are native to the Moluccas, formerly known as the Spice Islands of Indonesia. They have been consumed in Asia for more than 2,000 years. Owing to their sweet and fragrant taste, Chinese courtiers dating back to 200 BC would keep them in their mouths in order to freshen their breath when addressing the emperor so as to not offend him. Arab traders brought cloves to Europe around the 4th century, although they did not come into widespread use until the Middle Ages when they became prized for their pungent flavor that served to mask the taste of poorly preserved foods. While for a long time, they were cultivated almost exclusively in Indonesia, today the leading clove-producing region is Zanzibar in Eastern Africa. In addition to these two regions, cloves are also grown commercially in the West Indies, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, India, Pemba and Brazil.

How to Select and Store

Whenever possible, buy whole cloves instead of clove powder since the latter loses its flavor more quickly. When squeezed with a fingernail, good quality cloves will release some of their oil. Alternatively, you can place a clove in a cup of water. Those of good quality will float vertically while those that are stale will either sink or float horizontally. Even through dried herbs and spices are widely available in supermarkets, explore the local spice stores or ethnic markets in your area. Oftentimes, these stores feature an expansive selection of dried herbs and spices that are of superior quality and freshness compared to those offered in regular markets. Just like with other dried spices, try to select organically grown cloves since this will give you more assurance that the herb has not been irradiated. Cloves should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place. Ground cloves will keep for about six months, while whole cloves will stay fresh for about one year stored this way. Alternatively, you can extend their shelf life by storing them in the refrigerator.

How to Enjoy
For some of our favorite recipes, click Recipes. Tips for Cooking with Cloves Since cloves have a very intense flavor, especially those that have been ground, care should be taken when deciding how much to use in a recipe so as to not overpower the flavors of the other ingredients. The easiest way to grind whole cloves into a powder is to use a coffee grinder. A Few Quick Serving Ideas: Pierce an onion with whole cloves and add to soups, broths or poaching liquids. Adding ground cloves and curry powder to healthy sauted onions, garlic and tofu will give this dish an Indian-inspired zest. Impart a warming note to apple cider by adding ground cloves and cinnamon.

Spice up fruit compote by adding ground cloves. Add clove powder, walnuts and raisins to your favorite Thanksgiving stuffing recipe.

Individual Concerns
Cloves are not a commonly allergenic food and are not known to contain measurable amounts of oxalates or purines.

Nutritional Profile
Cloves are an excellent source of manganese. They are also a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and omega-3 fatty acids and a good source of magnesium and calcium. For an in-depth nutritional profile click here: Cloves. In-Depth Nutritional Profile In addition to the nutrients highlighted in our ratings chart, an in-depth nutritional profile for Cloves is also available. This profile includes information on a full array of nutrients, including carbohydrates, sugar, soluble and insoluble fiber, sodium, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and more. Introduction to Food Rating System Chart In order to better help you identify foods that feature a high concentration of nutrients for the calories they contain, we created a Food Rating System. This system allows us to highlight the foods that are especially rich in particular nutrients. The following chart shows the nutrients for which this food is either an excellent, very good, or good source (below the chart you will find a table that explains these qualifications). If a nutrient is not listed in the chart, it does not necessarily mean that the food doesn't contain it. It simply means that the nutrient is not provided in a sufficient amount or concentration to meet our rating criteria. (To view this food's in-depth nutritional profile that includes values for dozens of nutrients - not just the ones rated as excellent, very good, or good - please use the link below the chart.) To read this chart accurately, you'll need to glance up in the top left corner where you will find the name of the food and the serving size we used to calculate the food's nutrient composition. This serving size will tell you how much of the food you need to eat to obtain the amount of nutrients found in the chart. Now, returning to the chart itself, you can look next to the nutrient name in order to find the nutrient amount it offers, the percent Daily Value (DV%) that this amount represents, the nutrient density that we calculated for this food and nutrient, and the rating we established in our rating system. For most of our nutrient ratings, we adopted the government standards for food labeling that are found in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's "Reference Values for Nutrition Labeling." Read more background information and details of our rating system.
Cloves, dried, ground 2.00 tsp 4.40 grams 14.20 calories Nutrient Amount DV Nutrient World's Healthiest (%) Density Foods Rating

manganese omega 3 fatty acids vitamin K dietary fiber vitamin C magnesium calcium World's Healthiest Foods Rating excellent very good good

1.32 mg 0.20 g 5.96 mcg 1.52 g 3.56 mg 11.60 mg 28.40 mg

66.0 8.3 7.5 6.1 5.9 2.9 2.8

83.7 10.6 9.4 7.7 7.5 3.7 3.6 Rule

excellent very good very good very good very good good good

DV>=75% OR Density>=7.6 AND DV>=10% DV>=50% OR Density>=3.4 AND DV>=5% DV>=25% OR Density>=1.5 AND DV>=2.5%

Health Properties of Cloves

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree, an evergreen tree that grows in tropical climates. While cloves are mostly used for culinary purposes today, the health benefits of cloves have been known for centuries. The Chinese used cloves to get rid of bad breath over 2000 years ago, and it is even said that anyone who had an audience with the Emperor was required to chew on cloves so that their breath was sweet! It was also considered an aphrodisiac in China as well as Persia. Cloves have powerful medicinal properties. They are stimulating and have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties. They are also a natural anesthetic (due to the eugenol oil) which is why they were often used for dental procedures in centuries past and are still used in some cultures to remedy toothache. It is the oil that is derived from the cloves that is so powerful, and this is often used for medicines both topically and internally. This oil contains compound that helps with blood circulation and can stimulate the skin when applied directly to it. Cloves are a great spice to heal ailments of the digestive system. They are well known for relieving flatulence and can actually help promote good digestion as well as metabolism. They may also help relieve vomiting and diarrhea as well as a host of other digestive disorders. Cloves have been well known as an all around healing herb and its not just digestive problems that cloves are reputed to help with. In fact, they are used in tropical Asia to treat conditions such as scabies, cholera, malaria and tuberculosis. As an antispasmodic it can be applied topically to relieve muscle spasms or in a tea to ease coughing. It can also treat skin problems like styes and sores when applied as an ointment. It is said a paste of milk, salt crystals, and cloves can be a great headache remedy. Cloves are believed to have other health benefits that arent necessarily connected with an immediate illness. For instance, they can make a great mosquito repellant, as well as a moth repellent. Clove studded oranges are often used to repel many kinds of insects in tropical climates. Sucking on cloves may even reduce the craving for alcohol. Today, the health benefits of cloves are not mentioned much in the Western world, but this ancient spice is still a popular herb with Ayurvedic healers who use it in teas and powders both topically and internally. It is even found in the arsenal of aromatherapy practitioners.

Health Benefits of Cloves

The numerous health benefits of cloves have been known since ancient times. They are also used in different cuisines to add flavor to various dishes. Read on to understand the health benefits of cloves...

Cloves are the dried, unopened flower buds, that grow on a middle-sized evergreen clove tree. A clove tree grows up to the height of 10 to 12 meters. The clove flower bud (Eugenia aromatica) is pink in color, and when dried, turns brown. Clove is native to the Moluccas or Spice Islands (Indonesia), the Southern Philippines. Presently, Zanzibar is the largest producer of cloves. Also it is cultivated commercially in Sumatra, Jamaica, Brazil, India, West Indies, Pemba, Madagascar and other tropical areas. In India and China, cloves have been used to get rid of bad breath, since over 2000 years. It is said that in China, anyone who had consultation with the Emperor was required to chew on cloves so that their breath turned sweet. Also in China and Persia, the cloves are considered to have aphrodisiac qualities. Clove is used as a spice in different cuisines all over the globe. Due to its strong aroma, clove is used for cooking and also for flavoring various food recipes. In addition, cloves are known to have rich nutritional and medicinal values. A number of health benefits of cloves have been discussed below. Nutritional Value Cloves consist of a significant amount of proteins, iron, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and hydrochloric acid. They are also rich in vitamins like A and C, manganese, and dietary fiber. Analgesic Properties The analgesic property of clove is due to an active ingredient, eugenol oil, which is used for treatment of various dental problems like tooth ache. A cotton ball soaked in the clove oil can work wonders on the aching tooth. The oil obtained from cloves is known to possess antibacterial properties and is used in various dental creams, toothpastes, mouth wash, and throat sprays to cleanse bacteria. It is also used to relieve pain from sore gums and improves overall dental health. Anti-inflammatory Effects Cloves are also used as an anti-inflammatory agent, due to their high content of flavonoids. Aromatherapists use pure clove oil to cure the symptoms of rheumatism, and arthritis. The aromatic clove oil when inhaled, can help soothe certain respiratory conditions like cold, cough, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and also clears the nasal tract. Antiseptic and Antispasmodic Effects Due to its antiseptic characteristics, clove and clove oil work as an effective remedy for some common problems such as cuts, fungal infections, burns, wounds, athlete's foot and bruises. The clove oil if directly applied on the skin can cause irritation. The clove oil is hence used in the diluted form. As an antispasmodic agent, clove oil helps to relieve muscle spasms when applied topically near the affected portion. Digestive Health Benefits of Cloves Cloves can effectively cure many digestive problems. Cloves are known to have medicinal qualities to cure flatulence, loose motions, indigestion and nausea. Cloves are useful in relieving the symptoms of diarrhea, gastric irritability and vomiting. Cancer Researchers have suggested that the cloves can effectively prevent lung cancer as well as skin cancer.

Eugenol, an essential component found in cloves, helps in minimizing the harmful effects of environmental wastes that can cause cancer of digestive system. Immune System Clove and clove oil boosts the immune system by purifying the blood and helps to fight against various diseases. Other Health Benefits of Cloves Cloves are used for treating a number of health conditions such as malaria, cholera, scabies in the tropical Asian countries. Cloves benefit the diabetic patients by controlling the blood glucose levels. The essential constituent (Eugenol) found in cloves is also powerful for preventing blood clots. Clove oil mixed with milk and salt can be used as a home remedy for headache. It is one of the effective remedies for stye and various eye infections. If a piece of clove is applied to stye, it gives a great relief. Clove is used as a relief for ear aches, a mixture of clove oil and sesame oil is warmed and applied ear aches. Apart from these health benefits of cloves, they are known to offer various other general benefits too. Clove oil is used for the preparation of various beauty creams and lotions. It is also extensively used as a massage oil to provide relief from stress. Clove oil, in the form of purified liquid is widely used in synthetic vanilla and also used as flavors in the manufacture of perfumes, soaps and various toiletries. The clove oil makes an excellent natural mosquito repellent as well as moth repellent and can protect against mosquitoes for 4-5 hours. Clove, a versatile spice, is easily available in every home and with so many nutritional qualities, one can surely benefit in a variety of ways. But it's always advisable to consult your doctor before using clove oil in treating infants and during pregnancy.

By Asmii Vernekar

Health Benefits of Clove

The clove flower bud (Eugenia aromatica) is pink in colour, and when dried, turns brown. Clove is native to the Moluccas or Spice Islands (Indonesia), the Southern Philippines. Presently, Zanzibar is the largest producer of cloves. Also it is cultivated commercially in Sumatra, Jamaica, Brazil, India, Caribbean, Pemba, Madagascar and other tropical areas. It can be purchase quite easily in most Metropolis of the World. The health benefits of cloves include the prevention of toxicity from contaminants such as tetrachloromethane, cancers related to the digestive tract, and joint inflammation. In a number of medical studies, the essential oils of cloves are used in dentistry in coincidence with root canal treatment, short-term cavity fillings, and common gum ache. The chemical compounds in clove join to make clove a soft anaesthetic in addition to an anti-bacterial agent. The use of cloves in cooking helps in relieving flatulence and helps in the healing of various ailments of the digestive system. It is useful in promoting a healthy metabolism and good digestion. In addition, to its digestive properties, herbalists also use clove oil or clove extracts in treating diarrhea and nausea and various other stomach disorders. In certain parts of Asia, cloves are used as remedies to cholera, scabies, malaria and consumption. It has powerful anti-spasmodic properties and hence is useful in relieving muscle aches and pains in the form of a topical lotion or ointment. Antiseptic and Antispasmodic Effects:Due to its antiseptic characteristics, clove and clove oil work as an effective remedy for some common problems such as cuts, fungal infections, burns, wounds, athlete's foot and bruises. The

clove oil if directly applied on the skin can cause irritation. The clove oil is hence used in the diluted form. As an antispasmodic agent, clove oil helps to relieve muscle spasms when applied topically near the affected portion. Aphrodisiac:Extract of clove has been shown to enhance the sexual behaviour of male mice. The results of the study resulted in a significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats, without any adverse effects. The results seem to support the claims for its traditional usage as an aphrodisiac. Mosquito Repellent The natural oil of clove is a natural mosquito repellent and can give protection against mosquitoes for 4-5 hours. Immune System:Clove and clove oil boosts the immune system by purifying the blood and helps to fight against various diseases. Cardiovascular:The compound eugenol from cloves has been found to be a potent platelet inhibitor (prevents blood clots). Similarly, Garlic is much stronger than Clove in this context. Antiseptic and Antispasmodic Effects Due to its antiseptic characteristics, clove and clove oil work as an effective remedy for some common problems such as cuts, fungal infections, burns, wounds, athlete's foot and bruises. The clove oil if directly applied on the skin can cause irritation. The clove oil is hence used in the diluted form. As an antispasmodic agent, clove oil helps to relieve muscle spasms when applied topically near the affected portion. Clove oil can be used as an inhalant for various respiratory problems such as cold, cough, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis and tuberculosis. It is the main ingredient on the Topical side of Plaster used on flesh wounds. Cloves are used for treating a number of health conditions such as malaria, cholera, scabies in the tropical Asian countries. Cloves can effectively cure many digestive problems. Cloves are known to have medicinal qualities to cure flatulence, loose motions, indigestion and nausea. Cloves are useful in relieving the symptoms of diarrhea, gastric irritability and vomiting. Cloves benefit the diabetic patients by controlling the blood glucose levels. The essential constituent (Eugenol) found in cloves is also powerful for preventing blood clots. Similarly, Garlic is much stronger in this context. Clove oil mixed with milk and salt can be used as a home remedy for headache. It is one of the effective remedies for stye and various eye infections. If a piece of clove is applied to stye, it gives a great relief. Clove is used as a relief for ear aches, a mixture of clove oil and sesame oil is warmed and applied ear aches. Apart from these health benefits of cloves, they are known to offer various other general benefits too. Clove oil is used for the preparation of various beauty creams and lotions. It is also extensively used as a massage oil to provide relief from stress.

Clove oil, in the form of purified liquid is widely used in synthetic vanilla and also used as flavours in the manufacture of perfumes, soaps and various toiletries. The clove oil makes an excellent natural Mosquito Repellent as well as moth repellent and can protect against mosquitoes for 4-5 hours. How to Make Clove Oil:In order to make clove oil at home, you will need to have fresh cloves. If you have fresh cloves, then use four for this recipe. If you have old cloves, you should use six. Semi crush the cloves and put them in a small container. Pour in enough olive oil to cover them and let this stand for about a week. If you have the luxury of time, let it stand for longer. Remember that the longer it steeps, the stronger the oil will become. If you plan on steeping it for more than a month, after 15 days, pour in a little more oil. Do remember that this will give you very highly concentrated oil. Strain the oil before using it. Clove in Food:Traditionally in Ghana very few people actually used a variety of spices in their food, because most of our staple diet was organically grown and you could actually tasted the nutrients in them. For instance, tomatoes in the 80s tasted very sweet like plums. But since the introduction of fertilizers to the crops, there no longer any taste to it. Adding spices to your food will innovatively be treating oneself to not only a tastier dish, but a healthier lifestyle. Cloves & Cinnamon gives a great taste to any dish. My favourite method when roasting a leg of Goat or Sheep would be to:Equally insert about 12 Cloves into the flesh and leave overnight before cooking. Chop a large strong scented Onion, 2 x tablespoons of Thyme, Rosemary, Cinnamon, a Scotch Bonnet Pepper, 3 x Cloves of Garlic and put the lot into a blender with a cup of Peanut or Corn Cooking Oil and blend the mixture for about 2 mins. Take this mixture and base the Leg, put it into the Oven on a medium fire to roast for about 2-3 hours. Dont forget to base with the spice mixture and turn the Leg over every 15 mins to achieve a fully cooked roast. Serve your roast with a large helping of Jolouf Rice using only Ghanaian grown Brown Rice cooked with Pigeon Peas/Beans, a cup of Coconut Cream, Thyme, Rosemary, Cinnamon, one half of a Scotch Bonnet Pepper. Now enjoy a meal fit for Kings & Queens.