Top 12 Clove Benefits For Digestion, Immunity, and More!

Indian spices are celebrated worldwide for their health benefits and rich aroma. Among them, clove or “Laung” (लौंग) or “Lavanga,” stands out for its remarkable Ayurvedic and medicinal properties. The list of clove benefits is extensive—it is a natural painkiller and a time-tested home remedy for colds, coughs, and sore throats. Additionally, it is a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine.

Beyond enhancing the flavor of dishes like biryani, dal, curries, soups, and tea, cloves boast an impressive nutritional profile packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Furthermore, their low-calorie content makes them a great addition to a weight-loss diet.

Interestingly, research highlights that cloves contain eugenol, a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making them beneficial for oral health, digestion, and overall immunity.

So, let’s discuss this traditional spice more and understand its benefits for modern health! Read on!

What Are Cloves?

Cloves are dried flower buds from the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), a tropical evergreen tree native to Indonesia. These aromatic buds have been used for centuries in cooking, medicine, and Ayurveda due to their strong flavor and powerful health benefits.

Appearance & Taste

• Cloves are small, dark brown, and nail-shaped.
• They have a strong, warm, and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of bitterness.
• Their aroma is intense and spicy, making them a key ingredient in Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Uses of Cloves

• Culinary – Used in biryanis, curries, masalas, teas, and desserts.
  
• Medicinal – According to the National Library of Medicine, cloves are known for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and pain-relieving properties.
  
• Ayurveda & Traditional Medicine – Used for digestion, cough relief, and oral health
  
• Essential Oil – Clove oil is popular for toothache relief and skincare.

Nutritional Facts Of Cloves

Cloves are loaded with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C as well. According to the Nutrition Value, one teaspoon (2.1 gm) of ground cloves provides: 

12 Clove Benefits To Improve Your Health

Despite being a little spice, clove has a ton of health advantages. This spice can really help you overcome health issues, below is a list of a few of its benefits:

1. Act As A Natural Painkiller 

• Due to the eugenol present in cloves, they function as natural antibacterial, dried cloves help with toothaches, which is one of the most notable potential pain-relieving effects.
  
• In fact, compared to a typical treatment, they are more effective at reducing pain, inflammation, wound healing, and infection.
  
• Clove is used as a traditional remedy to cure toothaches, sore throats, and coughs.
  
• Crush a few cloves and mix them with a little olive oil, then apply the paste to the affected tooth for pain relief. Alternatively, place a whole clove near the aching tooth and let it release its natural oils. In case of a headache, use a bit of clove oil and massage it over your head for relief.

2. Clove Benefits Diabetic People

• Another benefit of cloves is their anti-diabetic properties. The eugenol and other bioactive compounds in cloves help regulate blood sugar levels. They support stable sugar levels and may aid in lowering insulin resistance.
  
• Eugenol in cloves has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. Flavonoids in cloves also contribute to their anti-diabetic effects by reducing oxidative stress, which is associated with insulin resistance.
  
• A research article highlighted that including cloves in the diet can help lower blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

3. Good For Bone Health

• Low bone mass, osteoporosis, and arthritis are among diseases that can affect a lot of people, especially in old age. However, clove contains a good amount of manganese which is an essential vitamin for bone health. Additionally, clove’s eugenol promotes stronger and denser bones.
  
• According to the National Library of Medicine, Clove’s health advantages ultimately guard against illnesses like osteoporosis, fractures, and breaks brought on due to poor bone mass. People with osteoporosis and weak bones must have cloves regularly.

4. Has Anti-Cancer Properties

• Clove extract, according to the National Institutes of Health, can inhibit the growth of tumors and cause the death of cancer cells. Eugenol is responsible for clove’s anti-cancer qualities and its ability to lower the risk of esophageal cancer.
  
• Further, eat more cloves to prevent cancer, as the compound eugenol in cloves has potent anticarcinogenic qualities and aids in the early management of lung, breast, and ovarian cancer.

5. Powerhouse Of Antioxidants

• Strong antioxidants like cloves can help alleviate a number of chronic medical disorders. Also, the oxidative stress that prevents chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, is decreased by antioxidants.
  
• Eugenol, a natural antioxidant found in abundance in clove, combats free radicals five times more effectively than any other antioxidant. It halts cell deterioration, hence halting the onset of numerous diseases. Cloves, along with other foods high in antioxidants, can help you live a healthier life.

6. Treats Digestive Issues

• Cloves are frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat digestive problems. Besides, Cloves help ease nausea, gas, and vomiting. You can have ginger tea mixed with clove to relieve indigestion.
  
• Cloves have carminative properties, which help reduce bloating, gas, and indigestion. They stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, aiding in the breakdown of food and promoting smooth digestion. Clove water for PCOS also has beneficial effects.
  
• To improve digestion, chew 1-2 cloves or make clove tea by steeping crushed cloves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. You can also add a pinch of clove powder to warm water or tea after meals, which enhances digestion. One of the best clove benefits is to relieve nausea and gastric irritation.

7. Clove Benefits In Treating Ulcer

• Stress, bacterial infections, or heredity can all cause stomach ulcers. However, the loss of the stomach’s mucus layer is what leads to these ulcers. This mucus layer aids in protecting the stomach walls from acidic food digestion.
  
• Some animal research indicates that eugenol could help treat stomach ulcers.
  
• Stomach ulcers occur when the walls of the stomach become too thin. The chemicals in cloves contribute to the thickening of these walls. Clove both heals existing ulcers and lowers the chance of developing new ones.

8. Clove Benefits In Increasing Testosterone Levels in Men

• Spices like cloves have a positive effect on men’s reproductive health. It also helps improve men’s health in a number of ways. There are many clove water benefits for male health.
  
• Further, it improves sex life, boosts sperm count, eliminates infertility, boosts libido, lessens the occurrence of early ejaculation, and fortifies reproductive organs.

9. Aids in Weight Loss

• According to NCBI research, cloves contain eugenol, which may enhance metabolism by stimulating thermogenesis, the process that helps the body burn fat more efficiently.
  
• Regular consumption of cloves can support weight management by boosting calorie burning and reducing hunger.
  
• To make clove tea, steep 1-2 crushed cloves in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Drink this tea before meals to help with digestion and promote weight loss.

10. Supports Respiratory Health

• According to the National Institutes of Health, cloves have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help soothe the throat, reduce cough, and clear nasal congestion. They may also help in managing asthma by reducing airway inflammation.
  
• Boil 2-3 cloves in a cup of water with honey and ginger. Sip this concoction to help relieve cough and cold symptoms naturally.

11. Relieves Stress and Improves Sleep

• According to a research study, the fragrance of clove oil is known to have a calming effect, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. It can be used in diffusers to create a soothing environment and reduce stress.
  
• Add a few drops of clove essential oil to a diffuser or apply a diluted solution to your pillow. The soothing aroma helps promote deep and restful sleep.

12. Improves Skin Health

• According to the National Library of Medicine, cloves have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively fighting skin infections or acne. They help reduce redness, swelling, and bacteria on the skin.
  
• Make a face pack by mixing clove powder with honey to create a thick paste. Apply it to your face, leave it for 10-15 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water for smoother, glowing skin.

5 Ways To Add Cloves Benefits To Your Daily Life

Since the beginning, cloves have been a staple in Indian cuisine because of their strong minty scent, delicately spicy flavor, and several health advantages. In traditional desi cuisine, either used whole as a bud or ground into a fine powder.

However, Clove powder is frequently included in traditional Indian spice blends like garam masala and Chettinad masala. Here are a few ways how you can enjoy clove benefits by adding it to your diet. 

1. Add It To Your Tea To Enjoy Clove Benefits: The easiest way to enjoy the benefits of cloves is by adding them to your everyday tea, or you can just have clove tea. Boil some tea, add clover powder or dried cloves, strain it, and have it on an empty stomach to lose weight or either during the evening to soak in all the nutrients present in the cloves.

2. Dessert Recipes: You can add ground clove to your cake batter. It will make your baked goods more aromatic and a bit healthy. Cinnamon and nutmeg go well, along with cloves.

3. Natural Oil: Use clove oil to massage your head in case you have a headache. You can also use clove oil as a mosquito repellent. Clove oil is also one of the best home remedies for lower back pain relief.

4. Add It To Your Indian Recipes: You can add it to your rice recipes like pulao or biryani, as well as to your pickle and authentic chicken gravies.

5. Room Freshener: Use an essential oil diffuser that acts as a room freshener and also as an insect repellent.

Consult our expert dietitian to get a personalized diet plan with clove benefits that will help you achieve your fitness and health goals naturally!

Potential Side Effects And Precautions To Consider

Let’s understand the potential side effects, who should avoid cloves, and precautions to consider:

Side Effects	Issues	Who Should Avoid Cloves	Precautions
1. Allergic Reactions	Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic rashes after contact with cloves.	People with Allergies to cloves or other spices.	Patch Test – Always do a patch test before topically using clove oil.
2. Digestive Issues	Excessive consumption of cloves can lead to stomach irritation or gastric discomfort.	People with Sensitive Stomachs or digestive issues like acid reflux.	Moderation – Limit the intake of cloves to small amounts, especially in concentrated forms like clove oil.
3. Blood Thinning	Cloves can have mild blood-thinning effects due to eugenol, which may interact with blood-thinning medications.	People on Blood Thinners (e.g., warfarin) or those with bleeding disorders.	Consult Doctor – If you’re on any medication, especially blood thinners, consult a doctor before using cloves regularly.
4. Oral Health Issues	Applying clove oil directly to the gums or teeth in high concentrations may cause burning sensations or irritation.	Children under the age of 2 may be sensitive to concentrated clove oil.	Dilution – Always dilute clove oil before applying it to the skin or gums.
5. Liver Toxicity	In large amounts, cloves may stress the liver and lead to toxicity over time.	People with Liver Conditions or liver dysfunction.	Avoid Overuse – Do not exceed recommended doses of clove oil or clove supplements.
6. Hormonal Effects	Cloves may have estrogenic effects, which could impact hormone-sensitive conditions.	People with Hormone-Related Conditions (e.g., breast cancer or endometriosis).	Consult with a doctor – If you have a hormone-related condition, check with a doctor before using cloves regularly.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has proven that the acceptable daily amount of clove in humans is 2.5 mg/kg body weight. 

Conclusion

Despite being a little spice, clove has several health advantages. Also, this spice contains a wealth of nutrients that support healthy blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, enhance bone, liver, and digestive health, lessen pain, lower the risk of heart disease and cancer, and promote dental health.
Here are the key takeaways:

• What Are Cloves? Cloves are dried flower buds from the Syzygium aromaticum tree, known for their strong flavor and health benefits. They are used in cooking, medicinal remedies, and as essential oils for various treatments.
  
• Nutritional Value: Cloves are packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers, including manganese, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Their low-calorie content makes them an excellent addition to a diet plan for weight loss.
  
• Powerful Health Benefits:
  
  • Natural Painkiller: Cloves help alleviate toothaches, sore throats, and headaches due to their eugenol content, offering natural pain relief.
  • Diabetic Support: Cloves help regulate blood sugar levels and support stable insulin production, benefiting diabetic individuals.
  • Bone Health: Cloves contain manganese and eugenol, promoting stronger, denser bones and preventing conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis.
  • Anti-Cancer Properties: Clove extract, rich in eugenol, has the potential to inhibit tumor growth and reduce cancer cell proliferation.
  • Antioxidants: Cloves are a powerhouse of antioxidants, fighting oxidative stress and preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
  • Digestive Health: Cloves help ease nausea, gas, and indigestion, promoting healthy digestion and improving enzyme secretion.
  • Ulcer Treatment: Cloves aid in healing stomach ulcers and preventing the formation of new ulcers by strengthening the stomach lining.
  • Weight Loss: Cloves, through eugenol, may enhance metabolism and support fat burning, aiding in weight management.
  • Respiratory Health: Cloves help treat coughs, colds, and asthma by reducing inflammation and clearing nasal congestion.
  • Stress Relief & Sleep Improvement: Clove oil’s calming aroma promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves sleep quality.
  • Skin Health: Cloves have antimicrobial properties, effectively treating acne and skin infections and promoting smoother, glowing skin.
    
• Ways to Add Cloves to Your Daily Life: Enjoy cloves in tea, and culinary dishes, or use clove oil for headaches, skincare, and as a mosquito repellent. A clove diffuser also helps freshen the air and repel insects. There are many clove water benefits for females, so include them in your diet.
  
• Potential Side Effects & Precautions:
  
  • Side Effects: Overuse of cloves can cause allergic reactions, digestive issues, blood thinning, or liver toxicity.
  • Who Should Avoid: People with allergies, digestive sensitivities, blood thinning conditions, or liver issues should exercise caution.
  • Precautions: Always dilute clove oil, limit intake, and consult a healthcare provider, especially if on medication or dealing with hormone-related conditions.

Please consult with our Fitelo experts to get a personalized diet plan that includes clove benefits for a healthy you!

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Here at Fitelo, we have many success stories of our clients who all manage to fight against the odds by following the best diet plan to lose weight. So, let’s read the success stories of these motivational people and get inspired by their weight loss journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens If We Eat Clove Daily?

Consuming cloves daily can improve digestion, boost immunity, support oral health, and promote overall well-being due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Do Cloves Have Side Effects?

While cloves offer numerous health benefits, excessive consumption may lead to digestive issues, allergic reactions, or interactions with blood thinners.

How Many Cloves Are Safe Per Day?

Consuming 1-2 cloves per day is generally considered safe for most people, though it’s best to avoid excessive intake, especially in concentrated forms like clove oil.

What Is The Best Time To Take Cloves?

The best time to consume cloves is on an empty stomach in the morning or after meals to enhance digestion and metabolism.

Can Cloves Reduce Belly Fat?

Yes, cloves can help reduce belly fat by boosting metabolism and promoting fat-burning through their eugenol content, which stimulates thermogenesis. Consuming clove tea regularly may aid in weight management when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

Contact Us

We’re never leaving you hanging with doubts, queries, as well as confusing questions. We understand how all this information gets overwhelming as well as a little confusing on your way to a healthy lifestyle. Hence, you can always contact us at any time as our experts are here to guide you 24/7. Also, we will help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Disclaimer

This blog post was written to help you make healthy and better food choices altogether. So, be aware and take care. The important thing to consider is your health before starting a restrictive diet. Always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.

Stay Healthy And Happy!