Spicy cloves, flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, have been for aeons put to use in cuisines across the world, especially India, and in traditional medicines. Beyond the appreciation for their culinary capabilites, cloves have medicinal qualities.
Cloves is considered as an antioxidant-rich food for the presence of natural antioxidant eugenol, says Healthline. It also works as a natural anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and even a mild pain reliever and may prevent from blood clots, states Harvard Health.
Cloves can be great for dental health. Washing your mouth with with a concoction of cloves, basil, and tea tree oil will reduce bacteria that cause plaque, cavities, and gum disease and will maintain oral health, suggests Cleveland Clinic.
Cloves brings about better digestion. Most ulcers occurs when protective mucus in stomach gets too thin. Studies suggest that eating cloves in larger amounts could assist in strengthening this layer and lower the risk of developing ulcers, says WebMD.
Some studies have shown that clove extracts might preserve bone density, indicating potential benefits for bone health, states Healthline.
Research has indicated that the eugenol in cloves can work on maintaining blood sugar levels, which could be beneficial for individuals with diabetes states WebMd, but Cleveland Clinic warns that people being medicated with insulin for diabetes shouldn't have clove supplements; it might be dangerous.
According to Medical News Today, studies have discovered that having cloves daily can reduce your body weight, abdominal fat and even liver fat, but more research is required to prove this for humans.
Clove oil might have potential cancer-fighting properties, says Healthline! The eugenol, in cloves, may be responsible for the destruction of breast cancer cells, as per lab tests and research done. But giving clove oil to children is not recommended.