Cloves: Properties, Benefits, and Uses

They help to digestThey are considered anti-inflammatory, and infusions of this spice can be used to treat skin mycoses. They have aphrodisiac properties. cloves, very versatile and easy to use in the kitchen, as we will see, they have property e benefits Not to be underestimated. Cloves are actually a highly fragrant, and therefore very versatile, spice (used in cooking, but also for personal hygiene and to perfume the home). They are obtained from the flowers of a plant native to Indonesia, Madagascar, and Zanzibar. They are dark brown in color and between 12 and 15 centimeters long.

Index of topics

Nutritional values

What are they in? nutritional values of clovesOne hundred grams of this spice contains:

Calories 274
Sugars 2,38 grams
Fat 13 grams
Dietary fiber 33.9 grams
Sodium 277 milligrams
Protein 5,97 grams
Carbohydrates 65,53 grams

Property

Don't let the name fool you: the cloves They are very different from the carnations we grew in the garden. We are talking about the buds dried still closed Eugenia Caryophyllata, tree native to theIndonesia and today cultivated throughout the tropical belt. They are called this way both for their crafts (which resembles that of a nail), both because the apical part vaguely resembles the flower of the plant carnationEvery hundred grams of cloves, which contain 274 calories, contain among other things:

10 grams of water
65 grams of carbohydrates
34 grams fibers
13 grams of lipids
6 grams protein
2,4 grams of sugars

And then:

1022 milligrams of Potassium
632 milligrams of Calcium
277 milligrams of sodium
259 milligrams of Magnesium
104 milligrams of Phosphorus
12 milligrams of Iron

Finally, cloves contain Vitamin A, B6, C, E, K.

What do they contain?

Cloves contain flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes and volatile compounds including eugenol, responsible component of the analgesic power of this spice. In the Middle Ages, in fact, they were one of the most sought-after goods as a remedy for almost all ailments. Among other things, they are useful for keep moths away from our pantries.

Benefits

Even with less miraculous enthusiasm, the beneficial properties of cloves have been largely confirmed by modern science. What are, then, the real benefits What are the benefits of using cloves? Let's look at them together:

Anti-inflammatoryCloves can be used to soothe any inflammation affecting the mouth, such as gingivitis, canker sores, herpes simplex, stomatitis, and sore throat. In all these cases, they are effective whether held in the mouth and sucked like a lozenge, or used as an infusion, or a few drops of essential oil as a mouthwash.
DigestiveTaken as an infusion, they are considered an excellent digestive. They aid the functioning of the stomach and are recommended for expelling excess intestinal gas.
HalitosisIf you're going on a date, try chewing a clove. It's also very effective after eating garlic.
AntioxidantAnother benefit is that they are 80 times more antioxidant-rich than an apple. Therefore, consuming these buds helps fight cellular aging.
ToothacheClove essential oil is a popular natural remedy used as an effective treatment for toothache. Alternatively, simply apply a single clove near the painful tooth and wait a few minutes.
HeadacheChewing cloves, or drinking their infusion, is an excellent way to soothe headaches, prevent and combat memory lapses, and defeat mental fatigue.
AphrodisiacTheir aphrodisiac power has also been confirmed. Furthermore, they can make any dish they season an aphrodisiac.
AntimicrobialInfusions of this spice are used to combat skin mycoses, often combined with thyme and coriander.
To preserve foodCloves counteract the oxidation process of lipids, allowing foods to retain their freshness for longer.
NauseaClove tea is used to relieve nausea, indigestion, and intestinal disorders.

Herbal tea with cloves

In the most acute moments of nausea and vomiting, the cloves can be consumed at design or in the form of herbal tea. Preparing it is really easy. Let's see together what you need and how to prepare.

Ingredients

3-4 cloves
1 glass of water

Method

Let's fill a saucepan with waterWe also add the cloves and bring to the boil.
As soon as it boils, cover with a lid and turn off the gas.
We leave it like this for 10 minutes until our herbal tea is lukewarm.

At this point we have no choice but to beer Drink our infusion before or after meals. The symptoms will disappear quickly.

Where are they located and how much do they cost?

Carnation flowers can be easily purchased at any shop equipped with spices,, or even specialized in these products. You can also find them in herbalistsCloves can be purchased online from major retailers or from sites specializing in spices and related products. The average price for good-quality cloves is around 15 euros for a 250-gram jar. The best cloves come from Madagascar, Zanzibar, and the Comoros.

Powder with cloves

You can grind cloves into a very fine powder, which you can add to drinks such as tea, hot milk, or smoothies, as well as to sweet and savory dishes. The advice is not to exceed a daily dose of a quarter of a teaspoon.

Cloves chewed directly

A single clove, with its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can also be chewed directly: it is able to relieve the toothache or even improve digestion. Be careful not to overdo it, because if you chew a few at once, the cloves may have a flavor that is too strong and therefore unpleasant for your palate.

The mouthwash

Cloves can also be used effectively in a natural homemade mouthwash. This recipe calls for 10 cloves in 200 ml of water. Place in a small saucepan with a lid, bring to a boil, and only after the water has turned yellow, turn off the heat and let it cool. Strain, add a sprig of mint to give a fresher taste, and your mouthwash is ready.

Controindicazioni

Among the important qualities of cloves is the fact that, if used correctly (and the same goes for oil), they do not present any real contraindications. If the product is very concentrated, it could cause irritations e mycosis, while only in people very sensitive to this type of spice, could they cause contact dermatitis.

Cloves: properties, benefits and uses