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Clove: Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

By NS Desk | Herbs | Posted on :   10-Dec-2020

Clove is a plant-based herb, which can also be known by various other names such as Syzygium aromaticum, Laung, Kirambu Tailam, etc. Clove is a significant spice, which is called "Mother Nature's Antiseptic." Clove is particularly used in the treatment of toothache and acts as a home remedy. Placing a piece of clove near the infected area or the aching tooth can ease the pain. Clove is also beneficial in the treatment of colds, cough/sore throat infection because of its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, clove can also be used in managing diabetes as it lowers down the level of blood sugar, and hence diabetes can be managed. Clove oil can be used in the prevention of mosquito bites as it has spectacular mosquito repellent properties. However, if we consume clove Churna or apply clove oil on the skin on the penis, it can help in preventing premature ejaculation.  

As we talked about the advantages of clove, a demerit of clove that should be kept in mind is that the clove oil can damage the skin or even burn it if it is utilized without dilution.

History of Clove

Clove was originated in the 3rd century BC, where the Chinese emperor ate cloves for managing and freshening their breath. Later, Romans used cloves in the 1st century AD and were known as Pliny the Elder. Clove reached Egypt in 176 AD. Cloves were operated by Omani sailors and merchants who were trading from India in the middle ages to Africa. Before recent times, cloves were growing only on some of the Moluccas islands, which includes Makian, Moti, Tidore, Ternate, and Bacan. The oldest tree of clove, according to the experts, is on Ternate island, which is around 350-400 years old tree. Cloves used to be exported like oil, and Dutch East India Company has a monopoly over clove as it has on nutmeg.

Perquisites of Clove

  • For Premature ejaculation-

Scientific view

Ayurvedic view

According to the scientific view, clove has a significant role in improving male sexual disorders such as premature ejaculation. Clove is known to increase sexual activity, and any risks are reduced. A study done on animals has shown that using clove is used in enhancing erection time, hence proving sexual performance.

According to the Ayurveda, clove can enhance sexual performance and improve premature ejaculation because it has Vajikarana property.

Tip-

  1. Have ¼ teaspoon of Clove churna.
  2. You can take it either with mishri or honey after taking your meals.
  • For cough

Scientific view

Ayurvedic view

According to the scientific view, there are some constituents present in cloves like Eugenol and flavonoids, which contain anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties and inherits the development of bacteria, yeast, and virus. These further help in removing the mucus from the respiratory to clear the passage and act as medicine. It lowers down the inflammations and hence, helps in the management of cough.

Tip-

  1. Have ¼ gm of clove powder.
  2. Mix it in 125 ml of boiled water until ¼ volume is left.
  3. Consume the drink when it is still hot by straining the solution.  

According to Ayurveda, clove can be beneficial in providing relief in cough as it contains cough syrup medicine and antimicrobial activity because it has Kapha and pitta balancing properties.

  • For Flatulence (gas formation)

According to Ayurveda, clove has Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties, which help in the improvement of digestion and lower down the risk of development of gas.

Tip-

While cooking rice or curry, add 2-3 whole pieces of cloves.

  • For vomiting

Scientific view

Ayurvedic view

According to the scientific view, clove can help in the prevention of vomiting. It digests the food and reduces the formation of gas, which is the cause of vomiting. It further provides relief in irritability, uneasiness, or vomiting due to gas formation. 

According to Ayurveda, clove can be used in controlling vomiting and nausea as it helps in the improvement of digestion and lowers down the risk of the formation of gas. It has Sita (cold) and Pitta balancing properties, which provide comforting in side effects due to gastric problems.

Tip-

  1. Whenever you feel nausea or vomiting, eat 1-2 cloves.
  2. You can have clove tea as well.
  3. For controlling vomiting, take the clove tea 1-2 times a day.
  • For diarrhea

Scientific view

Ayurvedic view

According to the scientific view, clove oil can be beneficial for indigestion problems because it has a germicidal effect that fights against various bacteria such as E. coli. Moreover, it also helps in removing the parasites and controlling loose motion and indigestion. Clove can also be used in treating the symptoms of diarrhea, gastric fire, and vomiting.

According to Ayurveda, clove is beneficial in controlling and reducing diarrhea because it contains Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties, which can relax the digestive tract and also reduces Ama (toxins, which are left in the body) and result in the thick stool.

Tip-

  1. Have 4 cups of water.
  2. Mix ½ teaspoon of clove.
  3. Boil the mixture for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Add 1 teaspoon of honey after cooling the mixture at room temperature.
  5. Have it two times a day.
  • For anal fissure

Scientific view

Ayurvedic view

According to the scientific view, clove can be beneficial in the prevention of chronic anal fissures. If we apply topical cream, which consists of clove oil, it can significantly impact reducing the resting anal pressure in patients who have chronic anal fissures.

According to Ayurveda, clove contains Ropan (healing) property, which helps reduce the risk of anal fissures.

  • For mouth ulcers

According to Ayurveda, clove can be useful in reducing the pain and inflammation caused due to mouth ulcers as the clove has healing effects and contains Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), and Sita (cold) properties. 

Tip-

  1. Have 2-5 drops of clove oil mixed with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil?
  2. Take a cotton ball and dip it into the mixture.
  3. Apply the dipped cotton ball to the affected area.
  4. Do it one time a day to see the results.
  • For toothache

Scientific view

Ayurvedic view

According to the scientific view, the clove consists of eugenol, which has an antinociceptive effect and reduces the pain in the tooth's sensory nerves, hence lowering the pain due to toothache.

According to Ayurveda, clove has Katu (pungent) and tikta (bitter) property, which provides relief in toothache and lower down the probability of other oral infections.

Tip-

  1. Near the painful tooth or in the mouth, place a piece of clove.
  2. Chew it a little so that its oil is extracted but do not swallow it.
  3. Could you do it again until you see the result?

Measures to be taken while using Clove

Scientific view

Blood clotting

As per the scientific view, eugenol in cloves can lower blood clotting, leading to bleeding while surgery is done or after the surgery is done. If you are scheduled for surgery, it is recommended not to consume clove at least 2 weeks prior. 

As per Ayurveda, using clove powder or oil mixed with honey or any other inducement can lower bleeding risk because it has Katu (pungent) taste. 

Allergy

It is recommended to consult with a doctor before using a clove if you have an allergy to a clove or any of its ingredients. In some cases, you can apply clove oil or powder to an area to see if it has any allergic reactions. Since people who have over sensitive skin can be prone to allergic reactions caused due to clove.

Tip-

  1. You can use clove oil or powder along with honey if your skin is over sensitive.
  2. Due to Katu (pungent) and Tikta properties, do no apply clove oil onto your skin directly as it has a strong nature.

Breastfeeding

There is not enough scientific proof out there to explain the role of clove in breastfeeding, so it is recommended not to consume clove while breastfeeding.

Other interaction

Few studies were conducted on animals where it was proved that using clove can lead to bleeding if consumed with herbs or other supplements like garlic, ginkgo Biloba, and palmetto.

Patients with diabetes

If you are consuming clove and has diabetes, it is highly recommended to keep a check on your blood glucose as it might lower the blood glucose level. A diabetic person takes anti-diabetic drugs, and eating cloves along with such drugs lower the blood sugar level.

Patients with liver disease

If you have any disease related to the liver, it is highly recommended not to use a clove.

Pregnancy

There is not enough scientific proof out there to explain the role of clove during pregnancy, but it is recommended not to consume it during pregnancy.

Usage of Clove

  • Clove Churna
  1. Have ¼-1/2 teaspoon of clove Churna.
  2. You can take clove Churna either with honey, mishri, or after you take your meals.
  • Clove oil
  1. Have 1-2 drops of clove oil.
  2. Take it with honey, and after taking your meals.
  • Clove flavored rice
  1. Have 2 cups of rice.
  2. For 30 minutes, let them soak in 3 cups of water.
  3. After this, add 5-6 cloves and take it to boil for 10 minutes in 3 cups of water.
  4. Mix the clove water with soaked rice and cook accordingly.
  • Clove powder
  1. Have ¼-1/2 teaspoon of clove powder.
  2. Have it along with honey and put it on your skin.
  3. Leave it for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Wash it off with normal water.
  5. Do it at least one time a week to manage pimples.
  • Clove Oil
  1. For pimples.
  1. Take 2-5 drops of clove oil and mix it with 1 teaspoon of water.
  2. Please put it on the pimples using a cotton ball dipped in the mixture before you go to sleep.
  3. Wash it off with normal water or warm water every morning to prevent painful pimples.
  1. For toothache
  1. Take a cotton ball and add 2-4 drops of clove oil onto it.
  2. Apply the dipped cotton ball to the affected area and leave it for 30-40 minutes.
  3. Try it at least 1-2 times a day to reduce the pain.

The ideal dosage of Clove

  • Clove Churna- Take ¼ teaspoon of clove Churna two times a day.
  • Clove oil- Take 1-2 drops of clove oil two times a day.
  • Clove powder- Take ½-1 teaspoon of clove powder or as much required by you.

FAQs about Clove

What are the names of different best brands of clove oil in India?

According to the scientific view, many different brands are available in India and can be bought from any store. Following are some brands-

  1. Khadi clove oil
  2. Cinnamon essential clove oil
  3. Dabur clove oil
  4. Allin exporters clove bud essential oil
  5. Purra clove leaf oil
  6. Deve herbs pure clove oil
  7. SSCP clove oil pure & natural

Is there any way to make clove oil at home?

According to the scientific view, we can make oil at home by using the following steps-

  1. Take 1 teaspoon of a clove piece and put it in a pan on a medium flame—Cook for a few minutes.
  2. Accumulate the cloves in a mortar and grinder. 
  3. Mix 1 teaspoon of olive in the mixture and add crushed cloves.
  4. Take a cotton ball and dip it in oil and apply on the toothache or sore gums.
  5. Keep the oil in a thick glass bottle and keep it at room temperature.

Is clove oil be used in the treatment of scabies?

According to the scientific view, clove oil contains many constituents that can be used in treating scabies, such as potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anesthetic properties. They are beneficial in many ways of managing scabies. It should be kept in mind that it should be used properly and carefully as it can harm if it is not thinned with oil or cream. Following are some ways in which you can use it-

  1. Mix a drop of clove oil in cream or moisturizer and put it on the affected area.
  2. Take 5-6 drops of clove oil in bath warm water and bath in this water for around 20 minutes.
  3. Mix 10 drops of the clove oil along with 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Please put it on the affected area two times a day.

Can we use clove for treating cough?

According to the scientific view, yes cloves are beneficial in the management of cough as it contains anti-inflammatory properties. It also has anti-microbial activity, which further inherits the development of bacteria or viruses. Cloves can also be used as cough syrup, which results in the excretion of any mucus. Hence, cough and inflammation are reduced.

Tip-

Eat 1-2 clove along with salt the night before you go to sleep.

Is clove helpful in treating diarrhea?

According to the scientific view, yes cloves can be used in managing diarrhea because it contains germicidal (a substance, which kills germs) effect. This substance helps in the removal of parasites and viruses, thus manage loose motions or indigestion. Cloves are also beneficial in providing relief from the side effects of diarrhea.

Tip-

Have 2-3 drops of clove oil and mix it in water. Take it after having a light meal.

Is cure helpful in curing acne?

According to the scientific view, yes, cloves have a significant role in the management of acne as it contains an antibacterial property that completely kills cells and microbes of bacteria, which leads to acne.

Tip-

  1. Have 2-3 drops of clove oil and take 2 teaspoons of raw honey and mix both.
  2. Please put it on the affected area and leave it for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Wash it off with normal or warm water.

Will clove be beneficial in strengthening the immune system?

According to the scientific view, the clove consists of eugenol, which has immunomodulatory (which helps in modifying the immune system) property. Clove is also known to reduce or lower down the effect of the drug in a body, hence strengthening the immune system.

Can clove be beneficial for a diabetic person?

According to the scientific view, yes, cloves are beneficial for a diabetic person. It contains an anti-diabetic effect, which helps in the management of diabetes. Moreover, the clove also has eugenol present in it, which reduces the blood sugar level in the body. One must take care of the blood glucose. Also, cloves play the role of insulin and inherit various enzymes such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose 6-phosphate that are also known to develop glucose. Hence, it helps in lowering the level of blood glucose.

Can we use clove for treating cancer?

According to the scientific view, yes, clove is very helpful in lowering cancer risk because it has antioxidant properties in it, which inherits cell death (apoptosis). Moreover, eugenol in clove can also help in reducing the dangerous effects of environmental wastes, which can lead to cancer of the digestive system.

Are there any benefits of using clove oil?

Scientific view

Ayurvedic view

According to the scientific view, clove oil is beneficial for various reasons. It can be helpful in the management of diarrhea, digestion as it has a germicidal effect that fights against different bacteria such as E. coli. Moreover, it is also useful for the prevention or reducing the pain of a toothache; it is known to be a mosquito repellent. For people who are suffering from anal fissures, clove oil can be beneficial in the treatment of this disease as it provides relief in the resting anal fissures. Additionally, clove oil has antibacterial property, which further helps treat acne, pimples or skin disease, and lice from hair if applied on skin or hair. For sexual disorders in males, clove oil is applied to the penis can lead to reducing the risk of premature ejaculation.

According to Ayurveda, clove contains various properties such as Deepan and Pachan (appetizer and digestive), which is useful in digestion management. Moreover, it also balances Vata and Kapha doshas for providing relief in pain, particularly toothache. Clove oil can also be used to prevent bad breath by using it as a mouthwash.

 

Will there be any benefits if we drink clove water?

Scientific view

Ayurvedic view

According to the scientific view, clove water contains antimicrobial activity, which helps in many diseases. If we have clove water daily in the morning, it will boost our immune system and keep us away from any infections. Moreover, clove water can also be used to treat cough as it removes mucus' secretion for getting a clear passage.

According to Ayurveda, clove water is useful in improving digestion problems as it acts as detox water, and drinking it daily will clean the body internally. Also, it has various properties such as Shodhan (detoxification) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) property, which helps in the improvement of the immune system. 

Is clove helpful in the treatment of acne?

Scientific view

Ayurvedic view

According to the scientific view, yes, the clove contains many antibacterial properties that can help in reducing acne. It kills the cells, which cause acne and microbes of bacteria S. aureus, which is the cause of acne. 

According to Ayurveda, clove oil can help control and manage acne because it has an antimicrobial effect. Clove oil contains Katu (pungent) and tikta (bitter) properties, which can help in improving wound healing because of its Ropan (healing) property.

Can clove oil be beneficial for hair?

Scientific view

Ayurvedic view

According to the scientific view, yes, clove oil is very beneficial if used on hair as it can remove lice. Applying clove oil on the scalp can result in smooth and shiny hair as it improves blood circulation in the body and roots of the hair, which further enhances hair growth. Clove oil contains eugenol, isoeugenol, and methyl eugenol as its chemical compound, which can provide aid in removing lice from hair and keep hair healthy and shiny.

According to Ayurveda, clove helps prevent hair loss because of dandruff or itchiness, lice, or any hair related cause. Clove contains Snigdha (oily) and Katu (pungent) properties that help in the prevention of hair loss and enhances the growth of hair as it has Ropan (healing) property.

NS Desk

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