Cloves are the aromatic, dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, native to Indonesia, known for their strong, warm, sweet, and spicy flavour, used whole or ground in both sweet and savory dishes, beverages, and traditional remedies. They're a powerful spice, often used with cinnamon and nutmeg in holiday recipes like pumpkin pie, mulled wine, and baked ham, and can be found in various products like toothpaste and cosmetics.

History and Origin

Cloves originated from the Moluccas (Spice Islands) of Indonesia, with archaeological finds dating back to 1700 BC in Syria, showing their ancient global trade route. Highly prized for centuries, they fuelled the spice trade, leading to monopolies by Arabs, Portuguese, and Dutch, who guarded their source. Used in ancient Chinese courts as breath fresheners and in traditional medicine, cloves remain a key spice, valued for their strong aroma, pungent taste, and use in cuisines and products worldwide, still harvested predominantly from their native islands and cultivated areas like Zanzibar.

Nutrient Database – USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)

Reference Values for Nutrition – FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Rich in antioxidants - Cloves are exceptionally rich in antioxidants, particularly a compound called eugenol, making them a potent natural source to combat cell-damaging free radicals, with studies showing their antioxidant power surpasses many other spices and can help reduce oxidative stress linked to chronic diseases. They rank extremely high on antioxidant scales (like ORAC) and contain beneficial flavonoids and phenolic compounds that support overall health, from liver function to blood sugar regulation.

Excellent for oral health - Cloves are excellent for oral health due to eugenol, a natural anaesthetic and antibacterial compound, offering fast relief for toothaches, reducing gum inflammation, fighting plaque-causing bacteria, and freshening breath, but should be used diluted and cautiously, especially by children or pregnant women, as a temporary aid, not a replacement for professional dental care. 

Digestive Aid - Cloves have been traditionally used to aid digestion due to their carminative properties. These properties help prevent gas formation in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing bloating and discomfort.

Immune Support - Cloves are rich in antioxidants, which help fight infections and strengthen your immune system. They also have antiviral and antibacterial properties, making them useful for: Fighting colds and flu.

Pain Relief - Cloves relieve pain, especially toothaches, due to eugenol, a natural anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory compound that numbs nerve endings and reduces inflammation, making it a popular home remedy and ingredient in dental products, but it's temporary and shouldn't replace professional care. Apply diluted clove oil with a cotton ball for temporary relief, but avoid swallowing it, and remember to see a dentist for lasting solutions, as overuse can cause irritation. 

Blood Sugar Regulation - Cloves show promise for blood sugar regulation due to compounds like eugenol, which can mimic insulin, lower glucose levels, and improve sugar metabolism by activating pathways like AMPK, potentially helping with prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Studies suggest clove extracts can reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes and improve insulin sensitivity, but caution is needed as high doses, especially from supplements, might cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) when combined with diabetes medications. 

Respiratory Health - Chewing cloves after their thermal treatment is reported to bring relief from severe coughing [54]. Clove oil acts as an expectorant for treating respiratory disorders, including colds, bronchitis, cough, asthma, and upper-respiratory conditions.

Bone Health - Cloves support bone health by providing essential minerals like manganese and Vitamin K, crucial for bone formation and strength, while their potent antioxidants (like eugenol) and anti-inflammatory compounds help reduce oxidative stress that damages bones, with animal studies showing potential bone-preserving effects against osteoporosis.

Clove – From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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