History and Origin
Clove is made from a dried flower bud of evergreen tree of Syzygium aromaticum. Although this tree is native to Malacca Island in Indonesia but cloves naturally grow in India, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Madagascar. Over 2000 years, clove and its oil have been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine. In the fourth century Arab merchants brought clove blossoms to Europe. During the seventh and eighth centuries clove was used as a food preservative in Europe. Today in many homes clove is used as spice and evidences suggest that its use as a therapeutic drug against harmful organisms is going to grow.
Clove Health Benefits
1. Improving Memory Function
In 2011 the effect of clove on learning, memory and modulating oxidative stress in laboratory mice was investigated and its results were published in journal of Planta Medica. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the level of Malon di aldehyde (MDA) and decreased glutathione (GSH) in the brain. Initial treatment with clove oil at a rate of 1 and 5 (ml/kg) for 3 weeks significantly reduce delay in learning. Therefore, consumption of clove oil can reverse the short-term and long-term memory induced by scopolamine through reducing oxidative stress.
2. Improving Liver Function
Disorder in insulin function of diabetic patients leads to increase in liver glucose production. Recent studies have shown the effect of plants on increasing glucose absorption into lipid cells (like insulin function). Based on the results of a research in 2005 the clove extract has a similar function to insulin in liver cells and cells of liver tumor through reducing gene expression of enzymes of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6 phosphatase (G6Pase). More analyses have indicated that clove and insulin in a similar way adjust expression of many similar genes. These results emphasize on potential role of derived ingredients from clove as insulin-like factors.
3. Boosting Libido
In 2013 the effect of clove essential oil on improving the fertility of male rats exposed to manganese was considered and its results were published in journal of Advances in Sexual Medicine. Based on results essential oil extracted from the flower buds of clove improved sperm concentration and morphological abnormality caused by manganese.
Also, in 2004 in a research that its results were published in journal of BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, clove extract significantly improved the reproductive and sexual desire behavior of laboratory mice.
Of course it is worth noting that in a published research in journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology, the effect of three concentrations of hexane extract of flower buds of clove (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg of body weight) on laboratory mice testicular performance in a spermatogenesis cycle (35 days) was investigated and the results have shown that lower concentration (15 mg) of extract increased 17beta-HSD activity (the enzyme converting androstenedione to testosterone hormone) and delta5 3beta-HSD (progesterone biosynthesis catalytic enzyme) and testosterone serum level, but higher doses of extract (30 and 60 mg) inhibited the above items and reduced daily sperm production. According to these results researchers recommend to be more cautious in the use of clove to increase libido (sexual desire).
4. Anti-Microbial
The results of a research in 2005 that were published in Journal of Applied Toxicology showed that clove oil leads to protecting laboratory mice against Aflatoxicosis disease (caused by aflatoxin fungus).
Based on published information in Journal of Natural Products, clove ingredients inhibit activity of oral pathogens. In this research flavones, kaempferol and myricetin of methanolic extracts of clove have shown growth-inhibitory activity against the periodontal pathogens P. intermedia and P. gingivalis.
Also, the effect of extract of clove extracted on infected mice to type-1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) was studied and its result was published in Journal of Dermatological Science. Oral dose (750 mg/kg in a day) of this extract for ten days prevented the progression and relapses of HSV-1 disease and reduced the incidence of inflammation and severe erythema (skin redness) in comparison to control group.
5. Anti-cancer
Based on published study in Journal of Natural Products, bioassay-directed fractionation of clove terpenes leads to isolate five active ingredients that their names are beta-caryophyllene, beta-caryophyllene oxide, alpha-humulene, alpha-humulene epoxide I and eugenol. These ingredients increased detoxification enzyme activity of glutathione s-transferase in mice liver and small intestine. The ability of natural anticarcinogens to induce detoxifying enzymes has been found to correlate with their activity in the inhibition of chemical carcinogenesis.
What Are Clove Side Effects?
1. When taken by mouth: No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages.
2. Children: In children, clove oil is LIKELY UNSAFE to take by mouth. It can cause severe side effects such as seizures, liver damage, and fluid imbalances.
3. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Clove is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in food amounts. There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking clove in medicinal doses if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
4. Bleeding disorders: Clove oil contains a chemical called eugenol that seems to slow blood clotting. There is a concern that taking clove oil might cause bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
5. Surgery: Clove oil contains a chemical called eugenol that seems to slow blood clotting. There is a concern that it might cause bleeding during or after surgery. Stop using clove at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Generally, every person may be allergic to certain herbs and spices. This sensitivity must be first diagnosed by the person and secondarily by the physician. However, these allergic reactions do not cause chronic or acute side effects, and after identifying the allergenic plant and removing it from the diet, allergy-related complications will be eliminated. No company or product can be aware of the allergic reactions of different bodies in advance. The body's incompatibility with one or more specific herbs rarely occurs, but consumers may encounter it anyway.
Clove Daily Dosage
The World Health Organization (WHO) established that the daily quantity acceptable of clove per day is of 2.5 mg/kg of weight in humans.
Bioactive Compounds
Phenylpropanoids (such as Carvacrol, Thymol, Eugenol And Cinnamaldehyde); Phenolic acids such as Gallic acid ant its derivatives, Hydroxybenzoic acids, Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid, Salicylic acid and Hydroxycinnamic acids; Flavonoids (such as Kaempferol and Quercetin).
Best Time to Consume
1-2 hours before or after meals.
Possible Drug Interactions
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs): Clove might slow blood clotting. Taking clove oil along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Clove contains eugenol. Eugenol is the part of clove that might slow blood clotting. Eugenol is very fragrant and gives allspice and clove their distinctive smell. Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin and warfarin (Coumadin).
Traditional Use
From the remote past, clove had a medicinal and cooking application. Its oil was used as an expectorant, anti-nausea and vomiting with conflicting clinical outcomes. Clove is a traditional therapist for toothache relief, ear pain, blood pressure, pain caused by burns and wounds. In traditional medicine of China clove is known with the name of "ding xiang" or “nail-shape spice" and is used to treat indigestion, nausea, vomiting and infection. Clove is used to reduce toothache. In tropical Asia cloves were used to treat various infections such as malaria, cholera and tuberculosis.
Some Questions about Clove
What are the benefits of drinking cloves tea? / What happens if we take clove bud daily?
Clove is antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, spasmolytic and a local anesthetic. It is used for halitosis, toothache, eye disease, flatulence, colic, gastropathy, and anorexia in Indian Medicine. It is also used externally as a local analgesic and dental antiseptic.
This dried bud is approved for dental analgesic and inflammation of the mouth and pharynx by the German regulatory agency of medicinal supplements, Commission E.
For more information, see the “Clove Health Benefits” section.
What are the benefits of drinking clove tea for skin and hair?
Clove is an excellent treatment for skin conditions such as acne.
Clove oil and aqueous extracts contain the compound eugenol, which promotes hair growth. You can add clove water or oil to your hair mask to promote hair growth. Apply this to your scalp and hair.
Is clove good for men's health? / Is clove good for sperm count?
Low doses of clove extract can boost testosterone serum levels and libido (sexual desire) in men, but high doses of extract reduce the above items as well as daily sperm production.
Can clove water affect pregnancy?
Clove tea or ground cloves in food amounts is LIKELY SAFE during pregnancy. But clove essential oil or ground cloves in medicinal doses may not be safe. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Can you drink clove water while menstruating? / Is clove water good for periods?
According to a study on mice, an aqueous extract of clove has analgesic (anti-pain) effect. So, clove tea (clove water) can alleviate menstrual pain.
Can you drink clove every day?
Yes. One or two cups of clove tea per day can boost your immune system. This spice has a warm nature that is perfect for cold seasons!
Can I boil cloves and drink?
Yes. To make clove tea, simply combine hot water, whole or ground clove bud, and any herbs and spices of your choice, such as ginger.
If you prefer, you can sweeten your tea with a teaspoon of honey.
Can I chew raw cloves?
Chewing on a clove can fresh breath, keep nausea, and help reduce hypertension. Although it is recommended to chew 1-2 cloves daily, especially on an empty stomach, you should be careful because dried clove can cause mouth sensitivity and irritation, as well as damage to dental tissues.
What happens when you drink cloves on an empty stomach?
Heartburn can be caused by drinking too much tea or chewing on cloves, especially on an empty stomach.
What are cloves side effects?
Clove allergy: Allergic reactions to eugenol occur rarely.
Clove essential oil: In concentrated form, oil of clove may be irritating to mucosa. Frequent and repeated application of clove oil in the mouth or on the gums can sometimes cause damage to the gums, tooth pulp, skin, and mucous membranes.
For more information about the possible side effect, see the “What Are Clove Side Effects?” section.
Do cloves detoxify the body?
As a potent medicinal herb, clove has significant effects on both body detoxification and maintaining overall health. This plant's beneficial effects on numerous physiological systems can aid in toxin elimination.
- Protection of nerve cells: Clove protects brain cells against the toxic effects of lead.
- Detoxification through increased urination: Clove has diuretic properties. Interestingly, unlike diuretics like furosemide, clove increases the excretion of sodium and chloride from the body while having a less impact on potassium excretion, which is considered an advantage of this medicinal herb.
