Cloves are the dried flower buds of the Myrtaceae tree. Commonly used to add that extra punch to your cooking, they have long been used for their medicinal properties.
These red buds are high in vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, flavonoids and manganese, which plays an important role in activating enzymes and lipid metabolism. Here are five ailments that can be treated by cloves.
1. Toothache & Bad Breath
Cloves are analgesic in nature and relieve dental pain, sore gums and mouth ulcers. They are effective in preventing dental cavities and eliminate bad breath. (Related Article: Treat A Toothache With Clove Oil)
How To Use It: Dab three to four drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and place it on the aching tooth or sore gum. Add 1tsp of clove oil to three cups of lukewarm water and gargle to ease throat pain and irritation or chew on a pod to loose bad breath. Clove oil can be bought online here.
2. Upper Respiratory Infections
The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of cloves treat various infections of the upper respiratory tract such as colds, coughs, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis and tuberculosis. These eugenol-rich buds soothe a sore throat by reducing inflammation, act as a natural expectorant and release phlegm.
How To Use It: Make a tea by steeping about six to eight cloves in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Drink this twice daily to relieve symptoms of cold and cough. Alternatively, add three to four drops of clove oil in hot water and take this as a steam.
3. Digestive Problems
Cloves effectively treat stomach-related problems like indigestion, flatulence, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. They improve digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes. Clove oil is specifically powerful against gas and bloating, and aids efficient elimination of toxins.
How To Use It: Mix 1tsp of roasted clove powder with 1tbsp of honey. Take this mixture on an empty stomach.
4. Stress
A natural aphrodisiac, cloves also serve as an excellent stress reliever. The fragrance of clove oil stimulates the mind and eliminates mental exhaustion and fatigue. Clove oil induces sleep and is therefore effective in treating insomnia. Health experts believe that cloves can improve brain function and thus be an effective treatment for depression, anxiety and amnesia.
How To Use It: Brew a flavored tea with six to seven cloves, ½tsp crushed cardamom and a few basil and mint leaves to experience its calming effects. To sleep better, sprinkle two to three drops of clove oil on your pillow at night for long-term inhalation.
5. Boosts Immune System
This dried flower bud is rich in antioxidants and minerals, which are essential for a healthy immune system. They also increase the production of white blood cells which fight infections and improve delayed hypersensitivity. Cloves also reduce blood toxicity and boost the immune system by purifying platelets. (Related Article: 5 Wonder Herbs To Boost Immunity)
How To Use It: Capsules containing powdered cloves or clove oil can be taken daily under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner. Make them a part of your smoothies, soups and broths. The powder also makes a good and flavorful sprinkle on baked goods.
Cloves offer abundant health benefits and can be had in whole, powdered or oil form. So, get happy and healthy by incorporating them in your life.
Read More:
Clove Oil: King Of Analgesics
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