The Health Benefits of Cloves

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree. Clove trees are indigenous to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia — also known as the Spice Islands. Today, cloves grow in India, the West Indies, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Madagascar. For over 2,000 years, Indian and Chinese traditional medicine has made extensive use of cloves and clove oil. Arabic traders first brought the fragrant buds to Europe in the fourth century. It wasn't until the seventh and eighth centuries that cloves became popular as a food preservative in Europe.

Today, cloves are found in spice racks and grocery stores throughout the world, and a growing body of scientific evidence supports their use as a natural remedy against harmful microorganisms.

Cloves Resist Harmful Organisms

Cloves contain eugenol, a powerful phytochemical that offers many benefits and is also responsible for cloves' distinct odor. Research has repeatedly shown that cloves and eugenol are effective at establishing an environment that is resistant to harmful organisms.^{[1, 2]} When researchers evaluated eugenol against harmful organisms that target the gut, they observed that it offers potential as a natural therapy.^[3]

Clove, wintergreen, cinnamon, and peppermint are just some of the many essential oils that have demonstrated action against harmful organisms, including Candida.^{[4, 5]} An interesting practical application of this benefit is common in Japan where researchers believe that spices like cloves protect seafood dishes against microbes that cause foodborne illnesses.^[6]

When it comes to bigger "bugs," insects like mosquitoes can carry disease. Yet many bug repellents contain toxic chemicals, such as DEET. In contrast, clove oil acts as an effective natural insect repellant for those who want to avoid harsh, chemical deterrents.^{[7, 8]}

Cloves Have Antioxidant Activity

The oxidative damage caused by free radicals can interrupt cellular function and affect how you feel. Antioxidants defend against oxidative damage and spices like cloves are among the best sources of antioxidants. Like sage and oregano, cloves contain concentrated stores of antioxidants that encourage normal aging and immune system function and support cellular integrity at its most basic level.^{[9, 10]}

Cloves Support Digestive Health

Clove oil can relieve occasional gas and bloating. It reduces gas pressure in the stomach and supports the proper elimination of waste. It may relieve stomach discomfort and can be effective against nausea, hiccups, motion sickness, and vomiting.

Cloves Promote Oral Health

Clove oil, which encourages healthy teeth and gums, is a traditional remedy for relieving toothache, sore gums, and oral discomfort. With an action similar to capsaicin, the eugenol in cloves depresses the sensitivity of receptors that register discomfort. For even more soothing action, cloves contain beta-caryophyllene, which has a fast-acting but short-lived effect against discomfort.^[10]

Cloves Encourage Normal Blood Sugar

Cloves have been found to promote normal blood sugar,^{[11, 12]} an effect that warrants further investigation. It appears one of the many compounds in cloves supports normal sugar formation in the liver.^[10]

Cloves Are Ideal for Bone Support

Researchers found that eugenol in dried cloves helped preserve bone density, reduce bone loss, and protect bone tensile strength.^[13] More research is necessary to validate this notion in people.

Other Benefits of Cloves

In parts of Asia, the incidence of some diseases is lower than in western nations. The culinary dishes in Asia also numerous spices, such as turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. These spices, which can soothe irritation, may support normal brain health, even in the face of aging.^[14]

Tips for Growing Cloves

Growing cloves is a challenging endeavor, and you'll need a lot of patience to get to your harvest. Going from seed to the first harvest takes 15 to 20 years. If you're still determined to grow cloves, make sure you live in a tropical zone — zones 10 and 11 to be specific. Though the tree will grow in subtropical zones, it may not flower, which, unfortunately, means it won't produce cloves.

To start growing cloves, soak the whole clove fruit in water overnight to remove the fruit flesh from the seeds. The seeds must be moist or come inside the clove fruit to be viable. You cannot grow from dry seeds. After removing the fruit, "plant" the shorn seeds either by barely covering or just leaving the seeds uncovered on top of your germinating medium. Young trees are very thirsty in the first years, so make sure you water often. They should remain in the germinating medium for about six months until they're hardy enough plant in soil. Finally, plant the seedling in an area where it is protected from the wind.

After planting cloves, you'll need to water often to keep the plant hydrated and healthy. Around the sixth or seventh year, the tree should yield a few flower buds, but around year 15 you should have enough buds for your first harvest. To harvest, pick the buds before they open. Once a bud has started turning pink, it's too late to harvest. Dry your fresh-picked cloves in the sun for a few days until they've lost over 50 percent of their weight and turned brown.

Supplementing With Cloves

Cloves have a strong flavor and thorny texture that prevents their enjoyment as a snack food. But, don't let that keep you from incorporating them into your diet. Try to add clove (and cinnamon) to smoothies or your morning coffee to bump up the flavor. You can also add ground cloves, or clove oil, to empty capsules. Organic cloves are readily available in most grocery stores, spice shops, and online.