Clove (Laung): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects

Apart from being a favoured culinary spice in Indian cuisine, it has many beneficial properties that make it useful for medicinal applications. Some of them are listed below:

Ani-microbial Properties: Cloves contain a chemical compound called eugenol, which is known to have antimicrobial properties that are documented to work against many strains of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Antioxidant Properties: They also have antioxidant properties that help your body fight free radicals and many age-related illnesses.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Properties: Its anti-inflammatory properties are well-known and are utilised for pain relief all around the world.

Carminative Properties: Clove may help you relieve gas and improve digestion.

According to a study, the nutritional value of cloves per 100g is as follows:

With many healthy and beneficial properties, cloves, as a part of a dietary ingredient or as a medicinal herb, could give you a lot of benefits. Moreover, it is not just the flower bud that offers all the goodness. Instead, the other parts of the tree are equally beneficial and can be used for various purposes.

Let us discuss the benefits of eating cloves below:

Contains Essential Nutrients

As mentioned above, 100 gms of cloves contain essential nutrients, such as Manganese and Vitamin K, which are vital for leading a healthy life. However, since cloves are consumed in a smaller quantity, the effects of their rich nutritional value are not instant.

Helps in Improving Liver Health

Small doses of clove give you enough eugenol that may be responsible for clearing out harmful toxins from your body, such as thioacetamide. This helps improve liver health.

Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

A study conducted in 2019 showed that cloves contain a compound that helps reduce blood sugar levels after meals. Another study revealed that nigericin, a compound found in cloves, increases insulin production and the uptake of sugar from the blood, reducing blood sugar levels.

May Help in Cancer Prevention

Eugenol, present in cloves, reduces free radicals in the body, which are potential cancer-causing agents. However, much research is still being done, and only a limited dosage of eugenol is helpful for the human body.

Can Potentially Promote Bone Health

Cloves have manganese as one of their nutritional content, which is responsible for contributing towards bone formation and strength. This contributes to increased bone health and reduces the risks of bone-related health issues.

Clove (Laung) for Cough

Since clove has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces throat soreness and bacteria growth, giving cough relief quicker. It also helps clear mucus from the respiratory tract.

Clove Benefits for Women

With growing age, women tend to suffer from decreasing bone density. However, in recent years, cancer cases, like breast and cervical cancer, among women have increased. Cloves can benefit in both of these cases; they may improve bone health and prevent cancer from forming.

Improves Dental Health

Cloves, as part of oral hygiene, are shown to reduce gum problems, dental plaque and cavities. Additionally, it gives you quick relief from dental pain and reduces gum swelling.

Clove is a versatile spice, and its use is not limited to only kitchens. It can be used to its potential in many other ways as well. Let us look at the ways in which we can incorporate cloves’ uses in your day-to-day lives:

Clove tea: You can spice up your everyday 4 pm “chai” with a couple of cloves and enjoy the warmth of the spice.

Add it to your rice or “pulao”: You can add it to your everyday rice or while making a mixed vegetable rice or pulao. It will not only add a spicy twist to your rice but also incorporate its goodness into your meals.

Add it to your next batch of cookies or cakes: The aroma and particularly sweet, spicy warmth make it a great addition to baked goods.

Use as a cleaner or repellent: In addition to the benefits of eating cloves, you can use them in your house to improve your surroundings. Simply add a few drops of clove oil to your cleaner or repellent sprays.

Consume as a whole: You can consume a whole bud if you have dental problems or gum pain. It will ease the pain and help improve your oral hygiene.

Clove oil for hair: One of the most common clove oil benefits is using cloves for hair growth. You can improve hair texture and increase growth simply by mixing a few drops of clove oil in your usual hair oil.

Anything that is not used or consumed in moderation can potentially pose a risk to your health. The same is the case with cloves.

While they have great properties and help you lead a healthier life, they can lead to severe symptoms when consumed in higher amounts.

Let us learn about some of the cloves’ side effects:

Consuming in large quantities: You can reap its amazing benefits only when consumed in small quantities. Consuming it in large quantities may lead to liver issues. However, there is no significant data about the specific intake amount, so consult your doctor before consuming clove on a daily basis.

Interactions between medicines: If you are already on a specific medication, be careful when consuming cloves. Understand how it can interact with your drug and consult with a doctor to ensure that it does not cause a negative effect.

Blood clotting issues: The eugenol compound affects blood clotting. Thus, the risk of not clotting during injury can increase if you are already on blood thinners or have conditions affecting your natural clotting.

Hypoglycemia: Cloves are a great way to control your blood sugar levels, however, consuming them too much can lead to low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, which can be harmful.

Clove oil consumption: Since clove oil contains more concentrated eugenol than normal dried buds, it can be harmful when consumed. It can lead to dizziness or other major symptoms.

To avoid dealing with some serious side effects, following a good practice for using cloves is essential. You can reap all of its benefits by simply following some precautions while using it. These are:

• Avoid applying undiluted clove oil for hair, scalp, or skin directly while using cloves for hair growth or acne. Since it is very concentrated with its compounds, it may lead to burning or damaging of the skin.

• If you are using clove powder or oil for the first time, apply a small amount to a small portion of the skin to check if you are allergic to it.

• If you have an allergic reaction to clove extracts, avoid applying them to the skin.

• Avoid consuming cloves while using other pain-relieving medicines.

• While there are many clove oil benefits, be careful when applying it to your gums or teeth. It may cause irritation, soreness, and more cavities or damage to your gums. Instead, dilute the oil before applying it.

• Use clove oil for children in very small amounts. Larger amounts can lead to toxicity and liver issues.

• Consult your doctor before using or consuming clove or its products for any specific conditions.

Clove water is nothing but boiling water with a few whole cloves for 10-15 minutes. It is also called “clove tea.” Clove water can have soothing effects and help relieve many conditions.

While more studies are going on to find out the exact benefits and more detailed information on this, here are some commonly known clove water benefits:

• Since clove water also has antimicrobial properties, drinking a few tablespoons of clove water every day can help boost your immune system and improve gut health.

• Additionally, cloves have carminative properties, which means that clove water can help you improve digestion and decrease gas.

• It has also been a common home remedy for improving hair growth and a clean scalp. Clove water is gently massaged into the scalp to reduce dandruff and inflammation.

• It is also commonly used as a first-aid remedy to relieve sore throats and throat pain. Warm clove water gargles and clove tea gives a soothing effect.

• Clove water is also beneficial for improving oral hygiene and bringing temporary relief from dental pain. Rinsing your mouth with clove water can help soothe inflamed gums.

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Cloves can be a great addition to your everyday meals and lifestyle and can be utilised for multiple purposes. Its amazing properties and versatile use have been shown to benefit your health in more than one way.

However, it is advised that you consult your doctor before planning your cloves consumption and do it in the most beneficial way to get the most out of it. With healthy eating habits, an improved lifestyle, and good medical insurance, you can enjoy life with peace of mind.

What is the use of cloves in pharmacy?

Cloves are used in many medicines because they are quick to absorb. They are also used in the manufacture of certain skin patches.

Is it safe to consume cloves every day?

Yes, if combined well with your balanced diet or some drink in moderation, it can improve your health. However, it is best that you consult your doctor before consuming it every day.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on Clove (Laung): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.