Cloves are a versatile spice with a peculiar flavor used in the kitchen, especially in the Indian cuisine, and as a medicine. Among the rest, cloves are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which makes them extremely healthy if included in your diet, but not excessively.
They are the lower buds of the clove tree, an evergreen also known as Syzygium aromaticum.
Cloves can be found in a variety of dishes, from sabzis and dals to even desserts, adding a spicy flavour and an aroma that elevates the dish to the next level.
Nowadays, they are mostly grown in India and Madagascar but are used in countries all around the world.
Besides being used as a spice, cloves are the source of clove oil, a concentrated essential oil high in volatile compounds and antioxidants.
When it comes to the health benefits this spice provides, they are many. From supporting the immune function, fighting infections, helping stabilize blood sugar levels, providing pain relief, and promoting digestive health to relieving itchy skin and fighting obesity, cloves are a powerhouse of healing properties.
Ease Dental Pain and Prevent Gum Disease
Eugenol, found in cloves, has strong antibacterial effects that can fight plaque, cavities, and gum disease. Clove oil or clove-based rinses may ease toothaches and gum inflammation. Of course, it is not a permanent solution, but a temporary pain relief, so always check with a dentist if your pain proceeds.
