CLOVE

Cloves come from the flower buds of an evergreen tree that is native to the North Moluccas Islands in Indonesia. Clove trees grow to about 26-40 feet and flower after about 6 years. Cloves are one of the most intensely flavored spices: high quality cloves contain 15-20% essential oil. The characteristic flavor of cloves mainly comes from the aromatic compound “eugenol” which comprises upwards of 85% of the essential oil composition. Cloves can also cause a numbing sensation in the mouth. This is because the eugenol found in cloves is a natural anesthetic such that it was traditionally used to numb and reduce toothache pain.

Nutritional value:

Cloves contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals, so using whole or ground cloves to add flavor to your food can provide some important nutrients.

One teaspoon (2 grams) of ground cloves contains:

6 Calories
1.38 gram of Carbohydrate.
1 gram of Fiber
0.13 gram of protein
0.27 gram total fat
55% daily value of Manganese.
2% daily value of Vitamin K.

Uses:

Hangover: Early research shows that taking an extract from clove flower buds right before drinking alcohol improves hangover symptoms in some people.
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis): Early research shows that applying clove oil to the palms for 2 weeks helps reduce excessive sweating of the palms
Mosquito repellent: Early research shows that applying clove oil or clove oil gel directly to the skin can repel mosquitos for up to 5 hours.
Pain: Early research shows that applying a gel containing ground cloves for 5 minutes before being stuck with a needle can reduce needle stick pain.
Prediabetes: Early research in people with prediabetes shows that taking an extract from clove flower buds seems to lower blood sugar levels before and after a meal. However, this study didn't include a control group, so the true effects of clove on blood sugar are not clear.
Itching: Early research shows that putting a solution containing clove oil gel on the skin can help with severe itching.
Toothache: Clove oil and eugenol, one of the chemicals it contains, have long been applied to the teeth and gums for toothache, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reclassified eugenol, downgrading its effectiveness rating. The FDA now believes there is not enough evidence to rate eugenol as effective for toothache pain.
Small tears in the lining of the anus (anal fissures: Early research shows that applying a clove oil cream to anal tears for 6 weeks improves healing compared to using stool softeners and applying lidocaine cream.
Help Reduce Cancer Risk: Clove extract can prevent tumor growth and induce cancer cell death. The anti-cancer properties of clove can be attributed to Eugenol, which also reduces the risk of esophageal cancer. Cloves are good sources of antioxidants. They are used in fighting inflammation and protect us against cancer. They are also found to be lethal to breast cancer cells.
Improve Liver Health: Eugenol, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound in cloves, improve liver health. The eugenol-rich fraction (ERF) in cloves also decreases oxidative stress and acts against liver cirrhosis.
Fight Headache: Clove oil is extensively used in aromatherapy to treat headaches. This could be attributed to the eugenol in clove, which has analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Crush a few cloves and put them in a clean handkerchief. Inhale the smell whenever you have a headache. You can also add two drops of clove oil to a tablespoon of coconut oil and gently massage over your forehead and temples.
Treat Acne: The antibacterial and antifungal properties of cloves play a role here. Clove works well in treating acne and improving skin health. The eugenol in the clove has antibacterial properties. It can kill infection and fight inflammation, thereby effectively treating acne.

Side effects:

When taken by mouth: Clove is likely safe for most people when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if taking clove in larger medicinal amounts is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Clove oil or cream containing clove flower is possibly safe when applied directly to the skin. However, application of clove oil in the mouth or on the gums can sometimes cause damage to the gums, tooth pulp, skin, and mucous membranes. Application of clove oil or cream to the skin can sometimes cause burning and irritation of the skin.
When inhaled: Inhaling smoke from clove cigarettes is likely unsafe and can cause side effects such as breathing problems and lung disease.
When given by IV: Injecting clove oil into the veins is likely unsafe and can cause side effects such as breathing problems and lung disease.

Dosage:

Incase of whole clove: 4 to 5 cloves are enough.

Incase of ground clove: Take half spoon of the clove powder and consume the same throughout the day.

Incase of clove oil: Used for gurgling

Adult: Should be taken 5 ml Clove with 10 ml-15 ml water and gurgle for 30 seconds of morning & bedtime daily.
Children: Should be taken 2.5 ml Clove with 10 ml water and gurgle for 30 seconds of morning & bedtime daily. Also undiluted clove oil is used in temporary relief of toothache due to dental cavity. Repeat administration after 20 minutes, then every 2 hours thereafter if necessary.

Precautions:

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.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Clove is likely safe when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if clove is safe to use in larger medicinal amounts when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
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.
Diabetes: Clove contains chemicals that might affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar closely if you have diabetes and take clove.
Surgery: Cloves contain chemicals that might affect blood sugar levels and slow blood clotting. There is a concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control or cause bleeding during or after surgery. Stop using clove at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Random Facts about Clove:

Cloves have a fruity hot taste with a warm aroma and undertones of camphor and pepper.
Good quality whole cloves are reddish brown in color and will exude some oil when pressed with a fingernail.
Cloves are popularly used as a spice in dishes of meat, curry, marinade and fruit, as well as baked goods, commonly in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Cloves have been used in some cigarettes and can be used to repel ants.
Cloves can be bought ground or whole, and the ground spice loses its flavour quickest.