Cloves

Cloves

Latin name: Syzygium aromaticum 

Health Benefits of Cloves

Although cloves are best known for their flavoring in the kitchen, they also make a great breath freshener and help fight colds and even parasites.  Health benefits include: 

• Due to the ingredient euganol, cloves are excellent as an antifungal.  It is great in treating things like ringworm and athlete’s foot.
• Has been used in dentistry because it is an anesthetic.  They are often used to treat a toothache.
• They are a strong antibacterial. For this reason they are good for getting rid of bad breath, and also treating other bacterial problems like sores and styes.
• Fights internal parasites.
• They treat many other ailments such as earaches, colds, flu, backaches, bronchitis, dysentery, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
• Great when used as a moth repellant or an air freshener.
• Has been said to increase libido in males. 

Nutritional Benefits of Cloves

• Cloves contain very high levels of manganese. They are also a good source of dietary fiber.
• Good source of Vitamins K and C. 

How to Use Cloves

• Clove is delicious in tea and tincture combinations. It can also be ground and encapsulated, or ground and used in baking or teas. 
• Cloves are a food and spice, so they can be used in dishes to enhance flavor and nutrients.
• Apply cloves directly to a toothache or cold sore for pain. 

Cautions and Side Effects of Cloves

• Not commonly known as an allergen, and no known drug interactions.

Fun Facts About Cloves

• The Chinese used cloves in ancient times to prepare people for a visit with the Emperor. They were given cloves to chew on so their breath would be extra fresh.