AnnaMaria
As we age, our body’s needs shift. The digestive system slows down, inflammation becomes more common, and the immune system weakens. But what if there were a simple, inexpensive spice that could support your body in all these areas and more—without side effects? The answer may be sitting in your kitchen cabinet right now: cloves.
Taking just two cloves every day, especially after the age of 50, can provide a cascade of health benefits—from improved digestion and reduced inflammation to sharper memory and better circulation. Cloves are more than a flavorful addition to tea or desserts. They’re one of the most potent natural remedies in traditional medicine and have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Western herbal traditions.
Let’s explore what science and natural medicine experts, including Barbara O’Neill, say about this humble spice—and why you should consider adding two cloves a day to your routine, especially after turning 50.
What Are Cloves?
Cloves are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, native to Indonesia. Rich in eugenol, vitamin K, manganese, fiber, and powerful antioxidants, cloves offer antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties in a single natural package.
They’re widely used in both culinary and medicinal practices, often as whole cloves, ground powder, or essential oil.
1. Cloves Sharpen Brain Function and Improve Memory
After the age of 50, memory lapses, brain fog, and reduced cognitive sharpness are common. Cloves contain high levels of eugenol, which has been shown to protect neurons, reduce oxidative stress in the brain, and enhance cognitive performance.
Studies suggest that eugenol improves neurotransmitter function and protects brain cells from aging-related damage. Taking cloves regularly may help:
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Improve memory recall
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Enhance focus and clarity
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Protect against age-related cognitive decline
Barbara O’Neill emphasizes the role of natural neuroprotective compounds like those in cloves as part of a holistic approach to maintaining brain health into old age.
2. Improves Digestion and Reduces Bloating
As the digestive system slows down with age, issues like gas, bloating, indigestion, and constipation become more common. Cloves are known for their carminative properties, meaning they help relieve gas and stimulate healthy digestive function.
Chewing two cloves before or after meals can:
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Boost enzyme production
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Relieve bloating and gas
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Promote regular bowel movements
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Stimulate saliva and stomach acids for better digestion
The antibacterial properties of cloves also help balance gut flora, reducing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
3. Reduces Inflammation and Joint Pain
Arthritis, muscle stiffness, and joint pain are widespread issues for people over 50. Cloves contain anti-inflammatory compounds, especially eugenol, that block prostaglandins—the molecules responsible for pain and inflammation.
Taking two cloves daily has been associated with:
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Reduced swelling in joints
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Less morning stiffness
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Pain relief from chronic inflammation
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Protection against cartilage damage
For many, this natural pain-relieving effect of cloves has been a game-changer, offering relief without side effects seen in pharmaceutical painkillers.
4. Boosts Immunity and Fights Infections
After 50, the immune system naturally weakens. Cloves are a powerful immune stimulant, thanks to their antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Chewing or infusing cloves in tea can:
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Help fight off colds, flu, and respiratory infections
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Improve response to seasonal viruses
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Clear out mucus and open up the respiratory tract
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Soothe sore throats naturally
Barbara O’Neill often recommends immune-boosting foods and herbs like garlic, ginger, and cloves—especially during flu season or in times of stress when immunity is low.
5. Supports Liver Health and Detoxification
The liver becomes less efficient with age, especially under the strain of medications, processed food, and environmental toxins. Cloves help detoxify the liver and promote regeneration of liver cells.
Scientific studies show that cloves:
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Improve antioxidant levels in the liver
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Enhance enzyme function
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Reduce fat accumulation in the liver
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Protect against damage caused by alcohol or medication
Taking two cloves a day may offer long-term liver protection, especially when paired with a clean, plant-based diet.
6. Helps Control Blood Sugar
Insulin resistance and rising blood sugar levels are common after 50. Cloves have shown remarkable effects on blood glucose regulation.
Research has found that clove extracts can:
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Increase insulin sensitivity
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Lower post-meal blood sugar spikes
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Improve glucose metabolism
Even chewing cloves before meals can help with glycemic control—making this habit helpful for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
7. Improves Heart Health and Circulation
Cloves contain nutrients that improve blood circulation, lower cholesterol, and reduce arterial inflammation. Eugenol is also a mild blood thinner, helping to prevent clot formation.
Daily clove consumption can support cardiovascular health by:
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Reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
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Increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol
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Lowering blood pressure
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Preventing plaque buildup in arteries
However, people taking blood-thinning medication should consult a healthcare provider before starting daily clove use.
8. Natural Remedy for Bad Breath and Oral Health
Cloves have been used for centuries as a natural breath freshener and toothache remedy. Their antimicrobial compounds kill the bacteria that cause bad breath, gum infections, and tooth decay.
Chewing on two cloves daily can:
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Kill oral bacteria
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Strengthen gums
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Prevent cavities
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Soothe tooth pain and inflammation
In fact, clove oil is a common ingredient in natural toothpastes and even some commercial dental products.
9. May Reduce Cancer Risk
Thanks to its antioxidant content and ability to fight cellular damage, clove consumption has been linked to anti-cancer effects in some studies. Eugenol, in particular, has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in laboratory settings.
While more human research is needed, early findings are promising, especially for:
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Colon cancer prevention
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Breast and lung cancer cell inhibition
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Reducing oxidative stress at the cellular level
10. Promotes Youthful Skin and Slows Aging
The antioxidants in cloves help neutralize free radicals that cause skin aging. Regular use—internally and externally—can lead to:
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Firmer, more elastic skin
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Fewer wrinkles and fine lines
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Brighter, even-toned complexion
Clove oil is often used in anti-aging skin treatments, and a daily intake of cloves helps the skin glow from within by fighting oxidative stress.
How to Take 2 Cloves Daily (Safely)
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Chew Them Raw: Take 2 whole cloves in the morning or after meals and chew slowly. They will taste strong but the benefits are worth it.
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Clove Tea: Boil 2 cloves in a cup of water for 10 minutes, strain, and drink once a day.
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With Honey: Crush 2 cloves and mix with a spoon of raw honey—perfect if you can’t tolerate the strong flavor directly.
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Add to Meals: Sprinkle ground clove in soups, stews, smoothies, or oatmeal.
Precautions
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Do not exceed 2–3 cloves a day—too much eugenol may cause liver irritation in sensitive individuals.
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If you’re on blood thinners, diabetes medication, or have a bleeding disorder, consult your doctor first.
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Avoid clove essential oil internally unless directed by a qualified practitioner.
Final Thoughts
Adding just 2 cloves a day to your diet after the age of 50 may be one of the simplest and most effective ways to support your health naturally. With benefits ranging from improved memory and reduced inflammation to better digestion and heart health, cloves deserve much more attention than they get.
As Barbara O’Neill wisely says:
“The closer your medicine is to the food you eat every day, the better your chances of long-term health.”
Cloves are a perfect example of food as medicine. They’re small, powerful, affordable, and backed by both science and centuries of traditional wisdom. Start with just two a day—and see the difference in how you feel, think, move, and age.
