The Powerful Health Benefits of Cloves (and How to Prepare Clove Tea)
Cloves are well known for their distinctive flavor, often featured in sweet dishes, especially those with fruits like bananas and pumpkins. However, their use goes far beyond desserts. Around the world, cloves are used to season preserves, sauces, vegetables, cheeses, rice, and even meats.
But cloves do more than enhance your cooking—they offer impressive health benefits that have been recognized and used medicinally for thousands of years.
1. Cloves Promote Better Blood Circulation
Clove oil is known to improve blood flow, benefiting the entire body. By aiding blood purification, cloves also nourish the skin and strengthen the immune system.
2. Cloves Are Natural Pain Relievers and Antiseptics
Cloves contain eugenol, a natural antibacterial compound that:
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Helps heal acne scars
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Supports overall skin health
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Prevents early signs of aging, like wrinkles
Clove tea can also ease headaches, menstrual cramps, fevers, toothaches, and sore throats.
3. Cloves Support Digestive Health
Cloves stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, improving digestion and helping with:
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Indigestion
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Constipation
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Nausea
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Stomach discomfort
They also boost metabolism, supporting faster fat burning and aiding in natural weight loss.
4. Cloves Are Powerful Antioxidants
Cloves are rich in antioxidants that combat free radicals, protecting the body from cellular damage. They also help prevent lipid peroxidation, a damaging process affecting fats in the body.
5. Cloves Act as an Oral Antiseptic
Clove compounds are already found in many toothpastes because they help fight bacteria in the mouth and stomach. Regular consumption of cloves can:
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Freshen breath
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Prevent cavities
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Relieve toothaches and gum discomfort
6. Cloves Support Thyroid Health and Regulate Cholesterol
Cloves are beneficial for people with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, helping to prevent dysfunctions. They also aid in managing high cholesterol levels naturally.
7. Cloves Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Thanks to their eugenol content, cloves help reduce inflammation in the body, making them a useful natural remedy for inflammatory symptoms.
How to Make Clove Tea
Ingredients:
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5 to 7 whole cloves
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1 cup (about 250 ml) of water
Instructions:
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Rinse the cloves gently under water.
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Boil the water and add the cloves.
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Let it simmer over low heat for 5 to 7 minutes.
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Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it steep for an additional 10 minutes.
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Strain and drink warm, preferably first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.