Cloves

As mentioned before Sri Lanka is not only a paradisiacal island on the earth but also it’s a gift of God. The soil and geological formation is miraculous, the island’s earth is blessed by the nature. The tropical climate is ideal for spice cultivation sometimes the mother country is different and far away from Sri Lanka for most of the spices but once those are planted in Sri Lankan earth the flavors, tastes, aromas become exceptional. That is one of the main reasons that many buyers and consumers are tempted by spice from Sri Lanka.

Lankan cloves are the sweet, spicy, and aromatic unopened flower bud from a Syzygium aromaticum tree – a member of the evergreen family that is native to Indonesian rainforests. These cloves are selectively hand-picked and dried to preserve flavor

This spice is easily identified by its incredibly intense spicy aroma and pungent irritating bittersweet flavors. Cloves are an essential spice in Eastern cuisine, are primarily used to flavor and aromatize meat or rice-based dishes, and for various recipes  

Cloves are also known to be applied as medicines for dental applications and relieve toothaches or aid with digestion difficulties or process to form cosmetics such as perfume, soap, and toothpaste. Sri Lanka commands significant attention within the cloves market because of displaying richer quality oils found in Sri Lankan cloves as opposed to other growers

Health benefits – health benefits come from Eugenol and Caryophyllene, two strong germicides which are also antioxidants, antimicrobials, and kill parasites and repel insects.

Benefits Digestive System, Soothes Mental Tensions, Regulates Blood Sugar, Soothes Acne 

Improves Liver Health, Improves Scalp Health, Improves Oral Health, Rejuvenates Skin

Improves Respiratory Tract Health

Cloves -what it contains – One teaspoon of ground clove contains 30% of the recommended dietary intake of Manganese, 4% of Vitamin K, 3% of Vitamin C, and small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C.

HEALTH BENEFITS 

Digestive System 

Cloves have been widely used in Chinese and Ayurveda herbal medicine to treat a multitude of digestive tract conditions and have been a potent home remedy against flatulence, hiccups, and motion sickness.

The high presence of Eugenol helps to reduce the occurrence of food poisoning through Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Salmonella, E.coli. As well as fighting against food poisoning, Eugenol’s antimicrobial properties make cloves a spice that helps food preservation. 

Clove has been found to increase the production of gastric mucus, protecting the internal lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus from peptic ulcers.  In addition, clove extracts have been found to exhibit effects similar to anti-ulcer medications which also account for their positive effect on gut health. 

Regulate Blood Sugar 

Diabetes weakens the pancreatic cells that create insulin, leaving the body without sufficient insulin for normal functioning. Clove oil helps to maintain these insulin levels as it regulates the postprandial insulin and glucose response mechanisms. 

According to research, the polyphenol in clove extracts, especially in clove oil, works in three different ways to regulate the blood sugar level. 

1. Helps mucus cells of the digestive tracts to absorb 63% more glucose, consequently reducing the glucose levels in blood circulation
2. Restraining the glucose production in liver cells
3. Restraining the activities of digestive enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates and sucrose into glucose.

Therefore, clove extracts can effectively control the blood sugar levels after meals, reduce fasting glucose levels, while increasing glucose consumption.

Improves Liver Health 

Repeated studies have found clove extracts to improve liver health, protecting the liver cells against inflammation and degeneration. 

The compound Eugenol found in cloves has been found to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in liver cells while reversing the signs of liver cirrhosis. Incidentally, research has also been found to reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress in liver cells caused by binge drinking while antioxidants in cloves also reduced oxidative stress in liver stress.

However, overconsumption of Eugenol can have negative effects on the liver and can cause permanent liver damage.

Improves Oral Health

Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum swelling caused by Gingivitis, a gum disease that is caused by bacteria build up around the gum line. Clove oil, which is rich in antiseptic and antibacterial quality can reduce the swelling and pain in the affected areas when applied and massaged gently. Chewing cloves also can relieve pain since it releases the clove extract within the mouth. 

Clove is a proven treatment for mouth ulcers and small lesions that occur under the tongue, inside lips or cheeks, or at the bottom part of the gums. Rinsing with clove oil mixed with water or chewing cloves is a proven treatment for small oral lesions and ulcers.

Clove oil and clove pods also relieve toothaches when placed directly in contact with the affected tooth or applied on the tooth using a cotton wool ball and regularly rinsing the mouth with warm water mixed with clove oil can help to improve oral health and remove bad breath.

Improves Respiratory Tract Health 

The effectiveness of clove oil in reducing the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections has been widely recorded in research.

Clove oil mixed vapor works as an expectorant, loosening mucus in the throat and esophagus and allowing the removal of mucus through the mouth. The same effect can be gained by drinking clove-infused black tea.

Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of Cloves soothe the respiratory tract. The oil prevents the bacteria from forming colonies in the lungs and is used for treating respiratory conditions such as Asthma.

Soothes Mental Tension 

The application of clove oil helps to gain relief from headaches by improving circulation and acting as mild anesthesia. Since the flavonoids found in Clove oil have anti-inflammatory properties, Clove oil helps to reduce fatigue, mental exhaustion, anxiety, or stress with the help of its stimulating properties. Black or Green Tea infused with whole cloves, cinnamon, and mint leaves can also relieve stress and tension.

Soothes Acne 

Large doses of Eugenol in Clove oil, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, helps to clear acne and prevent future breakouts, The oil also prevents associated infections reducing the appearance of acne marks and blemishes in the face. 

Improves Scalp Health 

Massaging the scalp with clove oil helps to increase blood circulation, supports hair growth and the growth of healthy, glossy, and thick hair. A mixture of clove oil and olive oil can be used as a conditioner and prevents the occurrence of dandruff and hair fall.

Rejuvenates Skin 

Clove oil also functions as an exfoliator by removing dead skin cells and promoting blood circulation, reducing symptoms of early aging, and delivering smooth, radiant-looking skin. Application of diluted clove oil on the skin reduces the sagginess and the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles