If you’re looking for a spice that can add flavor, boost your health, and be used in so many ways, then cloves are definitely worth considering. Whether used in sweet dishes and drinks, aiding digestion or relieving pain, cloves have been called a “super spice” by the International Journal of Food Science & Technology, due to the seemingly endless number of noted uses that have made their way from various ancient cultures around the world and have survived into the modern era. Read on to find out everything you need to know about this amazing spice, plus some lesser-known applications.
Rich in antioxidants.
Cloves contain antioxidants that can help protect cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Studies suggest that these compounds may also help reduce inflammation in the body.
A real source of nutrients.
Cloves are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including manganese, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin K, vitamin E, dietary fiber, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. They are also rich in several plant compounds with potential health benefits, such as eugenol and flavonoids.
Versatile spice.
Cloves can be used to flavor savory dishes and desserts. From curry to cakes, mulled wine to apple pies, they offer a sweet and slightly tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with many ingredients!
Analgesic treatment.
Clove oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices around the world for its antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. It is even known to reduce toothache pain when applied directly to the affected area!
Calming properties.
Clove oil can be inhaled or added to massage oils or baths as an aromatic treatment to calm the body and mind. It is often used as part of aromatherapy treatments to relieve symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression, while promoting relaxation and happiness!
Fresh breath.
In parts of India, cloves are chewed after meals to aid digestion and freshen breath – which is why they are commonly included in mouth-refreshing powders or toothpastes marketed for this purpose!
Fluid digestion.
Adding cloves to tea or coffee not only brings a unique flavor but also health benefits such as reducing nausea and improving digestion by stimulating saliva production and secretion of juices gastric.
Antiseptic properties.
When applied topically, clove oil is said to be effective against microbial infections on the surface of the skin thanks to its wealth of antimicrobial compounds like beta-caryophyllene and eugenol. It can also help reduce pain from inflamed joints when massaged directly onto the area affected by arthritis or other causes of joint pain.
Natural repellent.
Besides being an essential culinary spice, cloves can also be used for many household tasks, such as refreshing carpets or clothes with their aromatic scent when added to vacuum cleaner bags or detergents. laundry respectively. It can even act as a natural insect repellent when burned slowly in charcoal grills!
Natural air freshener.
Take an orange and prick it all over with whole cloves, pressing them into the flesh of the fruit so they stay in place. This should cover the entire surface of the orange. Then hang or set your pomander somewhere in your home where it can naturally release its aroma and fragrance over time (on a windowsill, for example).
Alternatively, if you prefer a stronger, faster flavor, you can puncture the orange with a knife or toothpick, then soak it in boiling water for several minutes before setting it in place. You can also add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an even nicer smell. Finally, if you want to keep the scent longer, put the pomander in a bowl with a little sea salt to absorb any excess moisture that could spoil it too quickly.
