The Humble Clove: More Than Meets the Eye




The Humble Clove: More Than Meets the Eye


The clove is an unassuming little spice that most of us keep tucked away in our spice racks. But beyond adding warmth and complexity to soups, stews, and baked goods, the clove has a long history of uses as a medicinal herb. In this post, we'll explore some of the potential benefits of clove, including one of my personal favourites - clove tea. 


What is Clove?


Cloves come from the flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, which is native to Indonesia. Along with nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper, clove is one of the most valuable spices in history. In the past, wars were fought and lands conquered over this tiny dried bud. 


Cloves have a sweet yet spicy flavour and are rich in compounds like eugenol, acetyl eugenol, beta-caryophyllene, and vanillin. These components give clove its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anaesthetic properties.


Benefits of Clove Tea


Clove tea is a traditional remedy used to treat a variety of ailments. Here are some of the research-backed benefits of clove tea:


- Anti-inflammatory: Compounds in clove, including eugenol and acetyl eugenol, are potent anti-inflammatory agents that may help reduce inflammation. This can aid inflammatory conditions like arthritis. 


- Antioxidant: Clove is rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells against damage from things like free radicals and oxidative stress. This may promote overall health.


- Antimicrobial: Research shows that clove exhibits antimicrobial effects against certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Clove tea may help fight off infections.


- Digestive aid: Clove tea appears to stimulate digestive enzymes and promote gastrointestinal health. It may be useful for treating issues like nausea, bloating, and hiccups.


- Oral health: Eugenol in clove has natural anaesthetic and antiseptic properties. Gargling with clove tea may temporarily relieve toothache pain and oral ulcers. 


How to Make Clove Tea


Making a cup of this warming, soothing tea is easy:


- Add 2-3 whole cloves or 1/4 teaspoon ground clove to a cup of hot water

- Let steep for 5-10 minutes

- Strain out the cloves and add honey to taste if desired. Be sure not to give honey to infants under one year old.


You can also add other herbs and spices like cinnamon, black peppercorns, fresh ginger, lemon, and cardamom to complement the clove flavour. Sip your clove tea slowly and enjoy its therapeutic benefits.  


A Simple Remedy with a Complex History


The next time you spy that little bottle of cloves in your pantry, think of its rich past and promising future. This humble dried flower bud punches above its weight when it comes to potential wellness applications. So steep yourself a cup of antioxidant-packed, anti-inflammatory clove tea and drink in its history.



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