Cloves, used in Indian kitchen for centuries, are not only a spice that enhances the taste and aroma of food, but it also has the status of a powerful medicine in Ayurveda and modern medical science. A special active compound called Eugenol is found in cloves, which is known all over the world for its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Apart from this, cloves are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, manganese, fiber and calcium, which helps in keeping many body parts healthy and fighting seasonal infections.
According to Ayurveda and health experts, chewing 2 to 3 cloves in a day is considered absolutely safe and healthy for a healthy adult person. Cloves are hot and pungent in nature, hence consuming them in limited quantity is beneficial for the body. If you are chewing it raw, then the best way is to place 1-2 cloves in your mouth on an empty stomach in the morning or before sleeping and slowly suck the juice. Eating more than 3 cloves daily can increase heat in the body, which can cause problems like mouth ulcers, acidity or stomach irritation.
The most famous use of cloves is in oral health i.e. care of mouth and teeth. Eugenol present in cloves acts as a natural analgesic (pain killer) and antiseptic. When you press a clove between your teeth, the oil released numbs the sharp pain caused by gum inflammation and cavity. Its antimicrobial properties destroy the harmful bacteria that cause bad breath in the mouth, thus keeping bad breath away forever and making the gums stronger.
Chewing cloves is very beneficial for those people who often suffer from indigestion, heaviness, bloating and acidity after eating food. Chewing cloves increases the production of saliva and activates digestive enzymes. It soothes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and expels excess gas formed in the intestines. Chewing 1 clove on an empty stomach in the morning speeds up the metabolism of the stomach and improves the problem of chronic constipation.
Consumption of cloves works like a panacea to prevent flu, sore throat, dry cough and bronchitis that occur during the changing seasons. The anti-oxidants present in cloves boost the body's immune system, so that the body can easily deal with the attacks of viruses and bacteria. When there is a sore throat or accumulation of phlegm, sucking a roasted clove in the mouth provides immediate relief to the throat and the mucus accumulated in the respiratory tract melts and comes out.
Scientific studies have proven that the bioactive components present in cloves increase insulin sensitivity, which prevents sudden increase in blood sugar levels. For diabetic patients, consumption of cloves in limited quantity helps in keeping blood glucose balanced. Additionally, the detoxifying properties of cloves protect the liver cells from damage caused by fatty liver and free radicals, thereby easily eliminating toxins from the body.
To take full advantage of the medicinal properties of cloves, it is important to keep a few things in mind.
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In the morning on an empty stomach: Chewing 1 clove with lukewarm water keeps metabolism healthy and helps in weight control.
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While sleeping at night: Chewing 1-2 cloves and drinking lukewarm water removes throat infection and improves digestion.
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Caution: Pregnant women, small children and people taking medicines for bleeding disorders should not consume cloves in large quantities without doctor's advice.