Get to know cloves, a versatile kitchen herb.

Even though they are just small dried flowers, cloves have a lot of medicinal and nutritional value. Learn how to use them properly, along with precautions to reduce side effects.

What is clove ?

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum plant, native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia. They have a pungent, spicy flavor and aroma and have been used in both culinary and folk medicine for centuries. They are commonly added to sweet and savory dishes or used in lozenges to relieve various symptoms.

Important substances of cloves that are good for the body

Cloves contain a prominent active ingredient, eugenol, which has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and slightly numbing properties. It is therefore used as an ingredient in toothpaste and local anesthetics. It also contains flavonoids and tannins, which help fight free radicals and heal internal wounds.

Benefits of Cloves

Eliminate fishy odors in food

Cloves have a strong aroma from essential oils, which can help to mask the smell of meat. They are often added when marinating meat or stewing to allow the heat to draw out the aroma. Eugenol also has the effect of inhibiting the growth of certain types of bacteria, which helps to make food cleaner and more fragrant.

Reduce bad breath and care for gums

Cloves can be chewed fresh or soaked in warm water and used as a mouth rinse to help reduce bad breath, reduce bacterial buildup, and reduce inflammation of the คาสิโนออนไลน์ UFABET ฝากถอนรวดเร็ว เริ่มต้นเล่นง่าย gums and teeth.

Relieve toothache

When tooth decay or gum inflammation occurs, ancient people like to use clove essential oil , dab it on cotton and put it in the aching tooth. It will temporarily reduce the pain because eugenol acts as a mild anesthetic. However, it should not be used often because it can irritate the gums.

Helps digestion and reduces flatulence

The pungent smell of cloves stimulates saliva and digestive juices, so it is often added to stews or brewed as hot tea. It helps the digestive system work more smoothly and reduces symptoms of indigestion and stomach bloating.

Reduces inflammation and relieves muscle pain.

The active ingredients in cloves also help relieve muscle and joint inflammation. Some people use clove essential oil in massage with vegetable oils such as olive oil or coconut oil to relieve aches and pains.

Precautions for using cloves

• If cloves are used in large quantities continuously, they can irritate the stomach or affect the liver because eugenol can accumulate in the body.
  
• Young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases should consult a doctor before use.
  
• Clove essential oil must be diluted before applying to the skin or rinsing the mouth. Never swallow the concentrated oil.
  
• People who are allergic to eugenol may experience skin irritation or a rash.

How to use cloves

Chew or suck on fresh to reduce bad breath.

Using 1-2 cloves in your mouth or chewing them gently will help to eliminate bad breath, freshen your breath, and reduce bacteria buildup.

Use topical pain relief creams

If you have a temporary toothache, use a clean cotton swab soaked in a small amount of clove essential oil and apply it to the aching tooth. This will temporarily relieve the numbness, but do not use it for a long time. You should also see a dentist.

Brew it as tea to drink to nourish the digestive system.

Take 2-3 cloves , brew in hot water, drink after meals. It helps stimulate digestive juices, reduces flatulence, colic, or can be added to Chinese herbal teas.

Used as a spice in food.

Add cloves to curries, stews, meats or sauces to enhance the aroma, heat, remove the fishy smell and enhance the flavor.

Used to extract massage oil

Clove essential oil is usually diluted with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, and massaged to relieve muscle or joint pain (test for allergies before use).

Cloves are a versatile herb that can provide both flavor and medicinal properties. However, they must be used correctly and appropriately. Consult an expert before using them, especially in children and pregnant women , to ensure long-term benefits and safety.