Clove is a natural spice that contains a bulb on top and a spike below. It is reddish brown in color and possesses a strong bitter aroma. Cloves are generally used as whole spice or ground in various foods like curry, rice, desserts, pieces of bread, and meaty dishes.
Clove has known to be a popular ingredient in winter and can be added to drinks like soup, teas, and herbal recipes for essential benefits. It is used in combination with nutmeg in a number of delicious desserts.
Nutritional Profile of Cloves:
| Nutrient | Amount in g |
| Energy | 47 kcal |
| Proteins | 3 g |
| Fats | 0.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 |
| Dietary fiber | 5.5 g |
Properties of Cloves
A very useful spice i.e., clove is loaded with a bunch of nutrients that have immense health benefits.
The properties that make cloves extremely beneficial include antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant.
The cloves contain an active ingredient called eugenol which is classified as a phytochemical. It imparts a sweet aroma to the cloves. Also, they have an anesthetic nature that helps them in dental care. They also act as a powerful antiseptic agent.
In addition to this, it has a warming effect on the skin, mouth, and anywhere it is used.
Bioactive Components in Cloves
There are some beneficial bioactive ingredients found in cloves that make them medicinally and aesthetically useful.
- These include tannins like methyl salicylate, a natural painkiller.
- Essential oils like vanillin, maslinic acid, and acetyl eugenol that has millions of benefits on skin brightening and tightening.
- It also contains flavonoids like eugenin, eugenitin and kaempferol.
Benefits to Human Body
Cloves have a number of health benefits that include the following.
- Helpful against cancer
- Anti-microbial
- Improves liver function
- Loaded with nutrients
- The highest amount of antioxidants
- Improves gut health and mobility
- Helps prevent the occurrence of stomach ulcers
- Helps improve bone density
Nutrients:
The nutrients found in cloves are vitamin B complex, K, vitamin C, and B3. Consuming these cloves lead to a good vitamin C supply that helps the body fight infections and helps prevent free radical species.
It also helps in scavenging harmful particles. All these nutrients help in improved health conditions and benefits for the skin.
Liver and Oral Health
The liver, probably the most important organ of the body needs to be protected at all costs. Hence, such soothing and benefitting ingredients must be added to the diet to improve liver health. It helps the liver in multiple diseases like liver cirrhosis and fatty liver disease. It helps the liver detoxify harmful chemicals and toxins.
Since older times, cloves have so many benefits in oral health and dental care. It helps alleviate toothache. Eugenol acts as a painkiller and as an anti-inflammatory compound. Clove as a whole or its oil can be used as a pain reliever.
Skin
The clove is a very effective remedy for dry, damaged, and dull skin. It contains a very powerful compound that benefits the skin in the following ways.
1. It is used for the treatment of acne and pimples
2. It helps the body fight yeast infections
3. Cloves can be beneficial for the treatment of acne scars
4. It can also be used as an antiseptic
5. It has numerous anti-aging benefits
6. it can be used to eliminate the presence of dark circles that occur due to dehydration. Cloves help get back the required circulation.
Clove Water for Skin:
Clove water can be used to treat several health issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal issues along with cloves’ benefits for the skin.
- Just boil two cups of water with two cloves. boil it until one cup is left
- Add nutmeg or any other flavor enhancer and cool it down to enjoy.
Benefits of Clove Water
- Whenever feeling low and deprived of energy, sip this clove water and get the boost of energy you need. You may add a drop or two of honey for flavor enhancement.
- It can also be used for detoxification of the body and helps flush out toxins in obese and diabetic people especially.
- As we discussed earlier, it is loaded with antioxidants, it helps scavenge the free radicals, therefore, improving overall health.
- It helps in regulating gut health and gastrointestinal issues. It helps relieve the gas and bloating symptoms too.
- It can also be used as aromatherapy for relaxation from depression and anxiety. Pour it into the diffuser and let it soothe you and calm you down.
Clove Oil
The oil extracted from cloves is marketed under the name “clove oil” at various medical stores and drug stores. No doubt it is extremely beneficial for the skin, but it may be used with care because it may cause irritation to sensitive skin.
Clove has enormous benefits for the skin with healing properties and anti-inflammatory nature. It helps in the reduction of acne and oily skin. The pain, redness, and blemishes caused by acne are also greatly reduced by applying clove oil to the skin. Hence it improves the texture, moisture, and health of the skin. It also helps clear out debris from the clogged pores due to dirt.
It also helps with the early onset of aging and helps fight bacterial infections and damage caused by them.
It can also be used as a natural moisturizer as well as a toner for sensitive skin when mixed with coconut oil. It must be included in your nighttime routine for healthy- and young-looking skin.
Essentially Kates Clove Oil 4 oz
100% Pure and Natural – Hair Care, Skin Care, Diffuser, Garden, Teeth, and Aromatherapy
Clove Oil with Coconut Oil Blend
The steps you need to follow are as follows
- Wash your face with mild soap or facewash
- Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and a few drops of clove oil
- Add a pinch of turmeric to it
- Apply on the face and leave it for 30 minutes
- Wash your face with water and apply moisturizer
Ways to Use Clove Oil for Skin Benefits
Follow the steps to gain these benefits regarding your skin:
a) For acne:
Use clove oil after a patch test. Mix 2 to 3 drops of clove oil in your day or night cream and apply it to your face and see the magic. Your acne will disappear as if it was never present there. It works magic as it helps fight and kill bacteria.
b) To cure pigmentation and blemish marks:
Mix the clove oil in any carrier might be as oil, lotion, cream, moisturizer, or serum, and apply for 10 to 15 minutes. While it stays on your face, massage your face in a circular motion to ensure blood supply to your face.
c) To reverse aging:
Tap the clove oil directly on your face with the help of a cotton pad. Rinse it with water later. Spray rose water or any toner later. This will help remove the wrinkles and lines on your face that will make you look 10 years younger than your age.
FAQ’s
Can cloves really help my skin?
Absolutely! Cloves are like tiny superheroes for your skin, fighting off free radicals and boosting circulation.
Will using clove oil make me smell like a ham sandwich?
Only if you’re rubbing it all over your deli meat. Otherwise, clove oil has a warm, spicy aroma that’s more inviting than a sandwich.
Can clove oil cure my acne?
While it won’t magically make your pimples disappear, clove oil has antimicrobial properties that can help kill acne-causing bacteria. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than a fancy skincare regimen.
Can clove oil really reduce the signs of aging?
It’s not going to turn back the clock to your high school days, but clove oil can help firm and tone your skin. Plus, you’ll smell like a delicious spice rack, which is always a win in our book.
Can I eat cloves for better skin?
While cloves are delicious in pumpkin pie, eating them won’t do much for your skin. Instead, try using clove oil topically to reap the skin benefits.
Can I use cloves as a substitute for sunscreen?
Unless you want to look like a cooked lobster, we don’t recommend using cloves as a substitute for sunscreen. But if you want to add some extra antioxidant protection to your skin, cloves can be a great addition to your skincare routine.
Can clove oil really reduce wrinkles?
While it won’t magically erase every fine line and wrinkle, clove oil can help improve the appearance of aging skin by stimulating circulation and promoting collagen production. And hey, if nothing else, you’ll smell like a delicious holiday spice.
