Origin: In 1721 BC, archeologists uncovered cloves in a ceramic vessel in Syria. In the third century BC, a Chinese leader of the Han Dynasty instructed those who addressed him to chew cloves so that their breath was fresh. During the Middle Ages, Cloves were traded between Muslim sailors and merchants in the Indian Ocean trade. The character of Arabian Nights like Sinbad the sailor is also known to buy and sell cloves from India.
In Hinduism, clove is considered sacred and is offered to almighty. It is also used while worshipping. Cloves are lighted in front of God as it gives a pleasant fragrance and keeps the flies and mosquitoes away.
Cloves are the fragrant flower buds of a tree belonging to the family of Myrtaceae, Syzygium Aromaticum.
Ayurveda states that Cloves help pacifies Vata and Kapha and increase Pitta. It is considered as a sattvic spice and stimulates mindfulness.
Scientifically: Cloves are rich in antioxidants, including eugenol and vitamin C that reduces oxidative stress. Few test-tube studies show that the components present in cloves may reduce the growth of cancer cells and also help in the killing of cancer cells.
Studies show that antimicrobial properties present in cloves may promote oral health and help in destroying harmful bacteria. Another study suggests that the compound eugenol present in Clove can be beneficial for the liver.
Nigericin, a compound found in cloves regulates blood sugar level. Clove contains manganese that helps in increasing bone mineral density. Clove extract and clove oil can increase the production of gastric mucus that fights against stomach ulcers.
Clove has calcium, iron, and magnesium. It has amazing antiseptic and germicidal properties.
Clove kills bacteria from the skin and cures pimples. It also has great blemishes clearing properties that helps in the reduction of dark spots and scars and makes skin clear and healthy skin. Clove is pregnant with the high amount of eugenol an antibacterial compound thus they help with acne and swelling.
Clove also gives birth to the advantageous clove essential oil that leaves a positive mark on your skin, health, hair, and lifestyle. It addresses a plethora of infections, aging and dental issues. It ensures that the body is toxin free, stress-free and that you are not complaining about headaches. It also works towards treating respiratory and digestion whilst addressing depression and anxiety. Clove helps with bronchitis, coughs, colds, asthma, sinusitis, and tuberculosis. Chew a clove bud to say goodbye to a sore throat.
Its antiseptic characteristic makes it a perfect choice for catering to on open wounds, bruises, scabies, athlete’s foot, fungal infections, etc. For those of us who are blessed with sensitive skin, always mix this magical essential oil with a carrier oil. It is blessed with an aphrodisiac that lowers your stress level. Once the stress levels diminish, your skin automatically starts smiling.
It is excellent for building the body’s metabolism. Problems such as flatulence, motion sickness, hiccups, and indigestion can be catered to using clove.
Massage your face with a blend of clove bud oil with other carrier oils such as coconut oil and olive oil, to get a radiant infection free look.
Get rid of the chemical loaded harmful insect repellents and switch to natural clove essential oil-based insect repellents. It works effectively as a natural bug repellent spray. If sprays are not your thing, you can light clove candles for getting rid of insects and bugs.
Another interesting and valuable role of clove is as a part of clove cigarettes. These natural cigarettes protect smokers from the harmful effects of tobacco.
Usage: Clove is used in Asian, African and Middle-east cuisines. It is used for adding flavors to meats and curries. It is also used for providing an aromatic flavor to different kind of beverages. Cloves are also used in Mexican and Peruvian cuisine.
Clove is also used in the making of flavored cigarettes and these cigarettes are smoked throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States. It has bioactive chemicals and acts as ant-repellent and mosquito repellent.
It is also used to make antiseptic, anti-fungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory ointments. Clove oil is used as a painkiller for dental problems. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy.
Below are some DIY with clove:
- Mix clove powder and water. Dab this on zits.
- Try adding 2-3 drops of pure clove oil to your skin cream and use it regularly, or on the acne. This reduces the appearance of acne.
- Apply clove oil directly to the skin and massage for a minute or two. This lightens the blemishes and scars on the skin.
- Mix one tablespoon of clove oil to coconut oil and apply on your scalp and hair. leave it on for 45 minutes. This reduces hair fall and promotes new growth.