Clove is a well-known spice, which has found its application not only in cooking, but also in traditional medicine. The special chemical composition makes cloves a unique spice, because it contains a lot of vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
The composition of carnations
The composition of cloves is so rich in vitamins and microelements that it immediately becomes clear from where this plant has such powerful useful properties.
Nutritional value due to the high content of components in 100 g:
- 6 g of protein;
- 20 grams of fat;
- 27 g of carbohydrates.
Also in 100 g of the product contains 34 g of fiber - dietary fiber, affecting the function of the intestine. The composition of cloves contains ash, water, and about 20% is an essential oil that is rich in valuable compounds.
Attracts and vitamin composition of cloves. In the composition of dried inflorescences are present:
- beta carotene;
- B vitamins;
- vitamin C;
- vitamin E (tocopherol).
Minerals are represented by potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc. Also in the bud of cloves there are glycosides, tannins.
Useful properties of cloves
Studies have shown that the compounds present in the cloves are very useful for the liver, and help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Clove contains fiber, vitamins, minerals
The use of whole or ground cloves in food can provide you with a number of important nutrients. One teaspoon (2 g) of cloves contains:
- 21 kcal;
- 1 g of carbohydrates;
- 1 g of fiber;
- 30% manganese;
- 30% vitamin C.
Fiber helps prevent constipation, promotes regular bowel movement, vitamin C is necessary to strengthen the body's defenses. In addition, manganese is an important mineral for maintaining brain functions and strengthening bones.
As part of a lot of antioxidants. Antioxidants - compounds that reduce oxidative processes that contribute to the development of chronic pathologies.
This spice also contains eugenol, which acts as a natural antioxidant (5 times more effective than vitamin E).
In addition, the composition of the clove is vitamin C. It also acts as an antioxidant, helps to neutralize the free radicals that can accumulate in the body.
Protects against cancer
The healing properties of this spice allow you to avoid the development of cancer. Some studies have shown that clove extract helps to stop the growth of a tumor, promotes the death of dangerous cells. Studies have also been conducted that prove that concentrated clove oil can cause 80% of cancer cells to die if the esophagus is damaged. This is especially favored by eugenol, which effectively destroys cervical cancer cells.
Inhibit bacteria
It was found that this spice has a number of antimicrobial properties, that is, it allows you to stop the growth of bacteria. According to research, clove essential oil effectively suppresses some bacteria, especially E. coli, which causes colic, diarrhea and even fatigue.
In addition, the antibacterial properties of this spice contribute to strengthening the health of the oral cavity. Thus, according to one study, compounds extracted from cloves stopped the growth of bacteria that contribute to gum disease.
In another study, the effectiveness of mouthwash was tested based on the composition, which consisted of basil oil, clove oil and tea tree. After using this fluid for 3 weeks, 40 people of the test subjects were observed to improve the state of the gums, reduce plaque, bacteria in the mouth.
Positive effect on the liver
Useful clove compounds promotes good liver health. This is especially true of eugenol. In one of the studies conducted, rats with fatty liver disease were fed mixtures of clove oil.
As a result, it was possible to establish that such mixtures improved the functioning of the liver, reduced the inflammatory or oxidative process. Thanks to another study, it was found out that eugenol helps stop cirrhosis or scarring of the liver. Clove also contains many antioxidants that prevent the development of liver diseases due to their ability to neutralize the oxidative processes in the body.
Promotes bone health
Small bone mass is a pathology that affects, according to scientists, about 43 million adults in America alone. Such a condition can cause osteoporosis, which causes weakening and porosity of the bones, leading to an increased risk of fractures. Studies on animals have shown that some clove compounds help to preserve bone mass. Thus, clove extract improved the condition of osteoporosis and increased bone density and strength.
This spice also contains a lot of manganese - one teaspoon of spice is enough to provide 30% of the daily recommended dose of this substance. Manganese is a mineral involved in the formation of bones, it is incredibly important for our body.
Treatment of female diseases with clove
For a long time this spice is used for the treatment of various gynecological diseases. Since, for example, funds based on cloves help to improve the tone of the uterus, normalize the monthly cycle. You can also stimulate childbirth, treat inflammation of the urogenital system with the help of cloves.
Thanks to the beneficial properties of cloves, you can get rid of the discomfort during menopause, to establish the work of the reproductive system.
However, any prescriptions require prior consultation with your doctor to avoid negative consequences for the body.
Thus, the daily use of cloves and inclusion in the diet will allow a woman to deal with infertility. Cooking clove spice does not take much time. Take four tablespoons of crushed plants, cover with a glass of boiled water.
Cooked tea, leave to infuse for 30 minutes, then using a piece of gauze to get rid of the thick. Drink three tablespoons of tea before meals 4 times during the day. At the same time, it is necessary to prepare fresh tea so that the plant does not lose its beneficial properties.
When menopause or hormonal changes all women are faced with the appearance of "hot flashes" that deliver a lot of discomfort. The beneficial properties of cloves at this time are very beneficial for women. The following recipe will allow you to cope with age-related hormonal changes.
To reduce the pain, in the evening, pour 15 clove fruits with a glass of water warmed up to +40 degrees. Leave the broth to brew until the morning. The next day, drink half the prepared drink before breakfast, the rest - before dinner.
Use in traditional medicine
Ear ache
To get rid of such an unpleasant pathology, you need to make a special decoction. To make it, follow the simple recipe:
- In a glass of sesame oil, cold pressed add 5 sticks of cloves.
- Boil the mixture for 15 minutes.
- Ready broth is cooled, dripped into the sore ear, 3 drops 3 times a day.
Arthritis
To any pharmacy massage oil add 7 drops of clove oil, mix. Wipe this mixture sore joint 2-3 times a day.
Digestive problems
One teaspoon of fresh honey is mixed with a pinch of black pepper and freshly ground cloves. This mixture is taken twice a day. But in the presence of chronic diseases of the stomach, it is recommended to refuse such a method of treatment.
With parasites
Before therapy, it is recommended to carry out a cleansing enema, after which take the broth prepared according to the following recipe:
- 2-3 clove buds are ground in a coffee grinder;
- pour them a glass of boiling water;
- leave to infuse for an hour.
Ready infusion is required to filter, divided into 3 parts and take before meals.
Runny nose, cough and cold
With a cold, five buds of cloves must be rubbed, pour a glass of boiling milk. Wait 20 minutes, strain and use in a warm form.
To cope with a headache that is present with a cold, you need to prepare a mixture of one tablespoon of ground cloves and water - the powder is poured with liquid to obtain a thick slurry. It will just rub with a mixture of whiskey for 5 minutes.
Slimming
Carnation demonstrates excellent properties for getting rid of extra pounds. However, to achieve weight loss, you need to apply spices strictly according to the recipe.
To cope with fat deposits in problem areas, it is necessary to prepare tea according to the following recipe:
- mix 0.5 teaspoon crushed cloves, the same amount of ground ginger;
- add one teaspoon of green tea;
- fill the mixture with 1.5 cups of boiling water;
- leave to infuse for 40 minutes.
The resulting concentrated composition must be used in the form of tea leaves. You need to drink it during the day without sugar, you can add a little lemon to taste.
Contraindications and side effects
In most cases, the clove is completely safe for humans if consumed in the normal amount. Clove oil or cream, which includes clove flower, is safe when applied to the skin.
However, frequent use of clove oil can damage the gums, dental pulp, mucous membranes in the prevention of diseases of the oral cavity.
Special precautions:
- Children should not be taken inside clove oil. This can lead to seizures, an imbalance of fluid in the body, damage to the liver.
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use cloves in large quantities is not worth it, because this plant can lead to miscarriage.
- Bleeding. Eugenol slows down blood coagulation. There are concerns that taking clove oil can lead to bleeding in people who have bleeding disorders. It can also cause bleeding during or after surgery. Therefore, it is recommended to stop using this spice at least two weeks before the planned surgical intervention.
