When you say cloves, everyone clearly thinks of the familiar and aromatic spice. It is used, for example, in baking gingerbread, it is also suitable for mulled wine or punch, just as it can be used in combination with citrus to perfume the whole household. But few people know that this tiny, fragrant and also very cheap spice also has health benefits. Literally, it can be said that it can help in dealing with various health problems. In fact, the inhabitants of the areas where it is grown the most know about it. They are the ones who use it for many ailments. And you can try the same for yourself. And where does the clove come from? It is most widely grown today in:
- Malay Peninsula
- Zanzibar
- Madagascar
The buds are harvested by hand and then dried for some time. It is in the cuisine of these regions that it has long been used as a valuable spice for the preparation of a variety of dishes and sweets. Traditional Indian and Chinese medicine has known the healing powers of cloves for centuries.
The inconspicuous miracle bud
Dried buds are a highly rich source of essential oils, consisting mainly of eugenol. This group of chemicals belongs to the terpenes and possesses amazing anesthetic and disinfectant properties. As a result, cloves are antibacterial, relieve spasms, relieve pain and can treat respiratory inflammation.
A powerful antioxidant and remover of excess iron
But be warned, the list of clove’s positive effects doesn’t end there. Research conducted at a Spanish university has shown that it is one of the best antioxidants from the plant kingdom. Five different properties were taken into account, and in all of them cloves showed exemplary superiority. This is because it contains many phenolic compounds that help protect cells from the action of oxygen free radicals.
It can also greatly help in the field of hematology. In most hematology patients, iron deficiency in the blood is addressed. However, there are conditions where, on the contrary, there is an excess of iron in the body. This can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, cancer or circulatory failure. Research at the aforementioned Spanish university found that cloves, along with other Mediterranean herbs, can effectively treat haemochromatic conditions.