"A light spice" with a rich history of use in medicine: how clove can actually help your body and in what cases caution should be exercised.
Clove has long transcended its role as a mere spice for baking and warming beverages. These dried buds of an evergreen tree have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine due to their high content of eugenol — an aromatic component attributed with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Modern research confirms some of these effects, although there is still insufficient scientific data to consider the spice a medicinal remedy.
What Makes Clove Special
Cleveland Clinic notes that it is eugenol that gives clove its distinctive aroma and possesses biological activity that is of interest to researchers. Clove oil contains particularly high amounts of it, which is why the concentrate is more frequently studied in laboratories. However, this does not mean that the spice in ordinary culinary amounts can treat diseases.
Potential Benefits for the Body
Relief from Toothache and Support for Oral Health
Clove oil is sometimes used for temporary relief of pain and inflammation in the gums. This method has been known for a long time, but doctors warn that the concentrate can cause burning and irritation, so it should be used with extreme caution.
Possible Impact on Blood Sugar Levels
It is believed that eugenol can affect the mechanisms of glucose regulation. But for people with diabetes, it is important to remember: combining clove products with blood sugar-lowering medications can lead to excessive drops in blood sugar levels.
Proposed Anticancer Effect
Some laboratory studies show that high doses of eugenol and clove extracts inhibit the growth of cancer cells. However, the concentrations used in experiments are not acceptable for humans — this does not refer to the effects of ordinary spice in food amounts. Large-scale studies are needed to confirm the effect.
Reduction of Skin Itching
Small studies indicate that clove oil may reduce itching, but skin reactions vary among individuals. There is a risk of irritation, so trying such methods without consulting a doctor is not recommended.
Relief of Cold Symptoms
Steam with added clove can ease breathing when experiencing nasal congestion. In traditional Eastern practices, it is also used for sore throat — but as an adjunctive measure, not as a treatment method.
Possible Risks and Limitations
- For children, clove oil is contraindicated: seizures and liver damage may occur.
- For pregnant and breastfeeding women, it is better to avoid concentrated forms due to a lack of safety data.
- In cases of blood clotting disorders, eugenol may enhance the effects of anticoagulants.
- In diabetes, there is a risk of a sharp drop in glucose when combined with medications.
The safest option is to use clove as an ordinary spice in drinks and dishes, rather than in the form of concentrated oil or tinctures.
Clove is a fragrant spice with a rich history and potential health benefits. It can support the body in a number of situations, but it cannot replace full-fledged treatment or serve as a magical remedy for health. A balanced diet, physical activity, and healthy habits remain far more significant for well-being.
