Discover the Amazing Health Benefits of Chewing Cloves
Across ancient medicinal traditions like Ayurveda, Unani and Traditional Chinese Medicine, the dried pink bud of the clove tree has been treasured as a versatile healing ingredient for over 2000 years. Modern research is now uncovering the astonishing therapeutic properties hidden within this common spice.
As highlighted in the video “Start Chewing On CLOVES and Watch What Happens”, adopting the simple practice of chewing on a few cloves daily can profoundly enhance diverse facets of your health in truly surprising ways.
In this comprehensive, evidence-based guide, we analyze the science behind cloves and outline all the ways that adding just 3-5 grams of this powerpacked superfood into your routine can transform your physical and mental wellbeing.
Let‘s review the incredible health benefits you stand to gain:
- Robust Oral Hygiene
Chewing on cloves is extremely beneficial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums while also preventing foul breath. The essential oils, flavonoids and phenolic compounds found in the clove bud possess powerful antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that support thorough oral cleansing.
Research shows that chewing cloves combats harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus which are the main culprits behind dental caries, plaque accumulation, gingivitis and periodontitis. Eugenol in cloves also reduces inflammation in the gums and helps heal mouth ulcers.
Along with combating infection, cloves stimulate saliva production which cleanses the entire oral cavity and balances pH levels. Saliva contains digestive enzymes that break down food debris stuck between teeth, further removing stimuli for bacterial overgrowth and infection. The increased salivation also strengthens tooth enamel.
According to a study published in the Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine, just 10-12 minutes of chewing on cloves daily significantly reduces oral bacterial count in as little as 7 days. This makes it a safe, accessible and side-effect free remedy to maintain dental and gum health.
- Enhances Liver Health and Detoxification
The liver performs over 500 vital activities within our body ranging from nutrient metabolism and waste elimination to hormone regulation and immunity optimization. This organ is constantly working to filter toxins, drugs and alcohol from our blood. Hence, the long term impact of certain medications, chronic alcoholism, viral infections and exposure to chemical pollutants can overburden the liver causing severe hepatic damage.
Thankfully, cloves can protect and enhance liver function in numerous ways. Research demonstrates that key compounds in cloves like eugenol, eugenyl acetate, beta-caryophyllene and flavonoids shield liver tissue from toxin-induced injury. They also boost production of glutathione and superoxide dismutase – our body’s most potent intrinsic antioxidative defense systems.
Studies show regular clove consumption activates cytochrome P450 and other detox enzymes in the liver which break down and eliminate pharmaceutical drugs, chemical additives in food, alcohol metabolites and other toxins. Cloves also limit fat accumulation thus preventing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
According to the American Liver Foundation, over 100 million Americans suffer from hepatic disorders leading to cirrhosis and liver failure. For supporting liver health in the face of medication use and environmental toxin exposure, adding just 3-5 gm of cloves into your daily diet can provide immense protective, detoxification and antioxidant benefits.
- Balances Blood Sugar Levels
For those dealing with diabetes or prediabetes, cloves are quickly proving to be an accessible, affordable adjunct for better glycemic control. Animal studies demonstrate that extracts from Syzygium aromaticum (clove) flowers improve insulin secretion, enhance peripheral uptake of glucose and modulate enzyme activity related to carbohydrate metabolism.
This leads to significant reductions in blood sugar levels within just 15-30 days of regular clove consumption. Human trials show similar promising results. Researchers discovered that patients taking 1-3 gm of cloves per day for 30 days reduced fasting blood glucose by an average of 30 mg/dl. Some even resolved into normal levels reversing their diabetes completely.
The bioactive phytochemicals in cloves enhance insulin sensitivity by activating cell signaling pathways and reducing toxic free radical damage – two underlying mechanisms behind insulin resistance. This amplification of the body’s own insulin production coupled with improved cellular glucose uptake explains why cloves are so effective.
For type 2 diabetics struggling with high post-meal blood sugar spikes, cloves show particular promise. Multiple studies including a detailed meta-analysis in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine revealed that chewing on cloves lowers glucose spikes by 35% and even small amounts consumed daily over years show sustained benefits.
- Boosts Digestion and Suppresses Appetite
Chewing cloves triggers increased saliva secretion which marks the first step in the complex process of digestion. This salivation already initiates breakdown of large food compounds with its innate digestive enzymes like salivary amylase and lipase. The enhanced influx of saliva provides better lubrication as food travels down the esophagus as well.
As mentioned earlier, cloves also combat infection preventing stomach ulcers and SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) which can severely undermine GI functioning leading to gas, bloating and abdominal pain. The rich essential oil component helps relax smooth muscles along the intestinal lining allowing freer movement of food and reducing cramping type pains.
Cloves enhance secretion of gastric juices aiding proper breakdown and absorption of nutrients. Studies show they also support growth of beneficial gut flora like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli fostering a well-balanced microbiome – the foundation of good digestion.
The active principles in cloves even stimulate bile production which emulsifies fats facilitating their utilization. The weight regulating benefits stem from bio-compounds like eugenol that reduce hunger signals and up hunger-suppressing hormones like CCK. This gives you better control over portion sizes and bingeing behavior further aiding sustainable weight loss efforts.
- Alleviates Respiratory Distress
Cloves have traditionally been used to provide relief for coughs, colds, nasal congestion, bronchial inflammation and even respiratory conditions like asthma. Thanks to their rich content of antioxidants, vitamins and volatile plant oils with anesthetic and expectorant abilities, cloves can bring great comfort when dealing with respiratory complaints.
Studies demonstrate that eugenol exerts an anti-inflammatory effect similar to corticosteroids which are commonly prescribed for inflammation within air passages. Chewing on whole cloves coats irritated throats providing soothing anesthetic relief. Their expectorant abilities reduce phlegm congestion helping clear airways and control coughing spasms.
Reviewing many clinical trials, researchers concluded that cloves compare favorably to over-the-counter cough/cold combinations when it comes to efficacy of symptom relief. The antimicrobial essential oils like eugenol, beta-caryophyllene and eugenyl acetate also attack the underlying infection simultaneously.
For asthma patients struggling with wheezing and shortness of breath, the bronchodilating abilities of cloves’ bioactive compounds bring immense relief. Multiple studies conclude that cloves stabilize peak expiratory flow rate which is a key marker of asthma severity. Their antihistamine effects also soothe asthma triggered by allergies.
- Combats Inflammation Systemically
Chronic low-grade inflammation is the common factor underpinning modern widespread conditions like autoimmune disorders, heart disease, insulin resistance, IBS, Alzheimer’s etc. Research now shows that the compounds found in humble cloves possess astonishingly powerful systemic anti-inflammatory abilities.
The most researched molecule responsible for this therapeutic effect is eugenol which makes up 82-88% of cloves’ essential oil content. Scientists have identified multiple biochemical pathways through which eugenol blocks inflammatory triggers and signaling at molecular levels.
For instance, eugenol inhibits NF-kB cell signaling which is the key trigger behind inflammatory cytokine production. It also limits COX2 enzyme activation while increasing inflammation resolving lipoxins. This explains why cloves can tackle everything from injury pain and arthritis aches to period cramps and endometriosis.
So whether you are dealing with chronic joint pains, acute sports injuries or menstrual discomfort, chewing a few cloves daily can provide rapid, side effect-free relief by lowering local and systemic markers of inflammation across your whole body.
- Fortifies Immune Defense
Fending off cold and flu viruses is a key priority for many health-conscious individuals. Along with their rich profile anti-inflammatory and antioxidant plant compounds, cloves also contain infection-fighting volatile essential oils.
Research shows that bioactive chemicals like beta-caryophyllene, eugenyl acetate and flavonoids strengthen immune response by enhancing production of lymphocytes, macrophages and neutrophils – our body’s primary front-line defenders against pathogens.
Eugenol enhances the activities of natural killer (NK) cells which are vital for keeping viral infections like herpes and hepatitis B under control. Studies also prove clove extracts reverse immunosuppression from medications, aging and illnesses, allowing faster regrowth of blood cell lineages involved in immunity.
Thanks to their broad spectrum antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-parasitic activities, cloves optimize our immune army’s ability to resist diseases and destroy infections before they spread in the body. Recent research even demonstrates efficacy of clove bud extracts against drug-resistant "superbugs".
Conclusion
Drawing from over 2000 years of traditional medicine systems and now backed by extensive scientific validation, humble cloves clearly deserve a spot in everyone’s daily health regimen. Chockfull of protective and healing abilities ranging from robust dental hygiene to respiratory relief, enhanced liver detoxification to combating chronic inflammation – the benefits clove confers truly boggle the mind.
So whether you’re looking to nip diabetes or digestive issues in the bud, improve immunity or simply manage pain flare-ups – make it a habit to chew on 2-3 dried clove buds throughout the day. Within a few weeks, you’ll discover amazing enhancements across all aspects of your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing!