Our blog is based on personal experiences and general knowledge and is not intended as professional medical advice. While the language in this article may sound definitive at times, it reflects general information and opinions rather than medical guidance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. Note that AI tools are used to assist in creating our content.
Most of us have a jar of cloves sitting in the back of the pantry, but this spice is much more than just a holiday scent.
Cloves are packed with nutrients that can give your health a major boost.
1. High in Antioxidants
Cloves are a top source of antioxidants. These are the "cleaners" in your body that help protect your cells from damage. Including them in your diet is an easy way to help keep your body resilient against chronic illness.
2. Relieves Tooth and Gum Pain
This is the most famous use for cloves. They contain a natural numbing agent. Dabbing a tiny bit of clove oil on a sore tooth or chewing a whole clove can help dull pain and kill bacteria in the mouth.
3. Better Digestion
If you feel bloated or gassy after eating, cloves can help. They help your stomach produce the right juices to break down food, making digestion much smoother.
4. Blood Sugar Balance
Adding cloves to your meals can help keep your blood sugar levels steady. It helps your body’s insulin work more effectively, which prevents those mid-day energy crashes.
5. Supports Liver Health
The compounds in cloves may help keep your liver healthy by reducing stress on the organ. Just remember that a little goes a long way, you don't need much to see the benefits.
Kitchen Tips: How to Use Cloves in Your Recipes
Because cloves are so strong, you don't need much to change the flavor profile of a dish. Here are a few ways to use them:
Warm Up Your Morning: Add a tiny pinch of ground cloves to your coffee grounds before brewing or stir it into oatmeal with cinnamon.
Savory Rice & Grains: Toss 2 or 3 whole cloves into the pot while cooking basmati rice or quinoa. It adds an earthy aroma. (Just remember to fish them out before serving!)
Better Pan-Sauces: A pinch of cloves pairs beautifully with red meats or roasted root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes.
Homemade Tea: Simmer a few whole cloves with a slice of ginger and a cinnamon stick for a soothing, digestive-friendly tea.
Quick Flavor Pairings
If you’re experimenting with recipes, cloves go perfectly with:
Fruits: Apples, pears, and oranges.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and star anise.
Savory: Onions, garlic, and red wine reductions.
Storage Tip
To keep that medicinal potency and flavor, store whole cloves in a glass jar in a dark, cool place. They stay fresh for about a year, while ground cloves lose their punch after about six months.
Stay Safe
Blood Thinning: Since cloves can thin the blood, be careful if you are on medication or have surgery soon.
Don't Overdo It: Using cloves as a spice in food is safe, but avoid drinking clove oil directly, as it is extremely strong and can be toxic in large amounts.
Consult a Professional: Always talk to your doctor or a nutritionist before making major changes to your diet or if you have specific health concerns prior to use.
Research
Journal of Medicinal Food: Research on antioxidant properties of clove buds.
Cleveland Clinic: Guidelines on using cloves for oral health and pain relief.
WebMD: Overview of clove benefits and potential drug interactions.
- Phytotherapy Research: Studies on clove extract and its effect on blood sugar.
