CLOVES: Spice Sceptre

If you ever noticed ‘Clove’ closely, its typical structure represents nothing less than that of a sceptre carried by kings and monarchs. Sceptre is primarily a symbol of power and signifies royal or imperial authority. And for a fact cloves are essentially that power packed spice.

Cloves are used as a traditional remedy for curing any kind of pain whether it is toothache or stomach discomfort. It can alleviate pain as it contains the active ingredient ‘Eugenol’ which is a natural anesthetic. It helps numb and reduce pain naturally in aches and pain. Excellent for oral care, one can even simply mix clove oil with another neutral oil to be massaged onto painful gums for relief. It also improves blood circulation in the affected area bringing in much needed nutrients for pain relief. In addition, clove oil is used as an antiseptic in oral infections. Eugenol also has natural anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling and irritation in the affected area.

It is also known for curing a host of digestive issues including bloating, irritation, flatulence, constipation and even stomach ulcers. Chewing onto clove leaves or swallowing a quarter teaspoon of clove bud and cardamom powder after meals stimulates the secretion of digestive acids thereby preventing acidity and dispelling excessive gas from the body. Infact, it is a traditional practice to use cloves while cooking chole, rajma or any legumes that are otherwise hard to digest. It is also known to inhibit gut pathogens or intestinal parasites and even improve the gut brain axis.

Cloves also have high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value which implies a potent antioxidant capacity to tackle the damaging effects of free radicles like aging, cataract, cancer, rheumatoid, chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Cloves being able to induce a higher metabolic rate many dietitians are known to use Clove drops as a part of the regime for their weight loss clients. Cloves also has anti-hypercholesteremic and anti-hyperlipidemic properties. Clove leaves are filled with beneficial antioxidants that serves to boost your immune system and protect your body against various bacteria and viruses.

Clove oil may even help reduce symptoms of Asthma such as wheezing, chest pain and difficulty in breathing. Cloves have biological properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antimicrobial. It helps clear lung and nasal congestion and helps provide a hassle-free air flow while breathing.

Cloves are very invigorating and stimulating in nature. They are known to improve physical energy and stamina. Cloves are also known to improve blood circulation; helping stimulate the brain to make one more attentive and active. They are also known to help boost sexual energy and increase libido. Clove leaf is effective in eliminating candida and other fungal infections.

Durmeric Daily drops has 2 variants of Clove drops — Clove bud and Clove leaf. These can be used for all the above mentioned health benefits. The difference between Clove bud and Clove leaf is that the former is from the flowering buds of the clove tree while the latter is essentially from leaves of the clove tree. Though clove bud may generally be flavoured due to its strong aroma, the benefits of clove leaf drops are no less important.

Find an interesting revitalizing recipe on how to use clove bud drops in the Fennel-Hibiscus Decoction here.