Phenotypic description of cloves
The
clove tree is an evergreen tree that reaches 8-12 meters tall, with large
leaves and crimson flowers gathered in terminal clusters. Initially, the flower
buds are pale in color, then gradually turn green, then turn to bright red when
they are ready to harvest. Cloves are harvested when they reach 1.5 cm in
length. The carnation consists of a long calyx that ends with four spreading
sepals, and four closed petals, forming a small central ball.
Cloves
are native to the Maluku (or Kings) Islands in Indonesia. Cloves are available
throughout the year, because they are harvested in different seasons in
different countries
Cloves
are used in Asian, African, Mediterranean, Near and Middle Eastern cuisine,
adding flavor to meats, curries and marinades. It is a common ingredient in
spice blends. Since cloves contain many nutrients; therefore, using a teaspoon
of ground cloves to add flavor to food can provide some important nutrients,
such as: fiber, minerals, and vitamins such as manganese, vitamin K, and
vitamin C, in addition to small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and vitamins C
and E.
Health benefits of cloves
- Preventing the spread of cancer cells
Clove oil helps prevent the spread of cancer cells, especially esophageal cancer cells, colon cancer, and cervical cancer cells. Because it contains antioxidants, such as: Eugenol and vitamin C, which work to kill cancer cells and stop their division. However, concentrated amounts of oil and eugenol should not be used, because excessive amounts of Eugenol are toxic, and excessive doses of oil are fatal. They may cause liver damage, especially in children.
- Resistance to microorganisms
Cloves
help stop the growth of microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli, a
strain of bacteria that can cause cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, and even death.
Cloves' ability to stop the growth of microorganisms may help enhance oral
health and reduce the risk of gum disease.
-. Maintaining dental health
Clove
oil helps prevent tooth erosion, and works in a similar way to fluoride in
preventing tooth decay. It is also used to relieve toothache by dipping a
cotton ball in a mixture of it and olive oil or coconut oil, then placing it
directly on the painful tooth, but it must not touch the gums. The pain often
subsides within a few minutes of applying clove oil, and it is reapplied every
two hours as necessary. If you feel irritation from applying clove oil, you
must stop using it immediately. Cloves can be used for the teeth as a local
anesthetic for pain, by chewing cloves on an empty stomach in the morning.
- Treating digestive problems
Clove
extract helps in treating stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers. It
increases the production of gastric mucus, which acts as a barrier that helps
prevent erosion of the stomach lining from digestive acids. It also has an
effective role in treating bloating and indigestion. In addition, it has the
potential to help prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements. It
can also help in treating anal fissures by diluting it with carrier oil, such
as: jojoba oil, coconut oil, or olive oil, then massaging the affected area.
Chewing cloves on an empty stomach in the morning reduces nausea and dizziness.
- Improving
respiratory health
Cloves
are used to treat sore throats and relieve their pain by placing a clove stick
under the tongue. It was also found that the benefits of clove oil for sleep
include: it prolongs sleep, reduces the duration of falling asleep, and has an
anti-anxiety effect. Therefore, to get a restful sleep, it is recommended to
put drops of clove oil on the pillow at night, provided that the bedroom is
well ventilated.
- Treating infections
It
helps relieve headaches, because it contains flavonoids, which have
anti-inflammatory properties. It can also be used to reduce muscle and joint
pain
- Treatment of diabetes
The
compounds found in cloves help maintain blood sugar levels. It increases the
absorption of sugar from the blood into the cells. It increases insulin
secretion, and improve the function of the cells that produce insulin. This
benefit is one of the benefits of chewing cloves on an empty stomach.
- Promoting liver health
Beneficial
compounds in cloves, such as Eugenol, help promote liver health by improving
liver function and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Increase sexual desire
Clove
oil helps increase sexual desire for women and men, by adding one drop to their
favorite drink, and sipping it before meeting. It also helps in treating
erectile dysfunction, treating premature ejaculation that many men suffer from,
increasing general sexual ability in men, and improving reproductive ability.
- Treatment of skin diseases
Clove
oil helps significantly relieve chronic itching when applied to the skin. It
also helps in moisturizing dry skin, treating acne, promoting hair growth,
reducing hair loss, making it soft, shiny, easy to style, and with a beautiful
smell. In addition to reducing scalp infection and inflammation.
- Other benefits
Cloves
help strengthen the immune system because they contain vitamin C. It plays an
important role in blood clotting because. it contains vitamin K. It improves
brain functions and strengthens bone structure because it contains manganese.
Among its many benefits is that it helps reduce the level of harmful
cholesterol and the percentage of triglycerides in the body.
For more information on the heath benefits of cloves, watch the attached videos (1 and 2).
References
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128092866000297
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