Clove: Uses, Benefits, and More

WHAT IS CLOVE?

Clove is one of the most valuable spices that has been used for centuries as a food preservative and many medicinal purposes. It is a native of Indonesia but nowadays is cultured in several parts of the world, including Brazil. It's picked from the flower buds of a tree called Syzygium aromaticum.

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HOW IS CLOVE USED?

The flavor from the clove comes from the compound called Eugenol. Some people might find the flavor quite overwhelming, thus it is usually blended with other spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. Whole or ground cloves are also used to flavor sauces, soups, and rice dishes, as well as any number of desserts, such as eggnog, or pumpkin pie spice. However, when using whole cloves, the spice needs to be removed before serving due to its wood-like texture that would be unpleasant to bite into even when cooked.

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WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF CLOVE?

The clove plant represents one of the richest sources of phenolic compounds such as eugenol, eugenol acetate, and gallic acid. Thus it possesses great potential for pharmaceutical applications. Clove also has higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activity compared to many fruits, vegetables, and other spices. Its richness constantly pushes researchers to find a more useful application of clove. A new application of clove as a larvicidal agent to combat dengue – which is a serious health problem in many tropical countries, is an example of an interesting usage of the spice.

In addition, clove (oil) has long been used to treat toothache pain. The eugenol compound is also a pain-reliever and can help relieve inflammation. However, it can be toxic for children, so consultation with your dentist or pediatrician is highly important to ensure safety.

A note to remember: As with many healthy foods, they're most effective when included as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

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