Have you ever wondered why your grandmother always kept cloves in her kitchen? This tiny spice has been a secret health weapon in Pakistani households for generations. From adding flavor to biryani to soothing toothaches, cloves do so much more than you might think.
Cloves, known as لونگ (Laung) in Urdu, are dried flower buds from the clove tree. These small but mighty spices pack an incredible punch of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. In this guide, we’ll explore all the amazing cloves benefits that science has proven, including clove water benefits, clove oil benefits, and even benefits of cloves sexually.
Cloves Nutrition Facts
Before diving into the benefits, let’s look at what makes cloves so powerful. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of ground cloves:
| Nutrient | Amount | Daily Value |
| Calories | 6 | – |
| Carbohydrates | 1.3g | <1% |
| Fiber | 0.7g | 3% |
| Manganese | 0.6mg | 30% |
| Vitamin K | 3mcg | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1.6mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 13mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 5mg | 1% |
| Eugenol | 80-90% of essential oil | – |
Cloves are one of the richest sources of antioxidants among all spices, with an ORAC value of over 290,000 units per 100 grams.
10 Powerful Cloves Benefits
1. Boosts Immune System
Cloves are loaded with antioxidants, particularly eugenol, which helps your body fight off infections and diseases. The vitamin C in cloves supports white blood cell production, strengthening your immune response. Regular consumption of cloves can help your body resist common illnesses like colds and flu, making them especially valuable during seasonal changes in Pakistan.
2. Improves Digestive Health
Cloves have been used for centuries to treat digestive problems in traditional Pakistani medicine. They stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, reducing issues like bloating, gas, and indigestion. Chewing a clove after meals is a common practice in many Pakistani households to promote healthy digestion and freshen breath naturally.
3. Supports Oral Health
One of the most well-known cloves benefits is their ability to relieve toothaches and improve oral health. Eugenol in cloves acts as a natural anesthetic and antibacterial agent. Dentists have used clove oil for decades to numb pain during procedures. Placing a clove on an aching tooth provides quick relief, a remedy your dadi probably taught you years ago.
4. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Research shows that cloves can help manage blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for people with diabetes or those at risk. Studies indicate that compounds in cloves improve insulin function and help cells absorb glucose more effectively. Adding cloves to your chai or food may help maintain steady blood sugar throughout the day.
5. Protects Liver Health
Your liver works hard to detoxify your body, and cloves can support this vital organ. The eugenol in cloves has been shown to reduce signs of liver damage and improve liver function. Cloves also help reduce oxidative stress in the liver, protecting it from damage caused by free radicals and toxins.
6. Fights Bacterial Infections
Cloves possess powerful antibacterial properties that can fight harmful bacteria in your body. Studies show clove extract is effective against E. coli, Staphylococcus, and other dangerous bacteria. This makes cloves a natural way to support your body’s defense against infections without relying solely on antibiotics.
7. Reduces Inflammation and Pain
The eugenol in cloves is a natural anti-inflammatory compound that can reduce swelling and pain throughout your body. Research shows that eugenol works similarly to some over-the-counter pain medications. Whether you’re dealing with joint pain, muscle soreness, or headaches, cloves may provide natural relief.
8. Supports Bone Health
Cloves contain manganese, a mineral essential for maintaining strong bones. Just one teaspoon of cloves provides 30% of your daily manganese needs. This mineral helps form bone tissue and supports the enzymes involved in bone metabolism. For Pakistani women especially, adding cloves to your diet can help prevent bone-related issues later in life.
9. May Help Prevent Cancer
Early research suggests that cloves may have cancer-fighting properties. Studies show that clove extract can stop tumor growth and promote cancer cell death in laboratory settings. While more human research is needed, the high antioxidant content in cloves makes them a smart addition to a cancer-preventive diet.
10. Improves Respiratory Health
Cloves have expectorant properties that help clear mucus from the respiratory tract. They’re commonly used in traditional remedies for coughs, colds, asthma, and bronchitis. Drinking clove tea during winter months can help keep your respiratory system clear and healthy, especially important in cities with high pollution levels.
Cloves Benefits in Urdu | لونگ کے فوائد
لونگ ایک طاقتور مصالحہ ہے جو صدیوں سے پاکستانی گھرانوں میں استعمال ہوتا رہا ہے۔ یہ قوت مدافعت کو مضبوط کرتا ہے اور جسم کو بیماریوں سے لڑنے میں مدد کرتا ہے۔ لونگ ہاضمے کو بہتر بناتا ہے اور پیٹ کی گیس اور تیزابیت کو کم کرتا ہے۔ دانتوں کے درد میں لونگ کا استعمال فوری آرام دیتا ہے کیونکہ اس میں قدرتی درد کش خصوصیات ہیں۔
لونگ خون میں شکر کی سطح کو کنٹرول کرتا ہے اور ذیابیطس کے مریضوں کے لیے فائدہ مند ہے۔ یہ جگر کی صحت کی حفاظت کرتا ہے اور جسم سے زہریلے مادوں کو نکالنے میں مدد کرتا ہے۔ لونگ میں موجود اینٹی بیکٹیریل خصوصیات جسم کو انفیکشن سے بچاتی ہیں۔ ہڈیوں کی مضبوطی کے لیے لونگ میں مینگنیز کی بھرپور مقدار ہے۔ سانس کی بیماریوں میں لونگ کی چائے بہت مفید ہے۔ روزانہ 1-3 لونگ کا استعمال صحت کے لیے بہترین ہے۔
Clove Water Benefits | لونگ کا پانی کے فوائد
Clove water has become increasingly popular as a health tonic. Making clove water is simple: soak 2-3 cloves in a glass of water overnight and drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Key clove water benefits include:
Drinking clove water in the morning helps kickstart your metabolism and aids in weight management. It detoxifies your body by flushing out toxins that accumulate overnight. Clove water improves digestion throughout the day and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. Many people report clearer skin after drinking clove water regularly for a few weeks. It also helps freshen breath and supports oral health from the inside out.
For best results, drink clove water consistently for at least 2-3 weeks. You can add a few drops of honey or lemon to improve the taste if you find it too strong.
Clove Oil Benefits | لونگ کے تیل کے فوائد
Clove oil is a concentrated form of cloves that offers powerful topical and aromatic benefits. It’s extracted from clove buds and contains high concentrations of eugenol.
Dental Pain Relief: Apply a small amount of diluted clove oil directly to an aching tooth or gum for quick pain relief. Always dilute with a carrier oil like coconut oil before applying.
Skin Care: Clove oil can help treat acne due to its antibacterial properties. Mix one drop with your moisturizer or carrier oil to help clear blemishes. It also helps reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks over time.
Hair Health: Adding a few drops of clove oil to your hair oil can stimulate hair growth and reduce dandruff. Massage into your scalp once a week for best results.
Aromatherapy: Diffusing clove oil can help purify the air and create a warm, comforting atmosphere. It’s especially popular during winter months in Pakistan.
Caution: Clove oil is very potent. Always dilute it before applying to skin and never ingest clove oil directly.
Clove Tea Benefits | لونگ کی چائے کے فوائد
Clove tea is a soothing beverage that delivers many cloves benefits in an easy-to-consume form. It’s especially popular during cold weather and when you’re feeling under the weather.
How to Make Clove Tea: Boil 2 cups of water and add 3-4 whole cloves. Let it simmer for 10 minutes on low heat. Strain and add honey or lemon to taste. You can also add ginger or cinnamon for extra flavor and benefits.
Clove tea benefits include: Relief from cold and flu symptoms, reduced nausea and digestive discomfort, natural stress relief and relaxation, improved circulation and warmth during winter, and support for respiratory health during seasonal changes.
Drink 1-2 cups of clove tea daily for best results. Avoid drinking it too close to bedtime as it may keep you awake.
How to Use Cloves | لونگ کا استعمال
Cloves are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into your daily routine in many ways:
In Cooking: Add whole cloves to biryani, pulao, and korma for authentic Pakistani flavor. Use ground cloves in garam masala, baked goods, and desserts like kheer. Stud onions or oranges with cloves for aromatic dishes.
In Beverages: Add 1-2 cloves to your morning chai for extra warmth and health benefits. Make clove water or clove tea as described above. Add to warm milk with honey before bedtime.
For Oral Care: Chew 1-2 cloves after meals to freshen breath and aid digestion. Apply diluted clove oil for toothache relief.
For Skin and Hair: Use diluted clove oil in your skincare or haircare routine. Add ground cloves to face masks for acne-prone skin.
Cloves vs Cinnamon: Which Is Better?
Both cloves and cinnamon are popular spices with impressive health benefits. Here’s how they compare:
| Factor | Cloves | Cinnamon |
| Antioxidant Level | Very High (ORAC 290,000+) | High (ORAC 131,000) |
| Best For | Oral health, pain relief | Blood sugar control |
| Taste | Strong, slightly bitter | Sweet, warming |
| Main Compound | Eugenol | Cinnamaldehyde |
| Manganese | 30% DV per tsp | 22% DV per tsp |
The Verdict: Both spices offer unique benefits. Cloves are superior for pain relief, oral health, and antioxidant content. Cinnamon may be better for blood sugar management. For maximum benefits, use both spices in your cooking and beverages.
Cloves Side Effects and Cautions
While cloves benefits are numerous, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit clove consumption to normal food amounts. Avoid clove oil and supplements during pregnancy.
Blood Thinning: Cloves contain eugenol, which can slow blood clotting. Stop consuming large amounts of cloves at least 2 weeks before surgery. If you’re on blood-thinning medications, consult your doctor.
Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to cloves or eugenol. If you experience skin rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing, stop use immediately.
Digestive Issues: Consuming too many cloves can cause stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea. Stick to recommended amounts.
Children: Keep clove oil away from children. Even small amounts can cause serious side effects if swallowed.
Consult a Nutritionist
Want personalized advice on how to incorporate cloves into your diet for maximum health benefits? A qualified nutritionist can create a customized plan based on your specific health goals and conditions.
Book an appointment with a nutritionist through Marham to get expert guidance on using cloves and other natural remedies safely and effectively.
Conclusion
Cloves are truly a remarkable spice that offers countless health benefits. From boosting immunity and improving digestion to supporting oral health and even enhancing sexual wellness, this small spice delivers big results. Whether you prefer clove water, clove tea, clove oil, or simply adding whole cloves to your cooking, there are many easy ways to enjoy cloves benefits daily.
Remember to start slowly with 1-2 cloves daily and increase gradually. Choose high-quality cloves for maximum benefits, and always consult a healthcare provider if you have specific health concerns or are taking medications.
