Cloves

Cloves are dried flower buds that come from the Evergreen clove tree. The English word “clove” stems from the Latin word clavus which translates
to “nail.” Cloves have a sweet, warm flavor and smell. Cloves and clove oil are used in cooking, perfumes, and artificial flavorings.

Cloves originated in the Molucca Islands of Indonesia. The spice was first mentioned in Chinese writings during the Han dynasty over two thousand
years ago. Arab traders brought cloves to the Venetians in Europe four hundred years later.

Where Are Cloves Grown?

The principle producer of cloves is Zanzibar in East Africa. Indonesia, Sumatra, Jamaica, West Indies, and Brazil are the world’s other top
producers.

Why Should I Eat Clove?

Cloves contain manganese, vitamins C and K, magnesium, calcium, and fiber. Cloves also contain eugenol, a substance helpful for relieving pain,
killing bacteria, and reducing inflammation.

Home Remedies

Make a paste from one-quarter teaspoon clove powder and one teaspoon cinnamon oil. Apply this to the forehead for headaches or to any other
painful area. To relieve a toothache, chew on a clove or dip cotton in clove oil and apply it to the painful area.

Lifesaver!

HEART HEALTH: A few grams of cloves per day boosted insulin function while lowering cholesterol, according to two reports presented at the

2006 Experimental Biology meeting in San Francisco. The clove study found that all participants who ingested cloves, regardless of the amount,
showed a drop in glucose, triglycerides, and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels. Blood levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol remained unaffected. Clove oil
was found to inhibit lipid peroxidation, which can lead to heart disease.

INFLAMMATION: Eugenol, a component in cloves, has been found to inhibit enzymes and pathways that lead to inflammatory conditions in

human cell studies.

YEAST INFECTION: An animal study found a reduction in yeast infections when clove oil was applied to the infected area.

LUNG CANCER: One study found that when mice with induced lung cancer were given an IV clove infusion, cancer growth was reduced.

PAIN: A human study found that clove oil may be helpful in dentistry before a needle is injected into the gums. The subjects in the study reported
feeling less pain.

PREMATURE EJACULATION: One study found when a cream containing clove was applied to the penis, men were able to increase the length

of time before ejaculation.

Tips on Using Cloves

SELECTION AND STORAGE:

• Choose whole cloves whenever possible. The powder form loses its flavor quickly.
• Fresh cloves release an oil when squeezed. Also, if a clove is fresh, it will float vertically.
• Whole and ground cloves should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Whole cloves can be kept for one year; ground
cloves can be kept for six months.

PREPARATION AND SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Use a coffee grinder to grind whole cloves. Grind just before use.
• Use cloves in combination with other herbs to flavor meats.
• Add cloves when making pickles, stews, marinades, or wines.
• Add ground cloves to your favorite cake, cookie, or pie.