Cloves Benefits and Uses: A Powerful Spice for Health and Wellness

6 min read | January 14, 2025

Cloves have long been valued for their aromatic properties, culinary uses, and medicinal benefits. These dried flower buds are used as spices in cooking and as key ingredients in natural drinks like zobo and kunu.

Beyond their role in enhancing flavor, cloves also provide numerous health benefits, making them a staple in traditional medicine.

Cloves date back to 1500 BC, originally part of the Austronesian maritime trade before becoming integral to the Spice Trade. Known as kanafuru in Southwest Nigeria, they are now cultivated worldwide, particularly in Madagascar, Tanzania, and Kenya. This article explores the history, growth, and health benefits of cloves, along with their various uses.

The History of Cloves

Cloves originate from the Moluccas, an Indonesian archipelago. They were traded to China and Europe, gaining immense value in the Spice Trade. Throughout history, cloves were so valuable that various empires, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and Spanish, fought over them.

Although Indonesia remains the largest producer, Mauritius and Zanzibar also played significant roles in global clove cultivation. Zanzibar was once the leading exporter of cloves. Cloves were even used in European interment practices, thanks to eugenol, a natural preservative found in clove oil.

How Cloves Are Grown

Cloves come from the Syzygium aromaticum tree, a member of the Myrtaceae family, which includes guava and allspice. These trees contain essential oils and are highly valued for their medicinal potential.

Harvesting Process

Cloves are picked as flower buds before they bloom. If harvested too early, they lack potency; if too late, their eugenol-rich crowns fall off, reducing their value. Farmers wait until the buds are mature yet unopened, ensuring maximum eugenol content for both flavor and medicinal benefits.

Most producers hand-pick cloves rather than using machines to prevent damage. Skilled harvesters use ladders and ropes to reach high branches, carefully clipping buds without breaking the stems. Once collected, cloves are sorted by size, with the largest and most aromatic considered premium quality. They are then sun-dried until they turn a deep brown color.

Proper drying is crucial—over-drying reduces eugenol content, weakening both the fragrance and potency. Once dried, cloves are stored in cool conditions before being shipped to markets worldwide.

Common Uses of Cloves

Culinary Uses

Cloves add warmth and depth to many dishes. They are essential in garam masala, curry powders, and mulled wine. Both whole and ground cloves enhance the flavor of soups, stews, and baked goods.

Natural Drinks

Cloves are widely used in zobo, kunu, and tiger nut drinks, adding a spicy kick and preserving freshness due to their antimicrobial properties.

Medicinal Applications

Rich in eugenol, cloves help reduce pain, inflammation, and digestive issues. They are used for toothaches, respiratory relief, and skin conditions.

Hair Treatment

Clove-infused water strengthens hair, reduces dandruff, and improves scalp health. Regular use can enhance shine and growth.

Oral Health

Due to their antibacterial and numbing properties, cloves are used in toothpaste and mouthwashes. Clove oil relieves toothaches and helps prevent oral infections.

Health Benefits of Cloves

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Cloves naturally reduce inflammation due to their high eugenol content. They are particularly beneficial for arthritis, muscle pain, and digestive issues.

Liver Health

Cloves support liver detoxification and reduce oxidative stress. However, excessive consumption may harm the liver, so moderation is key.

Rich in Antioxidants

Packed with antioxidants, cloves combat free radicals, lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes while promoting cellular health.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Cloves help manage blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and slowing glucose absorption.

Potential Cancer-Fighting Properties

Research suggests eugenol in cloves may help inhibit tumor growth and trigger cancer cell apoptosis.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Benefits

Cloves combat acne, fungal infections, and bacterial skin issues, making them a natural skincare remedy.

Immune Boosting

Cloves strengthen the immune system by fighting viruses and bacteria, helping prevent colds and infections.

Sexual Health

Cloves may enhance testosterone levels and improve sexual performance, thanks to their manganese content.

Clove Prices and Availability

Cloves are costly due to their labor-intensive harvesting process. Indonesia, the leading producer, offers cloves at IDR 74,198 (₦7,100) per kg. In Nigeria, 1kg costs ₦35,000, though platforms like PricePally offer competitive prices at ₦27,000 per kg.

Final Thoughts

Whether as a culinary spice, medicinal ingredient, or natural remedy, cloves offer numerous benefits. They enhance flavor, boost health, and promote well-being. If you haven’t incorporated cloves into your diet, now is the perfect time to start enjoying their advantages.

FAQs About Cloves

Are cloves safe to consume daily?

Yes, but in moderation. Excessive intake may cause digestive issues or liver damage.

How do cloves help with toothaches?

Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic that numbs pain and reduces inflammation.

Can cloves help with weight loss?

Cloves boost metabolism and aid digestion, but should be paired with a healthy diet.

Do cloves have side effects?

Overuse can cause allergic reactions, liver issues, or digestive discomfort.

Where can I buy high-quality cloves?

Trusted vendors and platforms like PricePally offer fresh, affordable cloves.

Reference Links

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Cloves Benefits and Uses: A Powerful Spice for Health and Wellness