Cloves are the nail-shaped,unopened, dried flower bud of an Evergreen Tree. Cloves have a sweet, penetrating flavor. The tree is native to Madagascar, India, Malaysia, Brazil, Sumatra, the Philippines, Jamaica and other tropical regions. Whole cloves add a wonderful flavor to mulled wine, hot cider,spice tea,baked ham and chicken. Ground Clove are delicious in desserts, bread pudding, cookies, rice pudding, spice cake, pumpkin pie, stewed cranberries and fruit dishes. Clove Oil has a numbing effect and is often used by dentists for tooth aches. A crushed Clove held in the mouth helps elevate tooth pain. The strong flavor and antiseptic qualities of Cloves led to the inclusion of Cloves in mouth washes and toothpaste. Cloves are also used to scent drawers and closets.
Health Benefits of Cloves
Better Digestion
Antibacterial Properties
Chemo-Preventive Properties
Liver Protection
Diabetes Control
Bone Preservation
Anti-Mutagenic Properties
Boosts the Immune System
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cure for Oral Diseases
Aphrodisiac Properties
Cure for Headaches
Medicinal uses
·The essential oil, eugenol in this spice has been in therapeutic use in dentistry as a local-anesthetic and antiseptic for teeth and gum.
·Eugenol also has been found to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics, but further detailed studies required to establish its benefits.
·Its decoction is sometimes used in treating flatulence and indigestion in traditional medicine preparations.
·It is also thought to have natural anti-parasite (kills intestinal worms) function.
·The essential volatile oils functions as a rubefacient, meaning that it irritates the skin and expands the blood vessels, increasing the flow of blood to make the skin feel warmer, making it a popular home remedy for arthritis and sore muscles, used either as a poultice or in hot baths.
·Clove oil is also used in aromatherapy.
Culinary uses
In order to keep the fragrance and flavor intact, clove is generally grounded just before preparing dishes and added at the last moment in the cooking recipes. This is because prolonged cooking results in evaporation of its essential oils.
·This popular spice has been used in preparation of many regular dishes in Asian and Chinese cuisine since ancient times. Along with other spices like pepper, turmeric, ginger etc. is being used in marinating chicken, fish, and meat.
·Some of Indian vegetarian, chicken and rice dishes (biryani) contain cloves and in the Middle East, it is used in meat and rice dishes.
·The spice also features in the preparation of soups, barbecue sauces, pickling and as one of the ingredients in curry powders.
