The healing effect of cloves

1. Clove is a spice with a strong predominant flavor, it is mainly grown in Indonesia where it is processed into cigarettes. Cloves are used in curry, speculaas, stews or mulled wine. It has been used in Asia for centuries for its medicinal properties and can aid in digestion, diabetes, cancer, infections and as an aphrodisiac.

How to ingest

1. Cloves can be used whole or in powder form, the flavor of whole cloves is very strong and is usually added to dishes as a seasoning, but not eaten. Clove powder has a milder taste. Whole cloves can be stored in a glass jar for up to six months. Cloves can be used to flavor soup and stock and is often used in Indian curry dishes. Clove powder is mixed with nutmeg, ginger, cardamom and cinnamon

Side Effects

1. A normal amount of cloves is one to two grams per day. Clove oil in a bath should be limited to five drops per bath. Eugenol can interfere with platelet function, people taking blood thinning medications should be careful with clove or clove oil and always consult a doctor. During pregnancy and lactation, clove intake should be limited to a maximum of one gram per day because it can cause nerve damage and birth defects.

2. A normal amount of cloves is one to two grams per day. Clove oil in a bath should be limited to five drops per bath. Eugenol can interfere with platelet function, people taking blood thinning medications should be careful with clove or clove oil and always consult a doctor. During pregnancy and lactation, clove intake should be limited to a maximum of one gram per day as it can cause nerve damage and birth defects.