This fascinating spice has been known for thousands of years and was initially used for medicinal purposes. They were often ground up and applied to minor cuts to help them heal. Now, cloves are available for consumption in any form to help improve health. Clove tea can alleviate congestion and clove oil is used to ease headaches. It even has protective properties that make them a good insect repellent. Clove itself is rich in manganese, which helps the body form connective tissue, prevent blood clotting, and support bone health.

Here are more surprising benefits of cloves:

Cloves are known to have helped digestion and control stomach irritation. They help with vomiting and are suitable for people with ulcers.

The dried flower bud of cloves helps strengthen the immune system by increasing white blood cell count, which is the type of blood cell responsible for fighting infectious diseases. 

Cloves have properties that can help stop the growth of all sorts of bacteria. Clove oil has been known to kill strains of E.Coli and two other types of common bacteria.

With a high amount of antioxidants, cloves can protect organs, especially the liver. Eugenol, which is found in cloves, may help decrease oxidative stress. 

A test-tube study found that clove extract helped prevent further tumour growth. Several tests also found that it can help kill cancer cells, such as those found in cervical cancer and esophageal cancer.

Cloves can be useful in preventing gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. A test conducted on forty people showed that the participants’ gum health had improved significantly when they used mouthwash with cloves and two other ingredients (tea tree and basil) in 21 days. Because of their anti-inflammatory properties, they can also be used for soothing toothaches and the like.

Cloves are rich in manganese, which can help increase bone mineral density. They can also help preserve bone mass. Those who will benefit the most from this are the people who live with osteoporosis, which is a bone disease that can result in a fracture when not careful. 

An old but still useful recipe to help alleviate headaches is to crush cloves and mix with a few other spices and rock salt to make a paste to add to milk. This has been said to work for headaches. 

Insulin is the hormone that transports sugar from the blood to the cells, making sure blood sugar levels are steady. Cloves were found to help increase insulin levels and lower blood sugar, which will prove to be useful for diabetes patients. Cloves coupled with a plant-based diet can aid in the recovery of patients with diabetes. 

If you want to start including cloves in your diet, you can purchase them in the grocery spice aisle. They can be used in many different kinds of cuisines. Indian food uses cloves in many dishes, which is why Indian cuisine is one of the healthiest there is in the world.

For exquisite and authentic Indian food, make a reservation at Tower Tandoori, the best Indian restaurant near London Bridge. With a selection of mouthwatering dishes, you will surely get the taste of authentic Indian cuisine. Stop by or take out some of our best dishes today!