Cloves: effect, nutritional values and use of the spice
In addition to its unmistakable flavour, the clove also has an interesting effect. We can benefit from this all year round. You can find out what this is and what else you can do with cloves here.
The key points
- Spicy and healthy: cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree and are characterised by their intense aroma and calming effect.
- Rich in nutrients: they contain many antioxidants, essential oils, vitamins C and K as well as minerals such as manganese, calcium and magnesium.
- Healing effects: cloves have an antibacterial, digestive and pain-relieving effect – especially for toothache, stomach complaints or insect bites.
- Caution during pregnancy: pregnant women should avoid cloves because of the eugenol they contain.
Origin and nutritional values of cloves
Cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree. They belong to the myrtle family and originate from South-East Asia. The bud owes its name to its special shape. The ovary is reminiscent of a nail. The name comes from the Old French clou de girofle, which means “nail of gillyflower”.
The scent of cloves has a calming effect because they contain a large proportion of essential oils, of which about 70–85 % is eugenol. Eugenol is also found in cinnamon and is essential for the smell and taste of the spices. The clove head is characterised by a fruity, slightly spicy, aromatic flavour.
In addition to their intense flavour, cloves also have impressive nutritional values. They contain a remarkable amount of antioxidants, especially flavonoids, as well as vitamins C and K. Minerals such as manganese, calcium and magnesium are also present in significant quantities. Among other things, manganese plays an important role in metabolism and protecting cells from oxidative stress. Due to their high content of secondary plant substances, cloves are considered to be particularly beneficial to health.
Effect of cloves: how healthy is the spice?
Due to their healing properties, cloves have long been part of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. For example, the dried buds can have an antibacterial, digestive, circulatory and mood-enhancing effect. With these properties, cloves are effective against many health complaints.
For example, if you have toothache it is advisable to place one or two cloves on the affected tooth and then bite on them. Eugenol has a slightly anaesthetic effect, which relieves toothache. Cloves can also work wonders for digestive complaints as they can help with flatulence or bloating.
In summer, when many people struggle with annoying insect bites, cloves can also have a beneficial effect. They repel mosquitoes and other insects with their strong smell. But if you do still get bitten, it helps to dab the affected area with a few drops of clove oil. The antibacterial effect ensures that the swelling subsides, and the anaesthetic eugenol relieves the pain and itching.
As helpful as the effect of cloves can be: pregnant women should refrain from using cloves, as the eugenol they contain can cause premature labour!
You should store cloves dry, but not in your fridge. However, if your fridge smells unpleasant, the scent of cloves can have a positive effect on the inside of your fridge.
