Renowned for its robust, pungent flavor, the clove blossom bud, once dried to a hard and brown state under the sun, has found its usage across therapeutic and culinary landscapes, especially in Asia for over two millennia. Introduced to Europe during the Middle Ages, it gained a reputation rivalling pepper, while in modern contexts, its widespread use in crafting Indonesian cigarettes is notable. A slow fruit producer, the delicate clove tree demands close to 8 years to bear fruit, with its flower buds, harvested pre-bloom, dried until they assume a brownish hue.
1. Cloves & Stomach Comfort
Cloves, when infused, stand as a formidable ally against varied digestive issues, notably stomach aches and bloating. Creating the infusion involves steeping 4 or 5 cloves in a large cup of boiling water for around ten minutes.
2. Combatting Bad Breath with Cloves
Addressing post-meal oral odor can be as simple as sucking on a clove, which acts to refreshen breath and is beneficial for teeth.
3. Cloves: A Balm for Tooth Pain
Cloves contain eugenol, recognized for its antiseptic properties beneficial for sore gums and teeth. Franck Dubus, a Doctor of Pharmacy, notes its action on “peripheral morphine receptors,” which independently perceive pain, recommending an oily maceration or a mother tincture to mitigate irritation risk.
4. Intimate Cleansing with Cloves
Celebrated for their anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and analgesic properties, and abundant in antioxidants, minerals, manganese, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and vitamins, cloves can be utilized for intimate cleansing.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon salt
200g cloves
Hot water
Preparation:
Pour boiled water into a clean bowl, introduce a teaspoon of salt and approximately 200g of cloves, and sit atop the bowl, ensuring no direct contact with the hot water, allowing the heat to permeate your vagina until the water cools. This clove bath externally tightens and externally combats infections in the vagina, while enhancing its appearance and scent.
5. Cloves as a Cold Combatant
For those seeking to fend off winter illnesses, clove essential oil, boasting antiviral and antibacterial properties, is a worthy consideration to sidestep the flu, colds, and other seasonal infections. Two methodologies exist: either dilute 1 to 2 drops of the essential oil in a teaspoon of olive oil for consumption pre-meal or dissolve 1 to 2 drops on a sugar cube to melt under the tongue prior to eating. Employ either approach 1 to 3 times daily, for a maximum of one week.
6. Employing Cloves for Hair Health
To combat hair loss, combine cloves with olive oil, allow the mixture to sit for 2 days, and subsequently apply to the hair.
Note: Engage with these uses with caution and consult healthcare professionals prior to incorporating new elements into your health and wellness routine to ensure safety and suitability for your individual circumstances.