The Different Uses & Benefits of Cloves

Since their earliest dating, cloves have grown in usage, recognition, and distribution. These highly aromatic, dried flowerbuds are used as spices in recipes and for making natural drinks (such as zobo and kunu). Beyond culinary purposes, consumers are also exploring medicinal and health benefits of taking cloves.

Cloves are reported to have existed as far back as 1500 BC in the Austronesian maritime trade network, which later became a branch of the Spice Trade. Cloves, known as kanafuru in Southwest Nigeria, are now grown across the world and in numerous African countries including Madagascar, Tanzania, and Kenya.

The history of cloves, as well as the planting and harvesting processes, is utterly remarkable. In this article, we’d revisit these stories to understand how cloves are grown while highlighting the benefits of cloves.

• Historical Origin of Cloves
• How Cloves are Grown
• Some Uses of Cloves
• Health Benefits of Cloves

Cloves: What to Know About Them

Cloves are flower buds of the plant Syzygium aromaticum (clove tree), of the Myrtaceae family. This family of trees also includes other notable members like guava, bay rum, and allspice. Trees in this family are woody and contain essential oils; they all grow flower parts in multiples. These peculiar characteristics make them sought after, given their potential medicinal benefits.

Freshly harvested cloves. Source: Business Insider.

Historical Origin of Cloves

The clove tree is native to the Moluccas, an archipelago in Indonesia. From this island, cloves were exported to China and Europe and became a key feature of the Spice Trade. Cloves were attributed a high worth, luring different ruling empires across centuries, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and Spanish.

While Indonesia remains the world’s leading producer of cloves, seedlings of clove trees have previously migrated to different regions, including Mauritius and Zanzibar. The latter was once the leading producer of cloves.

Cloves also make several historical appearances in interment practices, especially in European countries. This is largely due to the preservative properties of eugenol, the primary compound present in clove oil.

How are Cloves Grown?

Cloves are harvested as the flower buds of the clove tree. The harvesting process requires precision. Too early and the buds won’t be developed enough; too late and the crowns, which contain the eugenol, will have broken off, thus devaluing the cloves. Harvesting begins when the buds are mature but not yet open, ensuring the crowns remain intact to preserve their eugenol content—a compound that gives cloves their distinctive fragrance and medicinal properties.

Cloves can be harvested with machines or with hand-pickers; most producers prefer hand-picking as this minimizes the risk of damaging the buds or crowns. Skilled workers use ladders, steadied by ropes, to reach the higher branches of the towering trees. They carefully sever the buds from the higher branches to the lower ones. They’re mindful not to break the branches, which supports the tree’s productivity for subsequent harvests.

Once harvested, cloves are sorted by size, with the largest and plumpest being considered premium quality. They are then dried in the sun until they turn a rich brown color.

Proper drying is essential; over-drying can diminish the eugenol content, reducing both the fragrance and potency of the spice. After drying, the cloves are packaged and stored in cool conditions to preserve their quality before being distributed to wholesalers and retailers.

What are Some Uses of Cloves?

Across social media, you’d find Nigerians using cloves for hair treatment, pain relief, and even for enhancing sexual performance. But what are some of the best ways to maximize cloves?

In Cooking

Cloves add a warm, aromatic flavor to savory and sweet dishes. They are used in spice blends like garam masala, curry powders, and mulled wine mixes. Cloves can also be added whole or ground to soups, stews, and baked goods for a rich, distinctive taste.

In Making Natural Drinks

Cloves are commonly used in traditional Nigerian drinks like zobo drink and tiger nut drink to enhance flavor and sprinkle heat. They are boiled with other ingredients to extract their aroma. Their antimicrobial properties also preserve these drinks for longer.

Medicinally

Cloves are known for their high eugenol content, which offers anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits. They are used to alleviate toothaches, improve digestion, and reduce cold symptoms. Clove oil is also a popular natural remedy for respiratory and skin conditions.

For Hair Treatment

Clove oil or clove-infused water can be applied to the scalp to promote hair growth and reduce dandruff. Its antimicrobial properties help maintain a clean and healthy scalp. Regular use can also add shine and strength to hair strands.

In Dentistry

Cloves are widely used in oral treatments due to their numbing and antibacterial properties. Clove oil can relieve toothaches and is a key ingredient in some toothpastes—such as Colbur and Dabur—and mouthwashes. It helps combat oral bacteria, freshen breath, and support overall dental health.

The varying uses of cloves lends to their’ high costs. Indonesia, which produces a large quantity of cloves annually, has comparatively lower prices than many other countries, with 1kg of cloves costing as high as IDR74,198 (around ₦7,100). In Nigeria, 1kg of cloves averagely sells for ₦35,000.

However, you save more than five thousand naira when you purchase your cloves at competitive prices on PricePally (1kg sells for around ₦27,000 only).

Health Benefits of Cloves

Cloves contain eugenol, an essential oil great in neuroprotection, food flavoring, and pain relief. Thus, cloves offer numerous health benefits including:

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Cloves naturally reduce inflammation in the body due to their high eugenol content. Eugenol helps reduce swelling and pain, making cloves beneficial for conditions like arthritis, muscle soreness, and digestive inflammation. Regular inclusion of cloves in the diet can aid in soothing internal and external inflammation.

Liver Health

In small quantities, cloves can promote liver health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Eugenol, the active compound, supports the liver’s detoxification processes and protects against damage caused by toxins. However, excessive consumption can cause damage to the liver, so moderation is key.

Rich in Antioxidants

Cloves are packed with antioxidants, a group of molecules that combat free radicals roaming the human body. This reduces oxidative stress in the body. This protective effect helps lower the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. The antioxidants in cloves also contribute to overall cellular health and longevity.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Cloves can aid in managing blood sugar levels by slowing how the body absorbs glucose and by improving sensitivity to insulin levels. These properties make them a valuable dietary addition for people with diabetes or those at risk of the condition. Incorporating cloves into meals helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Potential Cancer-Fighting Properties

Emerging research highlights the potential of cloves in combating cancer. Compounds like eugenol have shown promise in inhibiting tumor growth and inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. While research is ongoing, cloves are being studied for their role in cancer prevention and management.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties

Cloves possess strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, which are effective in promoting skin health. They can help you combat acne, fungal infections, and other skin conditions caused by harmful microorganisms. This makes cloves a natural remedy for maintaining clear and healthy skin.

Immune Boosting

Cloves enhance the immune system by providing antimicrobial and antiviral support. They can help the body fight infections and reduce the risk of illnesses like colds and flu.

And of course, cloves are reportedly great testosterone enhancers and can improve sexual potency, given their high manganese content.

Wrapping up…

Cloves, whether in food as spice, in drink for flavor, or in other forms, favor positive health and body wellness. They make the skin better, renew organ health, and impart aroma to meals. If you’re yet to board the cloves’ train, this article is your cue to get on and start reaping the benefits of cloves.