Cloves are the dried flower buds of the tropical evergreen plant Syzygium aromaticum. They have an intense, slightly sweet flavor and are used as a spice, particularly in Indian cuisine. However, traditional medicine has also used cloves to cure indigestion, relieve pain, and fight infections. A recent trend claims that the benefits of clove water are the same, if not more. Just how true is this claim?
Cloves Nutrition Table
One tablespoon of cloves has:
| Nutrient | Content |
| Calories | 6 |
| Sodium | 13 milligrams (mg) |
| Calcium | 13 mg |
| Potassium | 21 mg |
| Magnesium | 5.4 mg |
| Manganese | 1.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 1.4 grams |
| Vitamin K | 3 micrograms (µg) |
What Is Clove Water?
Clove water is made by boiling whole cloves in water.
Some people claim that consuming it regularly will improve sleep and help you lose weight.
However, more evidence is needed to support these claims.
How To Make Clove Water?
Clove water is best consumed first thing in the morning.
You can prepare it either the night before or on the spot.
Here’s how to make a healthy cup of clove water:
- Boil 1-2 cups of water in a pan, depending on the clove water you are making.
- Add 9-10 whole cloves to the water, stir, and let the water simmer for a few more minutes.
- Strain the water and let it sit for some time.
- Finally, add a dash of lemon juice and drizzle some honey to enhance the flavor.
For best results, boil the cloves in water for 5-10 minutes.
Benefits Of Clove Water
May Support Weight Loss
Cloves can aid digestion, speeding up your metabolism.
They also help control blood glucose levels, reducing the amount of subcutaneous fat your body stores.
One study on animals also showed that cloves can also inhibit fatty acid synthesis.
Thanks to these properties, clove water can help support weight loss.
May Fight Stomach Ulcers
Studies have shown that cloves can help fight stomach ulcers.
Stomach ulcers happen due to the thinning of your stomach’s protective mucus layer that keeps stomach acid at bay.
Consuming healthy amounts of cloves could prevent this thinning and help fight stomach ulcers.
May Improve Liver Function
Cloves can also safeguard your liver against diseases.
Some studies show that cloves can protect you against liver cirrhosis and fatty liver disease.
However, more research is required to support this claim entirely.
May Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
A study on non-human subjects showed that cloves can help lower blood sugar levels.
However, taking clove supplements along with insulin can be dangerous.
It can severely lower blood glucose levels, resulting in a life-threatening hypoglycemic state.
While it is beneficial to an extent, clove water should never be used as an alternative to prescription diabetes medications.
May Serve As An Antibiotic
Some studies have shown cloves’ antibiotic-like properties.
This means they can help fight off infections caused by microbes like bacteria.
For the same reason, cloves are often used in naturopathic mouthwashes.
Clove-based mouthwashes may also help prevent cavities and other oral health problems.
May Promote Bone Health
Low bone mass is a condition where your bones don’t have enough calcium.
Over time, this can lead to osteoporosis and frequent falls and fractures.
Some preliminary studies show that consuming cloves can increase bone mass.
Cloves also contain manganese, which is essential for bone formation and health.
However, more research is needed to understand how cloves can help promote bone health.
May Lower Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's natural response to a bacterial infection or other harmful stimuli.
If uncontrolled, it can cause pain and discomfort and lead to several pathological conditions.
Cloves contain an anti-inflammatory compound called eugenol.
Thus, consuming cloves can lower your body's inflammatory response.
The risk of inflammatory diseases like arthritis and the extent of their symptoms can also be reduced.
Cloves could temporarily relieve toothaches because of their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
What Are Some Clove Water Benefits For Men?
Cloves may have multiple benefits for men, significantly improving sexual health.
All the studies mentioned here used whole cloves or clove oil.
More research is needed to ascertain if clove water has the same benefits on the body.
- May improve blood flow: A 2020 animal study showed that eugenol, a compound found in cloves, can help treat erectile dysfunction in rats by improving blood flow to the penis. It can have a similar beneficial effect on humans.
- May prevent premature ejaculation: If applied topically before intercourse, eugenol may desensitize the skin of the penis, reducing the likelihood of premature ejaculation. However, if applied incorrectly, it could irritate the skin and lead to further adverse effects.
- May improve male fertility: Cloves have antioxidant and hormone-boosting properties that can improve sperm count, sperm motility, testicular motility, and serum testosterone levels. A 2021 study on rats verified these claims.
Does Clove Water Have Any Side Effects?
Children, pregnant and nursing women should avoid clove water, those who have undergone surgery, and people suffering from diabetes or blood clotting issues.
If consumed improperly, cloves can have some side effects, including:
- Interaction with other medications: The eugenol in cloves can interact with blood-thinning drugs like warfarin.
- Hypoglycemia: While cloves can help control blood glucose levels, too much of them can result in hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening.
Always consult your doctor before starting to take clove water.
Clove Water Consumption Guide
Is It Safe To Drink Clove Water Everyday?
There aren't many reliable studies showing how much clove is safe for you.
When you consume clove water every day, you don't know how much eugenol you are consuming daily.
Too much eugenol can cause decreased blood clotting, vomiting, and diarrhea.
It is best to consult a doctor or nutritionist about how much cloves will be safe for you.
This is especially important if you suffer from liver disease, clotting disorders, or a weak immune system.
How Many Pieces Of Cloves Can I Have Daily?
You can safely consume 2-6 whole cloves daily for maximum health benefits.
However, it is best to consult a healthcare provider to know exactly how much clove you can safely consume, given your health conditions.
Can I Have Clove Water Before Bed?
While some claim that drinking clove water before bed can aid digestion and prevent stomach upsets, no concrete research currently supports this.
Conversely, there is little evidence against having clove water just before bed.
FAQs About Clove Water
How Does Clove Water Improve Oral Health?
Clove has antifungal and antibacterial properties and may help fight infections.
Experts may sometimes recommend clove oil as a temporary pain relief for toothache.
You can use clove water as a natural mouthwash.
Can I Add Other Ingredients To Clove Water For Enhanced Benefits?
Add honey, lemon, or ginger to clove water for added benefits.
This is a popular Ayurvedic concoction that can treat colds and coughs.
Boil a few whole cloves with some ginger.
Add a dash of lemon and drizzle some honey before consuming it.
Can I Store Clove Water?
You can refrigerate clove water and store it for a week.
However, fresh clove water always offers more health benefits.
Summary: Benefits Of Clove Water
- Clove is a dried flower bud used as a spice in many cuisines worldwide, especially Indian cuisine.
- Cloves also have a place in traditional healing systems like Ayurveda for their medicinal properties.
- Research shows cloves can lower inflammation, improve digestion, and support weight loss.
- A popular trend claims that clove water, made by boiling whole cloves in water, can benefit the body.
- Most studies have been conducted on subjects who consumed whole cloves, and more research is needed on the benefits of clove water.
- It's best to consume cloves cautiously since they can interfere with some medications and worsen some health conditions.
- A healthcare professional can let you know if clove water is safe to consume.
Others Are Also Reading
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References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28726934
https://www.wellandgood.com/benefits-of-cloves/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32352181
