Carnation: harm and benefit, description with photo, useful properties, therapeutic effect, tips and rules for use. Where and how does the clove grow, what does the spice look like, what useful properties and contraindications does this spice have? Carnation as a folk medium

13.03.2020 -

Most of us are familiar with cloves as a fragrant spice. However, few people know about the medicinal properties of the spice, which is dried unopened buds of the clove tree, resembling small carnations with hats in shape.

It turns out that medicine in many countries has long since adopted the use of cloves for medicinal purposes. So, in the USA and Europe, it is advised for use by people with digestive problems.

In India, it is prescribed to patients to relieve spastic pain. Clove oil has been used in dentistry, surgery and gynecology. The spice is also used in cooking and cosmetics.

Did you know? About 60 medicines have been produced on the basis of cloves.

As you can see, cloves are popular in the world due to their therapeutic effect, and such a variety of useful properties of this plant is explained by its rich chemical composition.

Chemical composition and nutritional value of cloves

In terms of its chemical composition, cloves have no equal among spices. It contains:

The nutritional value of cloves is also high, due to the high content of proteins (6 g / 100 g), fats (20 g / 100 g) and carbohydrates (27 g / 100 g). 33% of cloves is fiber. It also contains ash and water.

Useful properties of cloves for humans

The spectrum of beneficial effects of cloves on the human body is very wide. It has analgesic, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, wound healing, antiviral, diaphoretic and diuretic effects. Its anthelmintic and antifungal effects are also known.

Cloves are used to prevent influenza and other viral diseases. Spices are afraid of golden and white staphylococcus aureus.

Vitamin B complex, which is part of the clove buds, relieves stress, tension, improves memory, stimulates the brain.

Decoctions are made from cloves to treat eye diseases, in particular to get rid of barley. Adding it to food improves appetite, normalizes the digestion of food, improves acidity, and eliminates gas formation.

The spice has a beneficial effect on the normalization of blood pressure.

AT traditional medicine clove oil is a part of healing and anti-inflammatory ointments and balms. Clove-based preparations are used for sprains and dislocations in athletes.

Cloves are used in research to develop cancer drugs, which confirm that they can inhibit growth cancer cells.

The medicinal properties of food cloves have found application in dentistry and gynecology.

Areas of application of cloves

In one article, it is hardly possible to consider the features of the use of cloves in various fields. Let us dwell only on some of them, where the spice is used most often.

The use of cloves in dentistry

Cloves are used to solve a number of dental problems. Its anti-inflammatory effect has been proven in periodontal disease, pulpitis, caries and diseases of the oral cavity (stomatitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis).

Recommended to relieve toothache decoction of food cloves known for its medicinal properties. To do this, five buds are boiled in one glass of any vegetable oil(olive, sesame, sea buckthorn). The broth is allowed to brew and cool. Swabs with three drops of decoction are applied to the diseased tooth.

Also, to get rid of pain, you can rub clove powder on your gums, drip clove oil on a sore tooth, or simply chew whole buds.

Important! If you follow this council, then they should be aware that the use of folk remedies will only lead to short-term pain relief, but not to a solution to the problem. For the treatment of a diseased tooth, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

Decoctions and tinctures of cloves are also used for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. So, they recommend rinsing with clove decoctions for aphthous stomatitis.

The spice has an anti-inflammatory effect and promotes speedy healing ulcers. With perspiration and sore throat and tonsillitis, it is advised to chew cloves. With angina, rinses have proven themselves well warm water with sea salt and clove powder.

In addition, dry clove buds can be used instead of harmful digestive tract chewing gum- it removes wonderfully bad smell from the mouth and maintains normal mucosal microflora after meals.

Did you know? The spice is added in the manufacture of chewing gum in Thailand and India.

The use of cloves for headaches

To get rid of a headache, there are several recipes:

Prepare a paste of 5 g of ground cloves, cinnamon, almonds and water. Apply the mixture to the temples.
Apply a paste mixture to the whiskey camphor oil and ground cloves (5 g).
A similar mixture is prepared from cloves, salt and milk.
Massage the forehead and temples with a mixture essential oils cloves (1 drop), chamomile (1 drop), lavender (3 drops), almonds (1 teaspoon).

Used to treat frequent headaches alcohol tincture : 5 teaspoons of ground cloves are added to 100 g of vodka, heated and drunk in half a tablespoon.

How to take cloves

We have already talked about several ways how you can take cloves with medicinal and preventive purposes- prepare tinctures, decoctions, mixtures, drops, oil based on cloves.

Can also be brewed clove tea. Its daily use can enrich the human body with the missing vitamins, cheer up, increase vitality, strengthen immunity.

It can also help with diarrhea, bloating and nausea. Teas can be made from cloves alone, or with the addition of other ingredients: cinnamon, ginger, orange, etc.

Important! Do not add more than one or two inflorescences per cup to tea, otherwise the drink may be bitter.

With frequent colds before meals, you can take a mixture of a pinch of ground cloves, black pepper and a teaspoon of honey, her medicinal properties help to survive the autumn-winter period without SARS.

Also antiviral action render inhalation with clove essential oil. They help in the treatment of colds, coughs and nasal congestion. To do this, add a few drops to hot water and breathe these vapours.

Clove oil is also used in aromatherapy to calm the nervous system, stress and depression. Also, oil (2 drops) can be added to the bath when bathing.

But to strengthen the heart, it is advised to drink mulled wine. And with therapeutic purpose mulled wine is better not to cook, but to insist for several weeks. To do this, five clove inflorescences are added to 0.5 liters of red wine. You need to insist in a dark place for three weeks.

Add one teaspoon to tea up to three times daily. Also, mulled wine can be prepared in the following way: in 0.3 liters of red wine, put sliced orange and half a lemon, 5 cloves, cinnamon, bring to a boil, cool and strain. Drink one tablespoon.

To get rid of a cough, you can use before bedtime a mixture of five drops of essential clove oil, one clove of garlic and honey. For pain in the ears in each auricle instill three drops of prepared clove oil.

Cloves have proven themselves well in the treatment of arthritis and arthrosis. It is added to massage oil (4-5 drops / 10 ml), used to make a healing mixture.

Swabs soaked in clove decoction are used to heal wounds and acute conjunctivitis.

This spicy plant has a positive effect on women's health. Even in ancient times, it was used to stimulate childbirth, with postpartum hemorrhage and as an abortifacient.

Essential oil of clove can increase the tone of the uterus, normalize the menstrual cycle and hormonal background. Also, cloves are a good aphrodisiac that enhances sexual desire and prolongs sexual pleasure.

How cosmetologists use cloves

In cosmetology, clove essential oil is used. Its main component - eugenol - is part of creams, ointments, balms. It is also used in perfumery.

Clove oil effectively acts on oily and prone to acne skin. It has an antiseptic effect, relieves inflammation and dries the skin. To solve skin problems, it is recommended to prepare mixtures based on creams.

So, on a face with oily skin is applied mixed cream or oil base (10 ml), 2 drops of clove essential oil and 2 drops of lemon juice.

Use a mask for acne from cream or oil (10 ml), 1 drop of clove oil, 2 drops of geranium oil and 1 drop of chamomile oil.

To narrow the pores, mix one egg white, 1 drop of clove oil, 1 drop of geranium oil, 1 drop of sage oil.

You can fight rashes with 15-minute masks from the composition: wheat germ oil (10 ml), clove oil (2 drops), lavender oil (3 drops).

Also, clove essential oil helps to strengthen hair growth and good nutrition hair follicles. For weakened hair prone to hair loss, masks with the addition of clove oil are recommended.

One of the simple options for a mask that stimulates hair growth is in 30 ml of any vegetable oil, add 5 drops of clove oil. Rub into hair roots and scalp. Leave for 40 minutes.

It is important to know that clove oil has a very strong action and in undiluted form can lead to burns and skin irritation, therefore there are contraindications to its use, in particular, it is prohibited for children and adolescents under 15 years of age.

Cloves and Cooking

To give a unique taste and aroma in cooking, cloves are widely used:

when preparing fried and stewed meat, minced meat;
in bakery and confectionery;
when cooking broths and first courses;
in fish canning and sausage production;
for cooking compotes, mulled wine, punch;
as an additive to marinades (meat, fish, vegetable, mushroom, berry);
as part of sauces, mayonnaise.

Clove gives its burning taste to both hot and cold dishes. With prolonged heating, the taste of the spice intensifies, but the aroma high temperatures disappears. Therefore, in dishes where the smell of cloves should be in the first place, spice should be added as late as possible.

It is important not to overdo it with the addition of spices, since an excessive amount of it in a dish can clog the taste of the main products and give a very strong specific flavor.

It is recommended to add to the broth 1-2 cloves per 1 liter of liquid. When cooking meat up to two buds. Put into the dough 4-5 cloves per 1 kg. Throw in the marinade 3-4 g of cloves per 10 l.

Ground cloves, along with other spices, are part of the popular Masala spice.

Did you know? To determine the quality of a clove, it must be thrown into a container of water with force. good, useful spice should go to the bottom or float in a vertical position with a hat up. If the spice does not sink, but floats on the surface, this indicates that the heavy essential oil has evaporated from it and there are no useful properties left in it.

Also, the quality of the carnation is determined by putting it between two sheets of paper and rolling it a couple of times with a rolling pin. If at the same time oily spots remain on the paper, then the spice is good.

Contraindications to the use of cloves

Despite the fact that cloves are endowed with a number of medicinal properties, there are contraindications to its use. It should not be used by children under two years old, pregnant women, nursing mothers.

It is undesirable to take this spice for gastritis with hyperacidity and peptic ulcers. It should be reduced to people with increased mental stress.

Since this spice can both tone and relieve spasm at the same time, it can relax the muscles gastrointestinal tract and raise blood pressure, cloves should not be used for hypertension, there are contraindications for use by people in a state of nervous excitement.

And pay attention, if all the above remedies do not help you, then for further treatment you will need to consult a competent specialist.

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Carnation is not only beautiful flower, but also a great seasoning that has been used in cooking for many centuries. However, few people know that cloves have healing properties and are often used in folk medicine, helping to get rid of a wide variety of ailments. Dried clove buds are probably in the house of every housewife who loves and knows how to cook. Therefore, with a headache or digestive problems, instead of running to the pharmacy, you can use this effective natural remedy, which can deal with problems much better than conventional medicines.

Useful properties of cloves

The beneficial properties of cloves are primarily due to the presence of essential oil in this plant, which has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic properties. Plus, clove essential oil contains the substance eugenol, which has wound healing and regenerating properties. It is also worth noting that cloves contain vitamins A, E, D and C, a huge amount of fatty acids and tannins, as well as iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium.

Medicinal properties of clove oil

If ground cloves are most often used in cooking, then for treatment various diseases usually clove oil is used. For example, it is indispensable for severe headaches, which are accompanied by nausea and vomiting. In this case, a few drops of oil should be rubbed in the palms, then massage the forehead and temples with your hands for 2-3 minutes. As a rule, after half an hour there will be no trace of a headache.

Clove oil is also effective in diseases of the ears and teeth. For example, with otitis media, it is instilled into the ears several times a day, and gradually the inflammatory process stops, and pain symptoms disappear. For acute toothaches, it is recommended to lubricate the gums with clove oil. Besides, with caries, cotton swabs soaked in oil should be placed in a damaged tooth for 10-15 minutes. If this procedure is done at least 2 times a day, then after a few days you can completely get rid of pain and inflammation.

What are the benefits of clove buds

In addition, in medical purposes clove buds are often used, which are not only added to food, but also serve as an excellent remedy. For example, people with high blood pressure, if they feel unwell, just chew a few buds of this plant and hold the resulting slurry in their mouth for about 5-6 minutes, then swallow it. The same recipe can be used to combat vomiting and nausea. In case of digestive problems, such as flatulence or diarrhea, it is necessary to grind 5-6 dried clove buds, mix the resulting mass with a small amount of salt and sprinkle it on a piece rye bread. As a rule, after 10-15 minutes after eating such a sandwich, a significant improvement occurs.

Cloves for the treatment of angina

Due to the presence of essential oil, clove buds can be successfully used for the treatment of angina and acute respiratory diseases . In this case, they should be ground into powder, and 0.5 teaspoon dissolved in 200 ml of warm boiled water. Add a pinch of sea salt to the resulting medicine and use the solution to gargle twice a day.

Recipe for the occasion::

In addition, from ground cloves and cinnamon, which are taken in equal proportions (on the tip of a knife), you can cook health drink against sore throats, if you add herbs to hot milk along with 1 teaspoon of natural honey. Those who need to remove mucus and phlegm from respiratory tract, you should dissolve in the morning a teaspoon of the mixture in your mouth, which consists of 0.5 teaspoon of ground cloves, 3-4 chopped garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons of natural honey.

The benefits of cloves for women's health

From time immemorial clove is known as an excellent remedy for the treatment of female gynecological diseases . In particular, it is indispensable for those who need to increase the tone of the uterus and normalize menstrual cycle. For these purposes, a decoction of cloves is used, which is prepared at the rate of 1 tablespoon of crushed flowers per 1 liter of water. After cooling and straining, the decoction should be taken 50 ml at bedtime for 10 days. Also, such a remedy is often used in folk medicine to stimulate childbirth, such a decoction can be instilled into the eyes to get rid of conjunctivitis.

12.03.2019 164 views

The protagonist of this review - clove spice: useful properties and contraindications, applications and features will be discussed in detail in this article.

Definition and description

Clove spice is the fruit of an evergreen tree belonging to the family of myrtle plants of the Sizygum genus. It grows in the subtropics and tropical climates, was first discovered in the Moluccas - and from there it came to India, Sri Lanka, and China.

Let's figure out how the clove spice grows. The tree has a short stature and leathery, elongated leaves of dark green color. The tree blooms twice a year with small red flowers that have a semi-umbrella shape.

What is the spice made from? These are the unopened buds of the tree.

The fruits are false berries, but the collected buds are dried in the sun until a characteristic smell appears and half of the moisture is lost. Quality buds have several features:

Drown when immersed in water;
Leave an oily trail.

If you want to learn more about how clove spice grows - photos and videos to help.

In the video you can see how the carnation grows from 44 seconds!

Now let's look at how the cloves seasoning looks like - the buds have an elongated shape with the likeness of a flower at the end, they are distinguished by dark brown colors. A photo of a clove spice will help you see and remember the image in order to choose the right seasoning in the store.

Note to which group of spices the carnation belongs - this is the category "floral".

Energy composition

You learned where the seasoning grows and what it looks like. It's time to talk in detail about the composition - these elements allow flowers to be considered incredibly useful.

The composition includes:

Main components:

Essential oil;
Cellulose.

Substances included in the composition:

Oleanolic acid;
Humulene;
Caryphyllene;
Fatty and tannic acids.

The spice includes the following vitamins:

Vitamin C. Strengthens immune system and blood vessels;
Vitamin B9. Helps accelerate cell division and tissue growth, improves the functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
Vitamin K(phylloquinone). Normalizes blood clotting, improves the functioning of the liver and kidneys, gallbladder, synthesizes protein production;
Vitamin B6(pyridoxine). Helps absorb fatty acids, regulates glucose levels and helps stabilize the nervous system;
Vitamin B5(pantothenic acid). Produces cellular energy;
Vitamin PP(niacin or B3). Helps production gastric juice, improves skin condition;
Vitamin B1. Helps at work digestive system and regulates the water-salt balance;
Riboflavin(aka vitamin B2). Improves vision, increases stress resistance;
Retinol and tocopherol. Improve the condition of skin, hair and nails.

The composition also contains minerals:

Sodium to stimulate digestion;
Potassium for the work of the heart muscle;
Calcium to save teeth and nails;
Copper helps the spleen work lymphatic system;
Iron needed to improve cell metabolism and improve performance thyroid gland;
Magnesium helps to produce insulin and regulates the functioning of the nervous and urinary systems;
Manganese needed to normalize brain activity, also promotes growth connective tissue;
Phosphorus supports metabolism and helps muscles work;
Selenium promotes the vital activity of cells;
Zinc helps to normalize the functioning of the reproductive and reproductive systems.

Shelf life

We told you what the spice of cloves is. Let's briefly talk about the shelf life of inflorescences. You need to remember a few rules:

The ground powder is kept six months;

Whole buds - up to three years;

The oil does not lose its properties up to two years.

Preservation of properties within these periods is possible only if the storage conditions are observed:

Sealed container;
Dry and cool place;
Protection from direct sunlight.

We figured out the composition and shelf life, let's look at medicinal properties and contraindications seasoning cloves.

Useful properties and contraindications

The health benefits of clove spice are great - no wonder, because it contains many incredible elements. Let's look at the main parameters:

Positive effect on the secretion of digestive elements;
Enhances lymphatic and blood circulation;
Reduces inflammation, helps reduce pain levels;
It is used for arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism;
Heals skin lesions;
Heals small wounds and helps with rashes;
Saves from diseases of the oral cavity;
Relieves colds;
Tones and improves well-being, increases efficiency;
Raises blood pressure;
Stimulates sexual desire;
Normalizes appetite;
It has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system;
Acts like a lung antihistamine;
Improves brain function.

Let's separate list let's denote what the spice of cloves is useful for, what properties and actions it has:

Antiseptic;
Painkiller;
Tonic;
soothing;
Antiviral;
Diuretic;
diaphoretic;
Spasmolytic;
Wound healing;
Antimicrobial;
bactericidal;
Anthelmintic;
carminative;
Fungicidal;
Anticarcinogenic.

Is it good to chew spice cloves or should you refrain? Our answer is quite helpful. The use of several flowers allows you to forget about sore throat and stomatitis, colds and digestive problems.

Separately, we note the beneficial properties of cloves spices for men. Some studies claim that it helps to eliminate premature ejaculation.

The benefits of clove spice for weight loss are its antioxidant effect - it significantly speeds up metabolism and is suitable for those who are struggling to lose weight.

Now you know what clove spice helps with. Consider what contraindications for use the spice has.

Age up to three years;
Pregnancy and lactation;
Diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
peptic ulcer and gastritis;
High degree nervous excitement.

We figured out what benefits and harms to health spice cloves can bring - the list is wide and varied.

Recall that the excessive use of any spice can be harmful - carefully monitor the use, and in case of dispute, consult your doctor.

Consider, healing properties dried clove spice.

Application in classical and traditional medicine

The healing properties of cloves seasoning are undeniable - unique composition allows you to get rid of a huge number of ailments. Let's look at the use of cloves in traditional medicine:

A few drops of essential oil stop vomiting and relieve nausea;
Seasoned tea helps to get rid of diarrhea and bloating, helps with stomach pain;
A decoction treats colds, facilitates sputum discharge, helps to get rid of cough, is useful for rashes and insomnia;
If you rub the gum with a bud, you can get rid of pain and stomatitis. Essential oil removes bad breath;
In diabetes, an infusion of flowers helps to support general state organism;
The drink eliminates worms and removes toxins from the body;
A mixture of spices with garlic and honey helps to cure asthma, stabilizes the cycle in women, fights infertility and inflammation urinary system;
A mixture of buds crushed with salt relieves headaches;
Tincture speeds up metabolism and increases potency.

Spice has been beneficial for thousands of years and is actively used by different peoples. Often treatment with spice cloves is prescribed in official medicine as aid:

The oil acts as an analgesic for arthrosis, arthritis, bruises and sprains;
Rinsing helps with diseases of the oral cavity - it has an antimicrobial and wound healing effect;
As a preventive measure against disease oral cavity flowers can be chewed.

Now you know everything about the spice - how it looks, what properties it has and what it is used for. Expand your horizons, apply remedy only for its intended purpose and strengthen your health.

Unusual-looking clove buds are famous not only for their burning taste and spicy aroma, but also for their therapeutic effect. This spice has been used in recipes for a long time. traditional medicine for the prevention and even treatment of certain diseases. So, we read about the unique medical properties of the unopened buds of the clove tree Syzygium in this article.

The chemical composition of fragrant cloves

Just one bud, and what a variety of useful substances! The chemical composition of cloves is unusually large. Its beneficial properties are explained high content vitamins, minerals and, of course, essential oils.
Clove bud vitamins: provitamin A (beta-carotene), B vitamins (B1, B2, B3 or PP, B4, B6, B9), vitamin C ( vitamin C), vitamin E (tocopherol) and vitamin K (phylloquinone). Cloves contain useful minerals: potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, selenium, zinc.
It contains a considerable amount of Omega-3 and Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
20% of one bud is an essential oil containing aromatic substances eugenol, caryophyllene, ylangen, etc.
The same amount in cloves and tannins, as well as glycosides and mucus.
If we consider the content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, then in cloves there are 6% proteins, 20% lipids, about 27% carbohydrates. Approximately 30% of the spice is fiber.

8 health benefits of cloves

It's no surprise that cloves are a powerful drug, just look at their composition.

Actions of the clove:
1. bactericidal;
2. anthelmintic (anthelmintic);
3. antifungal (fungicidal);
4. painkiller;
5. antispasmodic;
6. wound healing;
7. carminative (for flatulence)
8. anticarcinogenic.

Many are afraid of cloves pathogens: for example, golden and white staphylococcus aureus, diphtheria bacillus and even pathogen anthrax etc. Fragrant carnation suppresses the multiplication of tubercle bacillus. It is effective to use cloves to prevent influenza.

When eating cloves, the production of digestive juices is stimulated, which is useful for gastritis with low acidity, reduced appetite. But with increased acidity and stomach ulcers, the use of this remedy is contraindicated.

Cloves are used in the treatment of inflammation in the large intestine (colitis), intestinal colic, flatulence (carminative effect), diseases of the rectum, liver.

When industrial pharmacies were widespread, special dental painkillers and bactericidal agents were prepared with eugenol, which is part of fragrant cloves.

This spice can remove toothache, has a beneficial effect on the gums, is used for gingivitis and periodontitis. Dried clove buds are a great alternative to chewing gum. neutralizes harmful bacteria and eliminates bad breath.

The complex of B vitamins, which is so necessary for our nervous system, can be obtained from your favorite spice. It is no coincidence that clove extract is included in german drug Doppelgerz Melissa, which has a calming effect.

Clove due to the eugenol contained in it effectively fights the growth of cancer cells. This was shown by the latest research of scientists in the field of anti-carcinogenic agents.

Surprisingly, the clove has two opposite actions at once: it tones and relieves spasms. She is able to relax and tone at the same time. On the one hand, cloves are able to relieve spasm of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, on the other hand, to tone up the muscles of the uterus and raise blood pressure (therefore, cloves are contraindicated for people with arterial hypertension). The whole question, as always, is in the dosage.

Has excellent properties

Recipes

A wonderful recipe for heart health is mulled wine, which is prepared using fragrant cloves. There are many recipes for mulled wine, but cloves and cinnamon are most often used. Usually, mulled wine is boiled, but it is more efficient to infuse cloves without boiling for several weeks, since during heat treatment, its vitamins and aromatic substances disappear and are destroyed. It is better to take 0.5 liters of high-quality red wine (not powdered), add 5 cloves to the bottle, add a little cinnamon if desired. Close tightly with a cork and insist in a dark place for 3 weeks. Take 1 teaspoon with tea 1-3 times a day.
For problems with the oral cavity, toothache, inflammation of the gums, stomatitis, bad breath, it is useful to chew clove buds. These same actions will prevent the beginning of a sore throat.
To stimulate digestion, 1-2 clove buds with 1 teaspoon of honey are thoroughly chewed 15 minutes before meals. However, it is contraindicated in gastric ulcer and duodenum as well as high blood pressure.
With hypotension, you can also chew a few cloves, the effect will be no less than from caffeine.
Clove oil is effective in the treatment of pustules and boils. Apply 1 drop of concentrated essential oil to the boil. At problematic skin take baths with clove essential oil.
Clove oil is widely used for arthritis and arthrosis. It helps relieve pain and inflammation. To do this, massage the diseased joint with diluted clove essential oil (15 drops of clove essential oil for 1 tablespoon of massage oil).
There are traditional medicine tips for preparing decoctions from the buds of the clove tree. However medicinal value such funds will be small, since during heat treatment the substances that make up the buds are destroyed.

How to choose a carnation

A brittle, too dry bud indicates the absence of essential oils. When you throw a quality kidney into water, it floats vertically, with the foot down, or sinks to the bottom of the glass. If the “carnation” lies horizontally on the surface of the water, then there are no essential oils in it. Such a carnation is unsuitable for medicinal purposes.

Useful properties and contraindications of cloves important question, since this spice is an ingredient for many dishes. Cloves can have a valuable effect on the body and cause harm - in order to understand when you can and cannot use it, you need to understand the properties.

What does a carnation look like

The carnation plant is an evergreen tree from the Myrtle family, reaching an average of 15 m in height and flowering twice a year. Carnation blooms with small white or pink flowers, and it is its flowers that are used for culinary purposes, more precisely, unopened buds.

Buds are harvested from a plant that is at least 6 years old. Unripe raw materials are dried, getting small brown "carnations with a hat" with a sharp pleasant smell and a burning taste. Grow cloves in most warm countries, however, it is most common in Africa, South America, Indonesia and India.

The chemical composition of cloves

The spice clove brings benefits because of its richest chemical composition. The small dried flowers contain:

tannins and glycosides;
useful organic acids, including oleanolic, playing important role in the prevention of oncology;
essential oils - they provide spices with a pleasant smell and are responsible for anti-inflammatory properties;
vitamins A, B, E, PP and C;
calcium and phosphorus, iron and selenium;
copper and magnesium, sodium and zinc.

Nutrients in the spice are presented in full, it contains about 27 g of carbohydrates, 20 g of fat and only 6 g of protein. The calorie content of the product per 100 g is 300 kcal, however, the nutritional value of the spice is not taken into account in cooking, since it is used in microscopic doses.

What is useful cloves for the body

The benefits of cloves for the human body are quite large. When regularly added to food, this spice:

relieves spasms and pain;
has a bactericidal effect and eliminates inflammation;
helps in the treatment of irritations, wounds and ulcers on the skin;
accelerates metabolic processes and improves digestion;
removes toxins and toxic substances from the body and relieves the load on internal organs, so, cloves benefit in cirrhosis of the liver;
normalizes appetite;
soothes pain in teeth and gums and freshens breath;
has a positive effect on blood vessels and the cardiac system;
improves the psycho-emotional background and helps to cope with stress and tension.

The spice is highly valued for its anti-cancer properties, it is extremely useful for the prevention of malignant tumors.

For women

The benefits of cloves for women's health is that the spice has a beneficial effect on the hormonal background and improves the well-being of a woman during menstruation and menopause. Cloves, when used internally and externally, slow down the aging of the body, allow you to preserve beauty and youth for a longer time, replenish the supply of strength and energy.

The benefits of cloves for women's health also lie in the fact that the spicy spice saturates the body with valuable substances, while not forcing them to change their diet. The vitamins, acids, and minerals in the spice help maintain vigor and good health both on normal days and during pregnancy.

For men

Carnation benefits the body of a man, first of all, it acts as a means of returning potency. The spice can be added to food and drinks, but cloves can also be beneficially chewed. Valuable substances in the composition of the product will very quickly enter the bloodstream, and the effect will be expressed in the fact that the level of testosterone will rise and libido will improve.

The beneficial properties of spices are reflected not only in the work of the male reproductive system. It increases stamina and improves blood circulation, tones muscles and helps build muscle faster. It is recommended to use cloves when planning a child, the spice makes the genetic material of a man better.

For kids

Benefits of dried cloves child's body can be significant - the spice effectively strengthens the immune system and protects the health of teeth and gums. However, it is strictly forbidden to give the spice to babies under 2 years old, it remains too spicy for them and will harm them.

Upon reaching this age, it is possible to introduce cloves into the diet, but in very small quantities. You should first make sure that the child is not allergic to the properties of the spice.

Attention! Since it is forbidden to use the spice for some contraindications, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician before offering it to a child.

Cloves for weight loss

The benefits of spice cloves are also manifested in the diet. Since the spice accelerates blood circulation and improves metabolism, toxins begin to leave the body faster, and extra pounds go with them. It is enough to add spice to drinks and familiar dishes little by little, but regularly, to notice a positive effect.

Another way to use cloves for weight loss is to conduct anti-cellulite massage sessions. A small amount of ground spice or ready-made spicy powder should be mixed with any base cosmetic oil, and then rub the beneficial mixture into the skin with massaging movements for 10 minutes.

There will be no harm from anti-cellulite wraps. In this case, the problem area treated with a mixture of spices and healthy oil, should be wrapped with cling film for 40 minutes and wrapped warmly with a towel.

The use of cloves in folk medicine

The medicinal properties of cloves are often used in home health recipes. This is not surprising, since the content of nutrients in the seasoning is very high. But so that spice treatment does not cause harm, you need to know exactly how it is used.

For colds and sore throats

The antiseptic properties of the spice are great for helping with the first symptoms. colds. Clove relieves inflammation and sore throat, helps to eliminate chills and prevent fever.

A decoction of cloves is of particular benefit - a handful of dry buds must be poured with 200 ml of water and put on the stove, and after boiling, cook over low heat for another 10 minutes. When the broth is ready, it will need to cool and filter. It is not necessary to take the remedy inside - it is enough to gargle several times a day so that the symptoms quickly recede.

Also, with SARS, the benefits and harms of clove tea are in demand. If you add a little spice to ordinary tea leaves, tea will acquire not only a spicy aroma, but also medicinal properties. However, it is impossible to consume such a drink in excess quantities - an overdose of spice can harm the stomach and blood vessels.

Against cough

The spice has mucolytic properties, in other words, it liquefies sputum well. Therefore, the healing properties of cloves will help with coughing and eliminate inflammatory processes in the throat and bronchi.

The medicinal composition is prepared as follows:

a handful of clove buds is mixed with a large spoonful of liquid honey;
add a little water to give the desired consistency;
overnight, the product is left in the refrigerator so that the cloves have time to give honey and water all the beneficial properties.

In the morning, the mixture will need to be slightly heated for a couple so that it becomes viscous and warm. Then spice sticks should be removed from it, and honey, which has absorbed the benefits of cloves, should be consumed in a small spoon three times a day.

From a cold

The beneficial properties of cloves well relieve swelling of the mucous membranes and inflammation of the sinuses with a runny nose. The spice is not suitable for instillation into the nose - it would be harmful. But good effect give inhalation with a decoction of spices.

A handful of dried umbrellas should be boiled for about 2 hours in a pot of water over low heat. When the broth is completely ready, it will need to be slightly cooled and breathe through the nose over warm steam for 7 minutes.

Important! Breathing in with spice inhalation should be done very carefully and slowly so as not to harm yourself and not burn the mucous membranes of the nose.

For nausea and vomiting

Clove powder benefits the body - with nausea and vomiting, it quickly removes the manifestations of intoxication and improves the condition. A pinch of powder, literally on the tip of a knife, needs to be stirred in a small spoonful of honey. The mixture is kept in the mouth until the honey dissolves, after which the nausea should subside.

For asthma

Useful spice helps not only cough, it has a positive effect on respiratory system in general and relieves asthma attacks. In case of exacerbation of the disease, it is recommended to pour 6-7 spice sticks with a small amount of water, boil, and then cool and add a small spoonful of honey. The clove sticks themselves must be removed and discarded.

about 30 g of dry buds are poured into 500 ml of vodka;
the vessel is closed with a cork and removed for 2 weeks in a dark place;
shake the tincture daily to useful material distributed evenly;
after the expiration date, the product is filtered.

Advice! In order for the treatment to bring a quick effect, the tincture must be combined with a special diet. Removed from the diet fatty foods and sweet dishes, it is better to give up starchy foods and eat mostly vegetables.

From pressure

The use of useful spices strengthens blood vessels and normalizes blood circulation, so cloves are considered a good folk remedy for hypertension. The course of treatment should be carried out for 2-3 weeks, then you need to take a break, and then, if necessary, repeat the course again.

The remedy is prepared as follows:

a few dry spice buds are boiled for an hour;
top up the broth to the original volumes with fresh boiling water;
about 10 hours insist in a dark and warm place.

Take the resulting remedy in a volume of 1 glass in one gulp, as soon as the pressure begins to rise. After this, well-being should improve, but for a long-term effect, you need to take a drink daily, gradually increasing the amount of cloves for brewing.

For toothache and bad breath

The strong analgesic properties of the spice help to quickly relieve toothache in situations where it is not possible to consult a doctor or buy medicines. You need to take a little clove powder or crush a few sticks of seasoning yourself, and then rub the remedy into the gum around the sore spot. After that, numbness will quickly appear in the mouth, along with which the pain will temporarily recede. The benefits of chewing cloves will be similar - the analgesic properties of the seasoning will also quickly enter the bloodstream.

An additional benefit of cloves for teeth is that the spice eliminates bad breath and fights bacterial processes. Clove helps well with periodontal disease and bleeding gums, helps prevent the development of caries and eliminates unpleasant white coating in the language.

For a headache

The healing properties and smell of cloves can fight migraines. To eliminate headache, you can prepare a homemade ointment - clove powder, ground almonds and cinnamon should be mixed in equal proportions and slightly diluted with water.

The resulting mixture is applied to the temples and rubbed lightly for several minutes. in a circular motion. With regular use useful tool you can even get rid of chronic headaches, since cloves will improve the condition of blood vessels.

With diabetes

The spice lowers the level of glucose in the blood, so in diabetes it can be an effective supportive agent. For example, such a drink will bring benefits - about 40 buds of dry seasoning are steamed with boiling water for several hours. The benefits of water with cloves will be if, in a cooled form, take an infusion of 5 sips every day, and treatment can be continued up to six months.

For chronic pancreatitis

The health benefits and harms of cloves are unique - this spice can provide effective help even with pancreatitis, although most seasonings are contraindicated for this ailment. During the chronic course of the disease, you can prepare such a decoction:

15 g of dry cloves are poured with water and boiled for 5 minutes;
then insist under the lid for 4 hours;
then strain the liquid and drink a large spoonful three times a day.

During acute attacks of the disease, it is not recommended to use the remedy - this can be harmful. But if you start treatment with cloves with mild pain and discomfort in the pancreas region, then the beginning exacerbation will be stopped at an early stage.

For the treatment of infertility

The beneficial effect of cloves on reproductive system and the hormonal background helps to cure even infertility in women. During home therapy use such a drink based on the properties of clove seeds:

4 small spoons of dry buds are poured into a glass of hot water;
stand for half an hour, and then filter;
Take on an empty stomach 3 small spoons three times a day.

It is better to carry out treatment in courses, not longer than 2 weeks in a row with breaks of 2-3 weeks in order to avoid harm. Every day, a healing agent needs to be prepared new - the properties of cloves do not remain in the broth for a long time.

The use of cloves in cooking

Despite the fact that cloves can be used to cook medicines, she is much more famous in cooking. Spice is added:

in soups and meat dishes;
in baking and confectionery;
in soups and broths;
in canned fish and sausages;
in marinades and sauces;
in mayonnaise.

A very popular spice in the preparation of drinks. Brings great benefit cloves in tea and in compotes, a bright recognizable taste and aroma of the spice gives punch and mulled wine.

Attention! It is necessary to add spice to food shortly before full readiness, otherwise the taste of the seasoning will change, and the smell will weaken.

Carnation from mosquitoes

Carnation has another extremely useful property - in the summer it can repel mosquitoes. The pungent smell of dried buds swipe on the sense organs of blood-sucking insects and disrupts their orientation in space.

Before trips to nature, it makes sense to purchase cologne or aromatic oil with the smell of cloves and treat the skin. But to protect your own home from mosquitoes, you can simply decompose the seasoning in several places - this aromatizes the room sufficiently so that the insects become noticeably smaller.

Harm of cloves and contraindications for use

For all its benefits, the spice can cause severe harm to the body. To abandon it completely makes sense:

during pregnancy and lactation;
with an individual allergy to the product;
at serious illnesses stomach and intestines - ulcers, gastritis with high acidity, pancreatitis in the acute stage.

Do not offer the spice to young children until they are 2 years old. An overdose of cloves is very dangerous - adding a burning spice to drinks and food should be literally a few small sticks, otherwise the body will be harmed.

Choosing and storing cloves

When buying clove powder, just look at the expiration dates and the tightness of the package. More difficult is the choice of spice umbrellas, but here too there are quality control rules.

A sure way to gauge the freshness and quality of a spice is to toss a few dried buds into the water. If they are pumped vertically in the water, then the spice is really good, if they lie on their side, the spice is of dubious quality.
The seasoning bud can be crushed in your fingers. At the same time, a good spice should crackle, and if you flatten it between two sheets of paper, it should leave noticeable oil specks.

It is necessary to store the spice in an airtight wooden or tin container with a lid, otherwise the aroma of cloves will quickly disappear and mix with other odors. It is recommended to keep the spice in a warm and dark place. Shelf life is six months for powder and a year for whole dry umbrellas.

Conclusion

Useful properties and contraindications of cloves are determined by the norms of its use. In small quantities, in the absence of gastric ailments and allergies, the spice will have a very beneficial effect on health.