CLOVE AS SPICE, IN HOME REMEDIES, RECIPES ~ plantsnhealth

Clove used as spice, in home remedies, recipes

Clove is an important spice used worldwide. It is aromatic buds of a tree. The clove tree belongs to the Myrtaceae family. Its species name is Syzygium aromaticum.

The clove tree is grown worldwide and harvested throughout the year. Cloves are used in the cuisines and curries in Asian countries, African countries and Middle east countries.

Clove grows in warmer climate areas. The clove tree is grown from seed.

Clove buds are collected and dried in the sun which turns reddish-brown. It should be stored in an airtight container as it loses its aroma when exposed to air.

Clove speciality is its unique flavour and aroma. Clove taste is mainly due to a chemical present in it called eugenol. Cloves are used in small quantities.

While clove imparts good aroma in varieties of cuisines is also known for its antimicrobial, antiseptic and antiviral properties. Extensive research is not carried out to prove many of its qualities.

Clove should be always part of a balanced and healthy diet. Daily use of cloves improves body immunity and health.

clove used in home remedies :

Clove is effective for toothache, sore gums, ulcers, because of its germicidal property. It stops the growth of bacteria. It also reduces bad breath.

It is one of the main ingredients in herbal toothpaste and mouth wash.
Clove contains fibre, minerals and vitamins and it is rich in manganese. It aids in liver function. but it should be avoided when a person is having liver disease.

Clove has antibacterial and antiviral property, is used to treat intestinal infections caused by bacteria, virus and it is also used to clear the intestinal worms.

Some researches have shown that it may improve bone health. As manganese is an important mineral which improves bone health, clove is used for bone health. It is used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Some researches proved that cloves might help to protect against cancer.

Clove is powdered and is boiled with water, turmeric powder, black pepper to prepare a decoction of it and honey and lemon juice is added to it. This preparation is used to treat cold and cough. If you chew one or two cloves, it instantly relieves from cough. It also relieves from hiccough.

Clove increases metabolism and thus helps in weight loss. Clove tea used for loose weight.

It is said that it reduces blood sugar levels but not been tested and proved yet.

It helps to relieve pain and inflammation.

In Ayurvedic medicine, clove is used to treat respiratory and digestive disorders.

Clove contains antioxidants, that helps to free radical damage and it keeps the digestive system healthy and boosts the immune system. It also prevents gas formation due to digestive disorders. It also detoxifies the system. It also soothes heartburn, acidity and stomach pain.

Clove is used to treat fungal infection.

It relieves menstrual cramping.

Clove relieves morning sickness of pregnant women.

Clove used in the kitchen :

Clove is used to enhance the flavour of salads.
Clove used in hot beverages like tea. It is commonly called masala tea in India.

Clove is used in cookies and cakes to enhance the flavour.

Clove is added with other spices like cinnamon in the preparation of curries and other cuisines.

Other benefits of clove :

Because of its strong aroma, clove is used as an ant repellent.
clove in lemon piece keeps mosquitoes away.

Clove oil is traditionally used in aromatherapy, as it reduces stress and relaxes the body and mind. Clove oil obtained from unopened flower buds, leaves and stalks.

During respiratory condition like cold, cough and asthma, steam is inhaled using clove oil relieves the condition.

Clove oil reduces inflammation and used in the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis.

As clove improves bone health, it is also used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

Clove tea preparation for weight loss :

Clove is powdered and added to boiling water.

This is boiled for about five minutes.

You can also add black pepper powder to it.

Then it is cooled and honey is added to it.

You have to take this preparation daily to get good results.

When to avoid cloves :

Although clove improves the health of the liver in a healthy person when taken in small quantities, it should be avoided when a person having liver disease.

Clove in the recipe :

Garam masala powder

Garam masala prepared using many spices added in the preparation of curries and cuisines.

Spices add up special flavour and aroma to the dish.

Ingredients for Garam masala powder :

Cardamom 20
clove 1 tsp
cinnamon 5-6 sticks
Black pepper 4 tsp
Star anise 2-3
Nutmeg 1
Black cardamom 10
Bay leaves 4-5

preparation :

Dry roast the all the above said ingredients separately for one minute, except bay leaves.
Then powder all the ingredients. Store this powder in an airtight container.

Ash gourd halwa recipe :

Ash gourd reduces the symptoms of stomach ulcers. It also helps in increasing weight whose body mass index is very low.

Ingredients required for halwa :

Ash gourd 1000 gm
Ghee 1/4 cup
Sugar 1/2 cup
Cashew 25 gm
Raisins 25 gm
Cloves 1 tsp

Preparation :

Peel the skin and ash gourd and grate the inner soft part.

Take 2 tsp of ghee in a pan and fry cashew and raisins and add cloves at the end.

Keep this aside.

Then cook grated ash gourd in a pan till the water content is absorbed and stir it continuously.

Then add sugar as per taste and stir it for 5-6 minutes in low flame so the ash gourd absorbs sugar well.

Add ghee and stir for one or two minutes. Halwa is ready.

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The opinions expressed herein are authors personal opinions and do not represent any one's view in anyway, do not use this information to diagnose or treat your problem without consulting your physician. Remedies here mentioned are used for ages may not be clinically proven.

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