It is not always necessary to resort to chemical medicines for all ailments. Meanwhile, the effect of certain natural substances could be scientifically proven. Among these are also cloves. The plant has a wide range of properties.
Occurrence and cultivation of cloves
There are several species of cloves. For medicinal purposes, the clove is particularly important. Cloves are used more often, especially in winter, for example, as an addition to red cabbage or gingerbread. At the same time, the plant is also suitable for medicinal purposes. Cloves are not cultivated in Germany due to climatic conditions. Instead, they reach Europe by sea or air. Originally, cloves grow increasingly in Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean region. There are several species of cloves. For medicinal purposes, the clove is particularly important. This is part of the myrtle family and grows mainly in the Philippines. However, the plant has already been established in other countries for export. The clove itself is the flower bud of the clove tree. This reaches a height of up to 20 meters. For optimal use of cloves, the flower buds are harvested before they blossom. Then the flowers must be dried, which turns their color from pink to brown. The cloves have a high number of essential oils. Among them, the oil eugenol takes the largest part. It is this oil that is responsible for the positive effects in most applications. Cloves are appreciated by doctors and patients in various fields. Thereby cloves can be used not only pure, at the same time they can be found processed in numerous medicines.
Application and effect
The flower buds of the clove tree consist of about 25 percent essential oils. Eugenol is represented here to 90 percent. The other substances are acetyleugenol and ß-caryophyllene. Eugenol is particularly valued for inhibiting the growth of viruses, bacteria and fungi. Thus, for example, it is possible for him to act in a limited way against infections. In addition, the oil has analgesic abilities, has a local anesthetic effect and can ignite an anti-inflammatory effect. Due to its properties, cloves in the form of clove oil are especially often used for dental problems. It not only helps against pain, such as caused by an inflamed tooth, at the same time it actively combats the pathogens and thus supports the healing process. The properties also have a positive effect on inflammation in the mouth or throat, as can be the case with colds. To do this, clove oil is added to a glass of water and gargled with the liquid. This is especially true for inflammation of the gums or in the region of the throat. In case of toothache, the oil should first be put on a cotton ball and rubbed on the affected tooth. In addition, the active ingredients of cloves are often already present in toothpastes. Here they also neutralize unpleasant bad breath. Further research has shown that cloves have the potential to combat herpes and diabetes. As part of diabetes treatment, the substances are said to intervene in the metabolism of the liver and regulate it in favor of the patient’s health. The use of cloves is varied. They can also be helpful for bloating or flatulence. Certain ingredients have an antispasmodic effect as well as a digestive stimulant. Cloves can be used in different forms. In addition to oils, it is also possible to integrate the flower buds unprocessed in meals or to swallow capsules in which the active ingredients are present. In some teas cloves are also an ingredient.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Cloves can thus be used for various ailments. In particular, they help to alleviate already existing diseases. These are inflammations, but also infections, which were triggered by various pathogens. Especially widespread is the use in the dental field. In this case, the cloves usually do not have any side effects. In some cases patients react hypersensitive to the eugenol. However, when used in small quantities, no complaints are usually to be expected.In addition, clove oil should be used only in diluted form, otherwise it is capable of irritating the mucous membranes. Before using pure clove oil, the dosage should be done by consulting with the doctor. Self-medication is not recommended. Cloves should not be used in cases of intolerance or hypersensitivity. While cloves are usually used after the symptoms have already appeared, they have a strong effect. Thus, cloves can often be seen as an effective alternative to chemical medications. People who are prone to bacterial infections or often have to deal with fungal diseases (for example, in the form of vaginal fungus caused by the Candida yeast fungus) can also consider cloves as a preventive agent. The active ingredients manage to contain the growth of the pathogens. Under certain circumstances, the severity of the disease can thus be reduced or the outbreak greatly mitigated. The same is also true for people who suffer from increased digestive problems and stomach pain. In this case, cloves are particularly effective against constipation, flatulence and vomiting. At the same time, they stimulate appetite and stomach. Thus, cloves can not only fight against diseases and discomfort, but at the same time maintain the quality of life in minor disorders. Despite its natural components, cloves should find acceptance as a medicine.
