Cloves have been used for centuries as a medicine, and that is why it is hailed as one of the most valuable spices in the world. This was shared by a study that was published in the Asian Pacific Journal Of Tropical Medicine that explored the health benefits of cloves that are famously found in kitchens all over India.
While cloves may be commonly used in gravies and biryani, it can be a hassle to cook an entire meal to avail the benefits of cloves. Instead, you can also add it to your tea or coffee to add that extra punch of nutrition and spice to your beverage, or simply boil a few cloves in water, and make clove tea. Here are a few health benefits of why you should make clove tea a part of your daily beverage diet.
Immune System Boost
Clove tea is a powerhouse of antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, that strengthen your immune system, helping your body fight infections and illnesses. A cup of clove tea can be your first line of defence against seasonal colds and flu.
Digestive Aid
Clove tea aids digestion by boosting your digestive system. Sipping on a cup of clove tea after a heavy meal can help alleviate bloating, indigestion, and stomach discomfort. In fact, clove tea is a perfect addition to a diabetic diet as cloves also help regulate blood sugar levels.
Clove tea also boosts your metabolism as it is warm in nature, and can warm up your digestive system to aid the breakdown of food. Hence, drinking clove tea can help you manage your weight as well.
Oral Health
Cloves are also rich in nutrients that afford antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, which makes them a natural remedy for oral issues. Clove tea can help you combat bacteria in the mouth, reduce bad breath and prevent cavities. Some people even use it as a mouthwash.
Also Read: Hair Care Secrets Of Cloves: Advantages and Tips To Achieve Healthy and Vibrant Locks with Clove Oil
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Eugenol, the active compound in cloves, has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Clove tea can help reduce inflammation in the body, providing relief from conditions like arthritis and muscle pain.
Eugenol also acts as a natural analgesic, making clove tea effective for pain relief. Drinking clove tea during menstrual cramps and headaches can offer some relief.
Clove tea's anti-inflammatory combined with its antimicrobial properties extend to skincare as well. In addition to drinking clove tea, you can also store it in a bottle and keep that in your fridge. You spritz this cooled clove tea as a natural toner to combat acne and soothe skin irritations
Respiratory Relief
Clove tea's warm, soothing qualities make it excellent for respiratory health. If you catch a cold or are suffering from a congested chest, blocked nose, and sore throat, drinking clove tea, or inhaling its steam can provide further relief.
Also Read: One Clove Can Keep These 10 Health Problems At Bay
How to Prepare Clove Tea
Cloves, just like most spices, are quite warm in nature and taking too much of them can make you feel very uncomfortable. So sticking to one cup of clove tea per day can give you plenty of benefits that cloves have to offer. Making clove tea is fairly simple:
Ingredients:
- Boil a cup of water in a saucepan.
- Add four to five cloves to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for five to seven minutes.
- Remove from heat and strain into a cup.
- Add honey or lemon for flavour if desired.
Clove tea is a delightful and healthy addition to your daily routine. Whether you're seeking relief from digestive issues, a boost to your immune system, or a warm and comforting beverage, clove tea has you covered. Note that cloves are strong in taste, so start small, and eventually tweak the number of cloves to your tea as per your preference. But keep in mind that cloves are warm and spicy, so drinking a cup of clove tea with four to five cloves in a day is sufficient.