Cloves: A common spice with notable health benefits

If you have an ulcer, toothache or diabetes, you may want to consider adding cloves to your diet. Even without these conditions, this widely available spice offers health benefits that make it a practical addition to everyday meals.

Cloves, scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum, are used across cultures for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

In many Nigerian homes, the spice is familiar not just for its strong aroma, but for its traditional use in managing minor ailments. It is known as kànáfùrù in Yorùbá, kananfari in Hausa, and kanafura in parts of West Africa.

Cloves can be consumed in several forms, ground into spice blends, infused in tea, added to pap, or boiled whole to produce herbal drinks. Beyond flavour, they contain active compounds linked to medicinal benefits.

They are also among the richest natural sources of antioxidants. These compounds help neutralise free radicals linked to inflammation, ageing, and chronic diseases.

The stomach produces acid to aid digestion but relies on a mucus lining for protection. When this barrier weakens, ulcers may develop.

Findings published by the National Library of Medicine suggest that clove extracts may stimulate mucus production, strengthening the stomach lining. This “gastroprotective” activity indicates a potential role in reducing ulcer risk when consumed in moderation.

Cloves have also been studied for their possible role in blood sugar control.

Research indexed by the National Library of Medicine also shows that compounds in cloves may improve insulin function and help reduce glucose levels in the body.

However, caution is necessary. Excessive intake may cause hypoglycaemia (dangerously low blood sugar), especially in individuals already on diabetes medication. Moderation remains key.

Cloves have long been used as a traditional remedy for dental pain.

According to the National Library of Medicine, this effect is linked to eugenol, a compound with mild anaesthetic and antibacterial properties. It is also widely used in dentistry for temporary pain relief and fillings.

Crushed cloves or diluted clove oil may provide short-term relief, but they do not replace professional dental treatment.

A 2020 review published in the National Library of Medicine highlights the broad pharmacological activity of S. aromaticum, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Studies have shown activity against organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, as well as viruses like Herpes simplex virus and Hepatitis C virus.

1. Traditional and Everyday Uses

In many households, cloves are boiled into tea and taken for nausea or respiratory discomfort. They are also used in soups, stews, rice dishes, and spice blends to enhance flavour.

Beyond medicine, cloves remain a staple in Nigerian kitchens, bridging culinary and traditional health practices.

Traditionally, cloves have also been used for cough, cold, digestive disorders, and general infections. However, most of these claims remain supported mainly by laboratory studies rather than large-scale human trials.

While cloves are beneficial, they are not without risks.

Eating small amounts of food is generally safe. However, clove oil is highly concentrated and should not be ingested, especially by children, as it may cause serious side effects such as liver damage, seizures, and fluid imbalance.

When applied to the skin or gums, clove preparations should be diluted to avoid irritation.

People on blood-thinning or diabetes medications are advised to seek medical guidance before frequent use, as cloves may interfere with drug effects.

Cloves are more than a kitchen spice. They combine a strong aroma with notable medicinal potential from supporting digestion to offering antimicrobial and mild pain-relieving effects.

However, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. Used moderately, cloves remain a simple, affordable addition to a balanced diet.