Cloves warming nature increases Agni, or digestive fire. It's used around the world to stimulate sluggish digestion, support reproductive health, and break-up stagnation.
After reading this blog and watching this video, you'll understand how cloves support overall health, especially in the fall and winter seasons.
1.) Supports Gut Health
Cloves reduce vata/kapha dosha and therefore alleviate gas, bloating, and excess mucus in the gut. Excess mucus creates a breeding ground for parasites like intestinal worms and amoebas. Clove is one of the ingredients in our Liver Cleanse & Parasite Flush because of these parasite and pathogen fighting properties. Taken alone, cloves are extremely effective in killing e.coli and milder staphylococcus infections.
Chewing on cloves or sipping clove tea alleviates nausea and settles an upset stomach by redirecting the flow of prana/vata. Cloves open up your appetite and tastebuds due to its Agni building and Ama cleansing properties.
2.) Fights infections
Cloves contain many active compounds that fight bacterial and fungal infections. Studies show it's extremely effective against Candida and E.coli.
3.) Opens Lungs
Clove aid the respiratory tract. It helps expel phlegm from the lungs and sinuses. It fights colds, coughs, and clears congestion. Clove's vata-kapha calming properties benefit asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, and sore throats.
4.) Breaks Fever
Cloves help disperse Prana Vayu and break fever by burning up AMA (toxic build-up). It encourages the lympahtic system to purge out toxins. It also actively supports your immune system in fighting viruses and bacteria.
5.) Cleanses Mouth and Soothes Tooth Aches
Clove oil has been used since antiquity to relieve toothache. The bacteria-fighting properties prevent gingivitis, plaque buildup, and AMA toxins from accumulating in the mouth. Clove naturally freshens the breathe and fights odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. Try spraying clove oil or chewing on cloves instead of gum.
6.) Cloves Support the Reproductive System
It’s heating nature ignites low sex drive, and removes excess Kapha congestion and vata accumulation from reproductive tissues. This allows for proper circulation and blood flow.
It’s used in many natural premature ejaculation formulations and as a natural remedy for low sex drive in men and women. If using topically, be careful not to get clove oil onto mucous membranes or open skin because it will burn! Dilute the oil with a carrier.
Cloves are a folk remedy to induce labor and stimulate contractions in larger medicinal doses. It's advised to limit or avoid cloves in large quantities if you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant. According to ayurvedic medicine, warming herbs and spices can lead to premature contractions. Use wisely if you are pregnant and consult with your midwife or OBGYN.
If you're looking for a formula that increases libido, check out these formulations: A dosha balancing formula for reproductive health is our Lover's Tonic and Adaptogenic Everything Tonic. The new formulations contain small amounts of clove which act synergistically with aphrodisiac adaptogens like Shatavari and Ashwagandha. These formulations enhance energy, mood and general well-being.
7.) Alleviates Pain
Clove is specific for toothache, but can also be applied to areas of poor circulation like the lower back, feet, and abdomen. Apply oils to marma points around the temples to alleviate headaches, or anywhere you're suffering from arthritic pain.
If you're a pitta constitution, be mindful that clove's warming nature can aggravate pitta dosha if not balanced with other cooling spices like mint or fennel.
