LAUNGAS LONG LIST OF HEALTH BENEFITS

Clove, popularly called laung, is used extensively in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-microbial, anti-fungal, antiviral and antiseptic properties. The dried bud of clove tree not only adds flavour to biryani, curries, sauce, stews and soup but is also a storehouse of health benefits. Clove oil, leaves, stems are also used for various medicinal purposes.

Having originated from Indonesia, clove is helpful in maintaining oral health, has the potential to fight diabetes, cancer and obesity.

ORAL HEALTH

Clove’s effect on plaque, gingivitis and bacteria in the mouth makes it act as a natural method for maintaining oral health. The strong germicidal properties and a compound Eugenol, help clove fight dental pain, toothache, sore gums, and mouth ulcers .

On comparison, researchers found that the herbal mouth rinse containing clove was more effective in reducing the harmful bacteria than the commercial mouth rinse. Both mouth rinses were found to be effective against plaque and gingivitis that may help in decreasing oral inflammation and bacteria.The strong aroma of clove helps it fight bad breath.

MAY FIGHT CANCER

Antioxidants are chemicals that play a part in reducing damage to cells that can lead to cancer and a majority of the herbs and spices are rich in these chemicals.

According to a study conducted in the lab, clove extract was able to slow the growth of multiple types of human cancer cells.  Clove extract was also found to have increased cell death in colon cancer cells. The antioxidants in clove act as a scavenger against free radicals that can cause cancer and heart alignments.

Clove extract, when used on mice, was found to have reduced tumor growth in mice. In another study, scientists found that clove essential oil and ethanol extract of clove were toxic to breast cancer cells.

In tha wake of these reports, cloves can be considered to play a beneficial role in cancer treatment as they cause cell death and slow cell multiplication.

DIABETES

Mice administered with clove excract and nigericin , a component of clove extract,  showed reduced insulin resistance in their muscle cells. Mice already having diabetes when given nigericin also had less insulin resistance and improvements in glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and beta cell function.

A study on mice found that those that received the clove powder had less blood sugar level than those in the control group.

USES OF CLOVE OIL

IMPROVES IMMUNITY

The dried flower bud of clove contains compounds that help in improving the immune system by increasing the white blood cell count which would improve delayed-type hypersensitivity.

FIGHTS INFECTIONS, REDUCES NAUSEA

The antiseptic properties of clove oil make it useful in treating cuts, wounds, fungal infections, insect bites and even stings. However, care should be taken not to apply concentrated clove oil on wounds as it might lead to burns on the skin. Clove oil can be diluted with almond or coconut oil. Clove oil can also reduce the effect of nausea.

FIGHTS SORE THROAT

The anti-inflammatory properties in clove oil will help in easing sore throat, cough, cold and sinusitis. Clove oil is an excellent expectorant that can clear nasal passage and also cooling effect on nasal cavity and throat.

REDUCES HEADACHE

The flavonoids in clove oil have anti-inflammatory agents which will help ease inflammation like headache, muscle pains and joints.

GOOD FOR SKIN

Clove oil is also good for skin as the eugenol  in it will be effective in curing acne and killing infectious bacteria. The oil is also helpful in fighting signs of ageing like wrinkles and sagging skin. It exfoliates dead skin and increases blood flow.

FIGHTS INDIGESTION, REMOVES TOXINS FROM BLOOD

This oil also helps in fighting indigestion and stomach related problems. It also acts as a blood purifier by removing toxins from blood.

IMPROVES HAIR GROWTH

Clove oil when applied on scalp improves blood circulation and reduces hair fall. It promotes hair growth and lends shine to hair. A small quantity of clove oil mixed with olive oil can be used as a great hair conditioner. Apply this mixture on damp hair and wrap it with a warm towel. Let it stay for 20 minutes and then rinse it with cold water.