Introduction
The humble spice Clove (from the tree *Syzygium aromaticum) is often tucked into recipes for flavour, but it also carries a variety of health-promoting properties that women, especially, may benefit from. Below we explore what the science says, why it matters for women, and how you might safely include it in your wellness routine.
What makes clove special?
- Cloves are dried flower buds of the clove tree and contain compounds like eugenol, flavonoids and a good amount of the trace-mineral manganese.
- For instance, just one teaspoon of ground cloves gives around 55 % of the Daily Value (DV) of manganese.
- Manganese is important for bone health and enzyme functions.
- Clove’s eugenol and other bio-actives show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and even antimicrobial effects in various studies.
Key benefits women should know about
Here are several benefits, with commentary especially relevant for women’s wellness:
- Bone & skeletal health
Women may be more susceptible to bone-density issues (especially post-menopause). Cloves contribute manganese and show animal-study evidence of improving bone mass and strength.
Take-away: Using cloves as a spice may offer a small supportive contribution to bone health (alongside calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise). - Blood sugar regulation & metabolism
Some studies have found that clove extract or eugenol helped reduce post-meal blood glucose or improved insulin uptake in cells.
This may be particularly meaningful for women at risk of gestational diabetes or insulin resistance.
Take-away: Cloves may “help” but they are not a substitute for medical management of blood sugar. - Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory support
Chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to ageing, skin issues, hormonal imbalance and more. Cloves are shown to be high in antioxidants and reduce oxidative stress in lab studies.
Take-away: Including cloves as part of a plant-rich diet may enhance your body’s resilience to oxidative damage. - Oral and dental health
Women often juggle many roles and may neglect dental check-ups occasionally; cloves have a traditional reputation (and some evidence) for helping with gum pain, oral bacteria and toothache due to eugenol’s numbing/antibacterial action.
Take-take: Using a clove-infused rinse or chewing a clove (in moderation) might help soothe discomfort, but professional dental care remains essential. - Digestive & gut support
Cloves may help with digestive enzyme stimulation, less gas/bloating, and even protection of stomach lining from ulcers (in animal research)
For women experiencing occasional digestive upset (from hormonal shifts, stress, etc), this can be supportive.
Why these matter especially for women
- Hormonal fluctuations (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause) impact metabolism, bone health, inflammation, mood and digestion.
- Cloves’ contributions toward antioxidant support, blood sugar stability, digestive aid and bone-mineral supply align well with these aspects of women’s health.
- While no single spice is a magic bullet, integrating cloves as a flavorful, functional food gives women one more tool in their wellness toolbox.
How to enjoy cloves safely
- Culinary use: Add ½-1 tsp (≈2 g) of ground cloves a few times per week. Use in teas, baked goods, curries, stews. (This is generally considered safe.)
- Clove tea: Simmer 3-5 whole cloves in a cup of water for ~10 minutes; strain and drink. Useful as occasional soothing drink.
- Topical/oral use of clove oil: Be very cautious. Clove essential oil is very potent and can cause irritation, allergic reactions, liver damage if misused.
Safety & cautions
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Culinary amounts are likely fine, but medicinal doses or clove oil use lack sufficient safety data.
- People on blood-thinners or with bleeding disorders: Clove’s eugenol may interfere with clotting.
- Individuals with diabetes taking medication: Because clove may lower blood sugar, there’s a risk of hypoglycaemia when combined with medications.
- Children: Clove oil or high-dose preparations can cause serious adverse effects (liver injury, seizures) in children.
Final word
The power of clove lies in its ability to support many of the functions that matter to women’s health: bones, metabolism, digestion, oral health and general resilience. While it is not a replacement for a balanced diet, regular exercise, sleep or medical care, it is a delicious and functional spice you can confidently integrate into your routine.
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