Clove (Laung): Health Benefits, Daily Uses & Powerful Home Remedies

Clove (Laung): A Powerful Ayurvedic Spice for Daily Wellness

1. Types of Clove

2. Medicinal Properties of Clove

3. Health Benefits of Clove

4. Daily Uses of Clove

5. Home Remedies Using Clove

6. Precautions While Using Clove

Clove, commonly known as "Laung" in Hindi, is one of the most powerful spices in Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine. It is known for its intense aroma, rich flavor, and exceptional healing properties. Used in both culinary and medicinal applications, clove is packed with essential oils, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.

1. Types of Clove

• Dried Clove Buds: Most commonly used form, sun-dried unopened flower buds.
• Clove Powder: Ground cloves used in spice blends and herbal remedies.
• Clove Oil: A concentrated essential oil used for toothache, massage, and skincare.

2. Medicinal Properties of Clove

• Antibacterial and Antiseptic: Clove contains eugenol, a powerful natural compound that has strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It helps eliminate harmful bacteria from the mouth, gums, and digestive tract. This makes clove highly effective in treating infections, oral ulcers, and maintaining dental hygiene.
• Anti-inflammatory: Clove helps reduce inflammation by blocking certain pathways in the body that trigger swelling and pain. This property is especially useful for treating conditions like arthritis, sore muscles, or gum inflammation. Regular use can help in reducing chronic inflammation naturally.
• Analgesic (Pain Relief): The eugenol in clove acts as a natural anesthetic. It numbs the nerves and provides quick pain relief, especially for dental pain, sore gums, and throat irritation. Clove oil is often applied directly to the affected area for instant results.
• Digestive Aid: Clove stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes and improves gut health. It reduces gas, bloating, and nausea while promoting smoother digestion. Clove is especially effective in relieving flatulence and indigestion when consumed after meals.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Clove is loaded with antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage. These antioxidants boost overall immunity, support liver function, slow down aging, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

3. Health Benefits of Clove

• Provides Instant Relief from Toothache: Clove oil is a traditional and highly effective remedy for toothaches. Its active compound, eugenol, acts as a natural anesthetic and antiseptic. When applied to the affected tooth or gum, it numbs the pain and fights the infection-causing bacteria at the same time.
• Improves Digestion and Relieves Acidity: Clove stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes, which helps in breaking down food efficiently. It also reduces excessive stomach acid, preventing issues like indigestion, heartburn, and acidity. A pinch of clove powder after meals can be very beneficial.
• Helps in Respiratory Issues like Cough and Asthma: Clove has expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties that help loosen mucus and ease breathing. It is commonly used in herbal teas or decoctions to treat cough, bronchitis, asthma, and sore throat. It also helps reduce throat irritation and chest congestion.
• Controls Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetics: Studies have shown that clove improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds also reduce complications related to diabetes, making it a helpful natural aid for diabetic patients.
• Improves Liver Health and Detoxification: Clove helps the liver function more efficiently by reducing oxidative stress and increasing antioxidant activity. It promotes natural detoxification, aids in flushing out toxins, and supports regeneration of liver cells, thus maintaining overall liver health.

4. Daily Uses of Clove

• Add to Tea or Herbal Kadha for Cold and Sore Throat: Adding 1–2 cloves while boiling tea or preparing an herbal decoction (kadha) helps relieve throat irritation, cough, and congestion. Its warm, soothing properties make it highly effective during winters or flu season.
• Use in Cooking for Flavor and Digestion: Clove is a common spice in Indian cooking and is used in dishes like biryani, pulao, curries, and masala blends. It enhances flavor while also aiding in digestion and preventing gas and bloating after meals.
• Apply Clove Oil on Gums for Toothache Relief: Dip a cotton ball in diluted clove oil and apply it gently to the painful tooth or inflamed gum area. This provides fast relief from pain, reduces swelling, and fights the underlying infection. It’s a natural alternative to over-the-counter painkillers.
• Chew a Single Clove for Fresh Breath: Chewing on one whole clove after meals can instantly freshen your breath by killing odor-causing bacteria. It also promotes oral hygiene and strengthens gums due to its antibacterial nature.
• Use Clove Powder in Warm Water to Reduce Bloating: A pinch of clove powder mixed in warm water can be taken after heavy meals. It helps relieve bloating, flatulence, and indigestion, especially when the stomach feels tight or uncomfortable.

5. Home Remedies Using Clove

• For Toothache: Clove oil is a time-tested remedy for tooth pain due to its strong analgesic and antiseptic properties. Apply a drop of clove oil (diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil) directly to the affected tooth or gum using a cotton swab. It provides instant relief by numbing the area and killing infection-causing bacteria.
• For Cold & Cough: Prepare a soothing herbal drink by boiling 2–3 cloves with tulsi (holy basil) leaves and a few black peppercorns in water. Strain and drink warm with a little honey. This herbal concoction helps relieve throat irritation, clears mucus, and reduces cough and chest congestion naturally.
• For Digestion: After heavy meals, mix a pinch of clove powder with a teaspoon of honey and consume it. This helps stimulate digestive enzymes, eases bloating, reduces gas, and promotes smoother digestion. It is especially useful for people prone to acidity and indigestion.
• For Acne: Clove has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful for acne-prone skin. Mix clove powder with fresh aloe vera gel to form a smooth paste and apply it directly to pimples. Leave for 10–15 minutes and rinse off. It helps reduce redness, swelling, and bacterial infection.

6. Precautions While Using Clove

• Do Not Consume Clove Oil Directly in Large Amounts: Clove oil is highly concentrated and potent. Ingesting it in large quantities can cause a burning sensation, irritation to the throat and stomach lining, and in some cases, toxicity. Always dilute clove oil with a carrier oil when using it topically, and avoid taking it internally without medical supervision.
• Excessive Use May Cause Mouth or Stomach Irritation: Using too many whole cloves or large amounts of clove powder can lead to ulcers, burning sensations, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Always use cloves in moderation — especially in raw form — to avoid irritation in the mouth or digestive tract.
• Pregnant Women and Children Should Use Clove in Moderation: While cloves are generally safe, excessive use during pregnancy may stimulate uterine muscles or cause discomfort. Similarly, clove oil can be too strong for infants or small children. It's best to consult a doctor before using clove-based remedies for pregnant women or young kids.

7. Interesting Facts About Clove

• Clove is native to the Maluku Islands (Indonesia) and has been used for over 2000 years.
• In ancient times, people chewed cloves before speaking to kings as a breath freshener.
• Clove oil is an active ingredient in many toothpaste and mouthwash products.