Cloves can be used in treating a wide variety of ailments with very effective results. It has been known to sooth a cough and sore throat almost instantly instant by simply sucking on a couple of buds. Similarly, it can relieve congestion, asthma, hiccough, and laryngitis just as easily. When taken in herbal formulas such as Mahasudarshana it is used as a powerful antimicrobial, treating everything from bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitical infections while also removing toxins from the system. When applied externally, it can give great pain relief and alleviate toothache, headache, and joint pain.
Clove, also called Lavang in Ayurveda, is most commonly known for its uses as a cooking spice and its presence in herbal teas. This aromatic spice contains plenty of healing potential and has been traditionally used for hundreds of years in treating cough, colds, nausea, fever, infection, general toxicity, etc.
Clove is a very pungent (spicy) herb that is derived from the dried flower bud of the evergreen tree. Ancient texts describe clove to be of cooling properties in spite of its spicy taste, showing the unique qualities of this herb even further. Because of this special effect that clove possesses, it is considered balancing for all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), although it will still increase Pitta (heat) when taken in excess.
Clove is classified as a stimulant and is great for boosting the digestive fire, speeding up the metabolism, increasing circulation, and even awakening the mind. Its penetrating, energizing properties are great for removing sluggishness throughout the system. If you are suffering from sleepiness after food or unwanted weight gain, taking some powdered clove with honey before each meal can bring you much relief.
Again, you can add a clove or two to liquor tea while boiling plain water and then pouring it over dry tea leaves in a strainer and then in a cup. Or you can add the same cloves to boiling plain water into which dry tea leaves can also be added to make liquor, red tea.
Health Benefits of Clove
| Relieves pain and inflammation | Powerful antioxidant properties |
| Treats toothache, headache, migraines, back pain, and joint pain | Protects the liver |
| Improves digestion without increasing Pitta (except if taken in excess) | Relieves thirst |
| Boosts the metabolism, aids in weight loss | Awakens the mind |
| Removes toxins from the system | Reduces depression and a dull, foggy mind |
| Anti-fungal, beneficial in Candida overgrowth | Diuretic |
| Anti-viral | Promotes breastmilk production |
| Antibacterial | Relieves nausea during pregnancy |
| Anti-parasitical | Increases the libido |
| Relieves menstrual cramping | Treats impotence and premature ejaculation |
| Treats amenorrhea (lack of menstruation), scanty menstruation, and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) | |
How to Use Clove
For Cough, Sore Throat, Congestion, Hiccough, and Laryngitis
Suck on 2 to 3 clove buds until the flavor has been removed. Spit out the buds after they become tasteless and repeat as often as needed after a gap of a few hours in normal conditions.
If this method is too intense due to the strong flavor of cloves, a second best option will be to mix 1/4 teaspoon of clove powder with 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Blend these herbs in 1 teaspoon of honey and slowly lick this mixture until it is gone. Wash down with a few sips of warm water.
For Fever and Flu
Boil 2 cups of water. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add in 7 to 10 clove buds, 2 tablespoons of tulsi leaf, 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon of dry ginger, and a large pinch of black pepper. Simmer and steep for at least 15 minutes, strain, and add honey (optional) once cooled to a drinkable temperature. Drink this tea every 2 to 3 hours until the fever drops or the flu symptoms subside.
For Morning Sickness and General Nausea
Boil 2 cups of water. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add in 7 to 10 clove buds and 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon of dry ginger. Simmer and steep for 8 to 10 minutes, strain, and add honey (optional) once cooled to a drinkable temperature. Drink this tea as needed during pregnancy to relieve persistent nausea and “morning” sickness (and to improve overall digestion!).
For Sluggish Digestion and Metabolism, Detoxification, and Weight Loss
Take 1 teaspoon of clove powder in 1 teaspoon of honey before each meal. For added rejuvination increase the honey to 1-1/2 teaspoons. Follow with a few sips of hot water. Take regularly for good results.