Cloves - 11 Surprising, Recently Discovered

Cloves, spices known to everyone, are actually pink flower buds of the clove tree, Eugenia caryophyllus. These buds are harvested manually when the color pink and about 0.5 to 1 cm in diameter and are then dried until golden brown. Cloves have a spicy and sweet at the same time, very aromatic, leading to mind the tropical climate in which they grow.
Cloves originate in the Moluccas, Indonesia, also known as the Spice Islands. Cloves have been used in Asia for over 2,000 years. Because of their sweet taste and very aromatic cloves were used in 200 BC by Chinese courtiers to have a fresh breath when the Emperor, in order not to offend him, or can even be beheaded. Arab traders brought cloves to Europe around the 4th century, but began to be widely used until the Middle Ages, when they began to be appreciated for their spicy flavor, which served to mask the taste poorly preserved foods, a common problem those times when there were no refrigerators. Although many centuries cloves were grown exclusively in Indonesia, the region today is a leading producer of cloves is Zanzibar in East Africa. Now they are grown in the West Indies, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, India, and Brazil Pemba.

Health Benefits

In medicine, cloves are used as antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic.
They are rich in antioxidants and are an excellent source of manganese, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and fiber.
Cloves contain a significant amount of a compound called eugenol asset, which has been the subject of numerous studies to prevent toxicity caused by environmental pollutants (such as carbon tetrachloride) and digestive tract cancer prevention studies or joint inflammation.

Reduces inflammation

Eugenol, the main component of clove is a volatile oil with anti-inflammatory properties. In animal studies demonstrated that the addition of clove extract in diet brings significant benefits, reducing inflammatory symptoms by 15-30%. Cloves also contain, flavonoids such as camferol and rhamnetin, which contributes to its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant properties.
Clove oil can be used in massage for muscle pain, or poultices or hot baths for arthritis or rheumatism.

Relieves toothache

Eugenol extracted from clove is used in dentistry as eugenol and other components of clove (including beta-caryophyllene) were a slightly anesthetic effect, but it is also an antibacterial agent.
You can temporarily relieve pain by swabbing painful tooth or gum with a little cotton that put clove oil. An additional benefit is that clove oil to treat dental infections. If you do not have clove oil on hand, you can chew a few whole cloves.
Cloves reduce nausea and vomiting

Can reduce nausea

They are a good remedy for states morning sickness during pregnancy. Take 10 cloves and mix them with tamarind paste or sugar cane and mixed with water. Drink of this solution two times a day.

Clove oil treats skin conditions

Clove oil can be prickly and can sting. Therefore, it is best to apply the bruises and scratches mixed with olive oil.
Clove oil is a great natural remedy for dry skin. It is effective for improving stretch marks, for puffiness or tired skin.
Cloves, allied to treat colds and respiratory infections

Can prevent flu and colds

Cloves are a very good expectorant, relieves sore throat and fights viruses and bacteria. For all of this you can prepare a hot beverage with 10 drops of clove oil you add a cup of hot water, to which you can add honey. Take this drink two to three times a day. If you do not have oil, you can prepare a decoction of cloves.
Another condition that can be combated with the help of cloves is sinusitis. For it must drag on each nostril, with a suitably sized well, clove powder.

Freshens breath

Bad breath can be improved by using clove. This was known since 2000 years ago. For this you can include cloves and spices in dishes like, you can use in the preparation of drinks in tea, or simply you can chew when you feel the need. Clove extract is also used as the main ingredient of oral sprays, or mouthwashes.

Eating Clove improves digestion

It helps relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby relieving vomiting, diarrhea, bloating or stomach ache. Note, however, clove oil is strong and can irritate the stomach. Therefore, it is better in these cases to consumers in the form of decoction. Decoction is also a reliable aid in combating flatulence and indigestion.
All intestinal gastrointestinal tract and cloves have anti-parasitic role (destroys intestinal worms).

Have aphrodisiac powers

Cloves are an aphrodisiac and its effect removal of relaxation and fatigue. They can help men prevent premature ejaculation.

Cloves combat stress

Stir basil clove, cardamom and mint tea prepared with this mixture. It is the best remedy for stress removal.
To remove stress can also be used clove oil in aromatherapy.

Help in the fight against Diabetes

There are studies that have shown that eugenol in cloves can reduce the concentration of blood sugars in diabetics.

They contain active anti-cancer compounds

Preliminary studies indicate cloves as a potential cure for lung cancer.
A 2006 study, conducted on mice exposed to carcinogens showed that cloves can reduce lung cancer. But it is still unclear whether cloves can have the same effect on humans. However, the results are promising, and laboratory studies show that the cloves are compounds with anticancer activity.
Selection and storage cloves

Cloves can be found in commerce throughout the year.

Quality Cloves are those that when squeezed between your fingers releases a sweet aroma, flavor date volatile oils. It is preferable to buy whole cloves clove powder instead because it can readily degrade and lose their properties.

Whole cloves may be stored in a cool, dark, well-sealed containers, and thereby preserve for several months. They can be ground using a grinder, when you need powder. Ground cloves powder should be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers and must be used as soon as possible, because they lose both flavor and properties.
One way to select cloves of good quality is to put them in a bowl of water. The good quality will float upright. Those who are old will leave the bottom or will float horizontally.

Tips for preparing cloves

Prepare clove oil at home
Clove oil is easily prepared at home. Add 1/8 cup of whole cloves in a half cup of vegetable oil. Allow to stand overnight, or at most 24 hours. Strain and use the oil.
Clove tea

To prepare a cup of tea clove take half a teaspoon of cloves, add a cup of water and simmer for about 10 minutes in a covered pot to not lose such volatile.Preparat oils, tea Clove will have a flavor and a delightful aroma.

Culinary uses of cloves

Since cloves taste very intense, especially when crushed, must be cautious about the amount added in various preparations, not to cover other flavors. To preserve the aroma and taste intact, it is good to mills even before cooking cloves and add the powder in the last step of the recipe. This is recommended because the essential oils evaporate cooking.

Precautions in the use of cloves

The consumption of prepared dishes with a large amount of cloves can cause gastrointestinal irritation or central nervous system. The recipes prepared with this spice should be avoided by people suffering from stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis.

Consumption of cloves should be avoided during pregnancy.

The cloves can be eaten when they are added as seasoning in various dishes, medicinal dose should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women because insufficient data on the safety of using high doses.

Clove oil is very powerful and should be used with caution because it can irritate the skin. The oil should be avoided in pregnancy, even for external use.

Do not use the essential oil of cloves for the bathroom, it can irritate mucous membranes.

Internal is not indicated in children clove oil as it can cause side effects such as seizures cousin, liver damage, fluid imbalance.

Coagulation disorders: Eugenol containing cloves slows blood clotting. Therefore, cloves should be consumed with caution by people with clotting deficiencies. In surgery: Because cloves can slow blood clotting, it should no longer be consumed at least two weeks before surgery.TYPE or PASTE your text here...

"Red Gold" - The Most Precious Spice In The World!

Saffron is the most expensive and sought global spice, known as 'red gold'.

With a price of 65 dollars a gram, for best quality, saffron is more expensive than most traded metals in the world, namely gold. Its value has remained constantly high because of intensive harvesting methods being required to raise more than 200,000 delicate saffron threads from about 70,000 saffron flowers.


The hardest known for the cultivation of saffron is Iran, where tradition dates back about 3,500 years. Iran produces about 92% of the 300 tons of saffron performed annually worldwide, thanks to the unique weather conditions ensure a strong aroma of the saffron flower, strong flavored quality is otherwise a characteristic local cuisine, for cosmetics and traditional medicine Iranian origin.

"Red gold properties"

Saffron is one of the most expensive spice, is used against asthma, whooping cough, as an expectorant, insomnia, atherosclerosis, flatulence, depression, Alzheimer's disease and heartburn.

Women can use saffron for treating PMS and menstrual cramps.

Men can use saffron for infertility. Saffron is also used for aphrodisiac effect.

Trade with saffron, in contrast, has become increasingly difficult in recent years because of international sanctions imposed merchants Tehran because the Iranian nuclear program, so many companies and Iranian banks can not access sales markets in Europe, Canada and the US and no financial support from international monetary organizations.

Some Iranian companies have adopted the policy of barter and exchange partners receive the Indian or Chinese consumer goods or food in exchange for saffron.

According to the National Council for Iranian saffron, saffron industry increased by 36% in 2014, and the price of one kilogram of saffron has risen slightly to about $ 2,000 a kilogram of saffron.

If international sanctions imposed on Iran will be high, as was speculated in negotiation rounds P5 + 1 format, the next question will be huge prices because demand is growing. Western companies align alleged tendency to invest in new market and products made from saffron will be highly appreciated. In this scenario, Iranian traders will be rewarded greatly for the flexibility they showed, according to CNN.com.

Three Medicinal Uses of Chili, Which Certainly Never Knew

It proved that red chili pepper has the ability to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels and prevent blood clots. It has been scientifically proven that people include in their daily diet chili, reduce their risk of suffering a heart attack or a stroke.

Chili contain large amounts of vitamin C and beta-carotene. It can regulate blood flow and can strengthen the heart, arteries and nerves. It also contains vitamins K and B6, potassium, dietary fiber, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, iron, magnesium and phosphorus.

Chili cause rapid burning of body fat. For people with asthma, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis and congestion due to colds or flu, it is recommended chili consumption because it acts as an expectorant

Capsaicin from chili peppers reduces the intensity of pain by interfering with substance P, a neurotransmitter found in nerve and brain eyebrows, responsible for the occurrence of painful sensations.

Capsaicin extract can be applied to the affected area, but be careful, because burn through gloves very strong and can cause severe irritation. A good example of local analgesic based on chili, is patch joints, which heats the region that is applied and relieves pain and swelling.

Studies show  - chili, reduce body weight

It has been scientifically proven that the substance which contains chili peppers - capsaicin - reduce body weight by increasing energy consumption and decrease appetite. Several studies have confirmed the real effect of capsaicin in fat burning, so people who use chili in slimming regime not wrong at all.

A study in 2010 by researchers at the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of California showed that chili is an ally in the diets, since the main substance that makes chili peppers spicy taste, capsaicin, helps burn fat body, reduces appetite and speeds up metabolism.

Another study in the same year at Daegu University in South Korea show that chili stimulate the activity of proteins that helps to break down fat cells and at the same time reduces the activity of enzymes responsible for fat accumulation, preventing the development of mature fat cells.

Aphrodisiac and anti-alcoholic

Consumed fresh in small quantities, chili has aphrodisiac effects. Tincture on chili is used in rehab. For this leave to soak 100 grams of chili in 100 grams of alcohol. After one week, filtered and administered ten drops in a bitter tea, every time there is a need to consume alcohol.

Paprika is excellent for circulation

The best remedies for cardiovascular diseases is chili, because reduce blood cholesterol and triglycerides and strengthens the heart. Also reduce the possibility of blood clots, dilated capillaries, while having anti-inflammatory properties. Studies in Canada have shown that the substance responsible for this effect is capsaicin. This reduces the level of cholesterol in the liver, stimulates bile, helping to eliminate cholesterol through the intestine. Capsaicin thins the blood, thus preventing clot formation and vascular-cerebral injuries.

It was also shown that the active components of chili leading to dilation of blood vessels and thus lower blood pressure.

When it is contraindicated chili

Chili has the bad reputation that can cause ulcers. Contrary to common belief, its consumption does not cause heartburn and causes no damage to the digestive system. On the contrary, it seems that protects the gastric wall of the undesirable effects of some substances as anti-inflammatory drugs and alcohol. Some epidemiological studies show even low incidence of gastric cancer in people consuming chili. It is recommended, however, that active ulcers, to avoid its consumption. In anticipation of other research to better assess this, it is wise capsaicin supplements be taken with caution, testing the tolerance and respecting personal manufacturer's recommendations. People with irritable bowel syndrome may experience an intolerance to chili, and those with gastro esophageal reflux is best to avoid strong spices. And in the case of hemorrhoids, the chili should be consumed in moderation as it encourages tooth crisis and disrupts venous return. Beware chili powder, because inhaling it can cause bronchoconstriction. Also, some people may experience allergic reactions to eating chili peppers. It is important to wash hands thoroughly after using capsaicin products. Contact with mucous, especially the eye, can trigger a sensation of burning alive.