Burning exotic spice - cloves. Useful properties and contraindications. Clove: useful properties, contraindications, benefits and harms

Carnation is one of the most popular trees. It is distinguished by its harmony, as it reaches 10-20 meters in height. The fragrant carnation represents the buds of a tree which have not ripened up to the end which are carefully dried up. It is these dried buds that are actively used in cosmetology, cooking, and for medicinal purposes. Unusual fruits are famous for their burning taste and pleasant aroma.

The composition of the plant is very diverse and large. One bud of fragrant cloves contains many useful substances.

vitamins (beta-carotene, B vitamins, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, phylloquinone);
minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, manganese, iron, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, copper);
essential oils.

Clove also contains polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Interestingly, the essential oil takes up 20 percent of the chemical composition of fragrant cloves. It is also rich in other aromatic beneficial substances. Another 20 percent is occupied by tannins, glycosides (organic compounds).

Cloves are rich in:

proteins;
fiber;
carbohydrates;
proteins.

Therefore, it is not surprising that the plant is considered a powerful drug.

Approximately 100 gr. fragrant cloves contain 320 kcal.

bactericidal property. Indeed, many pathogens do not like cloves. It inhibits the growth of certain bacteria.
Anthelmintic. In this case, the action of cloves has been tested on some animals. The experiment ended successfully. In China, cloves have been used in this way since ancient times. Therefore, it began to enter into many anthelmintic drugs.
Has an antifungal agent.
Perfectly treats the oral cavity. It neutralizes all bacteria, eliminates an unpleasant smell. By the way, essential oils will help the smell not to appear again. Clove is an excellent substitute for mouthwash.
They have an analgesic effect. For example, cloves are used for toothache. In addition to eliminating pain, buds are used to relieve spasms. All this is due to the fact that cloves contain acids and essential oils, the properties of which resemble aspirin.
Anti-carcinogenic agent, acts to prevent cancer. It has such an effect due to the fact that cloves contain eugenol. It is he who slows down the development of cancer cells and their spread. Scientific studies have shown that families who are predisposed to cancer can use the spice and prevent the disease.
Vitamins found in cloves are able to normalize the functioning of the nervous system. Therefore, the plant is often included in the composition of some sedatives.
It has wound healing properties.
It has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Strengthens the immune system.
Improves blood circulation.

Video material about the healing properties of cloves

For men

The use of 2-3 fragrant cloves will help increase the amount of testosterone, which is the main male sex hormone.

For male smokers, chewing a clove can help kick the habit. Helps to get rid of the effects of smoking. For example, it will clear the lungs and reduce inflammation from coughing.

Cloves will also help relieve pain after a workout with sports activities. It also helps to tone muscles and gain physical mass. The plant helps in many ways to maintain men's health.

Carnation for a woman really works wonders.

With infertility, it is used officially. It is also used along with infusions of other herbs.
Cloves are also used to normalize the cycle.
Excellent helps with various inflammations, with menopause.
Eliminates the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Prevents infectious diseases.
Strengthens the muscles of the vagina.

During pregnancy and lactation

Most often, doctors recommend using cloves during pregnancy, but only if all the rules and dosage prescribed by the doctor are observed, since the plant is concentrated. Then all the beneficial properties can help the health of the pregnant woman.

During lactation, cloves should also be used very carefully, as it can cause allergies, loss of concentration.

For kids

Cloves should not be given to children under 2 years of age. Older than 2 years is possible, but only on condition that you have consulted with a pediatrician about this. Be sure to check if the child has allergies.

It is especially useful for children to remove worms. After all, every child takes dirty hands, or some toys in his mouth. They most often suffer from diseases due to poor hygiene.

Another interesting benefit for children: a carnation in a small bag can be placed near a sleeping child, then there will be 100% protection against mosquitoes.

For the elderly

At the moment, cardiovascular diseases are considered the main enemies of man. And not only them. These include atherosclerosis. The use of buds will serve as a prophylaxis against these diseases, which are most often encountered by the elderly.

The elderly can also use cloves with a decrease in memory, a decrease in efficiency. The application is useful for people with pre-stroke and post-stroke condition. Clove is a great medicine for people in old age.

Headache

The use of cloves will significantly reduce the pain effect. To do this, you need to grind the cloves to a powder, mix with rock salt and add this mixture to the milk. Soon you will feel a significant improvement.

Conjunctivitis

Use a decoction of cloves. The solution is dripped into the eyes 3 times a day.

Cold

It is the buds of cloves that will help get rid of SARS, from acute respiratory infections. In fact, there is no cure for the common cold. This is not some kind of disease, this is a defeat of the immune system. And cloves are just one of the best helpers in this. It will also help to get rid of the consequences of the flu (complications).

Recipe for the treatment of colds: 1 tsp honey, 1 pinch of black pepper, 1 pinch of ground cloves.

Cough

Clove sticks are able to thin sputum, expectorate. The use of the plant will help to quickly get rid of stagnation.

Runny nose

A decoction is made from umbrellas, over which inhalation is then carried out.

Hypertension and hypotension

It will help fight anxiety in hypertensive patients, as well as cope with the normalization of blood pressure.

Diabetes

Cloves with this type of disease will help reduce blood sugar levels to normal. For this, it is taken as an infusion.

Recipe: About 40 buds are poured with boiling water, wrapped in a towel, and then they drink 1/3 cup.

Asthma

Good treatment with cloves for asthma. To do this, make a decoction of 4 buds of carnations. A decoction of 20 ml of water. The medicine is used in conjunction with honey.

In addition to the above diseases, cloves treat dental diseases, are suitable for the treatment of muscle cramps and help to cope with nervous disorders.

It's no secret that with malfunctions in the stomach, I also use cloves. But in this case, they drink clove tea (it will help to cope with diarrhea, bloating and nausea).

In cosmetology, clove oil is most often used, which is added to various masks with clay, fermented milk products. It has an excellent antiseptic effect. It is used to actively fight against black dots.

It cleanses the skin of harmful bacteria and normalizes blood circulation. In this case, it will give the skin a natural look. The face will become healthier and will shine.

It also works well for acne. Carnation is really able to bring the skin in order. Therefore, it is used to create some cosmetics. Its beneficial properties help in tissue regeneration.

For oily skin

Products with the addition of cloves are good for people who have oily skin. It will help dry the skin, remove oily sheen, remove all the usual inflammation for this type.

Mask recipe:

4 drops of clove essential oil are mixed with one protein and 5 gr. .
Steam the skin, apply a mask.
Wash off after 20 minutes.

Also, masks with the addition of clove buds will help significantly moisturize the skin and visually rejuvenate it. Therefore, it is very useful for dry skin.

For hair treatment

It is also used for hair treatment or simply as a care product. It will improve the quality of the strands, especially good for badly damaged hair. Due to the fact that cloves increase blood circulation, they will help prevent or cure hair loss, strengthen roots and accelerate growth.

Mask recipe: One teaspoon ground cinnamon. One teaspoon ground cloves. One tablespoon of honey and burdock oil.

All this is mixed and heated in a water bath. Before washing with an ox, apply to the roots. Wash off with shampoo after an hour.

Clove essential oil is famous for its antimicrobial, antiviral, stimulating properties. It is actively used not only in cosmetology, but also in medicine (mainly in dentistry and the treatment of colds). The oil from clove buds is most valued.

Interesting fact. Clove oil is used in veterinary medicine. In particular for anesthesia of fish. It is added to the water, and they wait until the fish fall asleep. And then carry out the necessary procedures.

The oil is also often used as a flavoring agent and as an ingredient in many perfumes. Therefore, any woman who uses perfume, at least once in her life, but felt a touch of the wonderful aroma of this plant.

In general, clove oil benefits the entire human body. Because it contains many nutrients. It can be sprayed in the air, the aroma will serve as an excellent sedative. Benefits the body skin if added in a small amount when taking a bath. Great addition to toothpaste. Also used for massage.

People with stomach ulcers should not use fragrant cloves, as it is considered a burning plant.
It is dangerous for people with high acidity.
Not recommended for high blood pressure.
Cloves are contraindicated for use in children under 2 years of age.

Possible harm

Cloves, like all other plants, can also harm the body, despite their beneficial properties. It contains a huge amount of biological substances, therefore, it is considered a strong concentrate. Therefore, it can be harmful in chronic diseases of the stomach or if a person has an individual intolerance. People with a mental disorder should also be careful with the use of fragrant cloves. It is not known what consequences it may lead to.

Important! Cloves are only useful if used in limited quantities and not too often.

Pregnant women and hypertensive patients should be even more careful. You must adhere to the dosage prescribed by your doctor. And in no case do not self-medicate.

How to use fragrant cloves correctly

Cloves should be consumed either in dry form, or in the form of a decoction, infusion. It is also used as a spice or as an essential oil.

Today we will talk about cloves, its beneficial properties and contraindications for use in traditional medicine recipes and nutrition.

Cloves are dried buds of a tropical evergreen tree of the myrtle family, growing on the islands of Indonesia, India, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Brazil and Madagascar.

The buds of the clove tree (flower buds) reminded our ancestors of nails, for which they got their strange name for the plant. The “clove” hat has a greater smell, and the core is responsible for the pungency.

For over 2000 years the Indian has been using cloves and clove oil extensively. Arab traders brought the buds to Europe as early as the 4th century, and in the 7th-8th century the spice became popular as a food preservative. But now we are more interested in the medicinal properties of cloves and its contraindications.

Medicinal benefits of cloves

Cloves are a common spice that gourmets from all over the world add to meat dishes, pastries and pickles. But this tiny brown bud is so much more than just a spice. With its help, you can not only make food more appetizing, but also improve your health.

The main active substances of cloves are eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol), carvacrol, thymol, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, etc.

Why cloves are useful - its medicinal properties

Source of Antioxidants

Cloves contain strong antioxidants that help the body, delay the aging process, and protect internal organs.

Help with a cold

The anti-inflammatory properties of clove spice are useful for colds and respiratory diseases. Cloves act as an antibacterial agent, helping to relieve sore throats and itchy sensations. Hot tea with cloves, cinnamon and marjoram helps with colds, asthma and. Another way to treat is to add a little cloves to a tablespoon of honey and let it brew for 8-10 hours.

With the onset of tonsillitis, you can chew a pea spice, it will quench the pain, help in relieving inflammation, and sometimes slow down the development of a sore throat altogether.

Help with toothache

Clove has and contains anti-inflammatory components that help reduce swelling around the diseased tooth. No wonder preparations containing eugenol are widely used in dentistry as an antiseptic and analgesic.

Clove oil is useful for gingivitis, periodontitis, stomatitis. Although, of course, it should be remembered that it will not replace a visit to the dentist and cannot be used constantly for a long time.

To get rid of bad breath

Dried clove buds, anise seeds and honey, crushed on a coffee grinder, are taken, mixed in a ratio of 1: 1: 2. The mixture is before each meal, half a teaspoon.

Help with Diabetes

According to scientific studies, daily consumption of a small amount of cloves (1-2 buds) helps to normalize insulin functions, as well as optimize blood sugar levels.

Help digestion

Clove not only improves the ability to digest food, but also helps the problem with. To do this, brew a teaspoon of ground spice in a glass of boiling water and drink this tea for several days.

To cleanse blood vessels

20 pieces of spice buds pour 200 ml of boiling water, insist overnight. Strain the finished infusion, consume three times a day 30 minutes before meals. In the evening, pour the raw materials already used again with boiling water, which they drink the next day. Cleaning the vessels with cloves is soft, but long-lasting, lasting at least six months.

The same composition is applicable to lower blood glucose levels in diabetics.

The benefits of cloves for the body do not end there ...

Clove tea - useful properties

Clove tea has excellent immunostimulating properties, it is great to drink it during the cold season or at the beginning of ARVI, with fever, it has antiviral and antimicrobial effects, it also helps to strengthen the nervous system and get rid of cough.

Add three cloves to half a liter of boiling water, 1 tablespoon of black tea, to enhance the effect, add a couple of slices of lemon, half (1 teaspoon of ground variety) to this composition. Everything is brought to a boil, infused for 2 hours, then drunk throughout the day, adding a spoonful of natural honey for taste.

Also clove tea promotes weight loss.

The recipe for clove worms includes the following cooking method: three flowers in a glass of boiling water, leave for an hour, drink three times a day before meals. Course 10 days.

Clove Oil - Properties and Uses

Clove oil is widely used in aromatherapy and folk remedies.

It helps with headaches, helps get rid of cellulite, has an antiseptic and analgesic effect, and with its help get rid of. It also relieves inflammation in stomatitis, periodontal disease.

The older generation remembers well the Gvozdika cologne, which qualitatively repelled mosquitoes in Soviet times. The smell of clove essential oil also does not tolerate moths and flies.

But men, this smell, on the contrary, is able to attract, as it is an aphrodisiac and can enhance sexual desire.

In women, clove oil contributes, and in women in labor, it enhances the tone of the uterus and helps successful childbirth.

If 5 drops of oil are added to a regular herbal shampoo, it will help with excessive dryness of the scalp.

In peach or any other preferred cosmetic oil (1 teaspoon), add 5 drops of clove, this mixture will be effective in treating acne.

Clove oil for use in an aroma lamp - 4 drops of oil per 15 m², for a bath - 3-4 drops of oil, for massage oil during the procedure for getting rid of cellulite - 1-2 drops are taken per 10 g of base.

If you want to get rid of joint pain with arthritis, then 7 drops should be added to any massage oil, rubbed twice a day.

With a toothache, the swab is first moistened in any vegetable oil and no more than two drops of clove essential oil are dripped. Apply cotton wool to the diseased tooth, to its chewing surface.

Contraindications of cloves for use

Although cloves, which we eat with food in appropriate quantities, are safe, clove oil is no longer so harmless. It is not recommended for pregnant women and children and should be diluted before use. Large doses can be harmful.

Although clove oil is successful in relieving toothache, prolonged use on the gums or skin is not recommended.

Another caveat: clove oil is known for its ability to thin the blood and therefore should not be combined with drugs that perform a similar function.

Spice should not be used for ulcers, erosive gastritis, as it can provoke an exacerbation of the process.

How to identify a quality spice

The freshness and aroma of the seasoning is important in healing and cooking. In order to test the product, lower it into water, a well-dried “carnation” will sink or float vertically, holding a hat on the surface, an exhausted bud will float horizontally.

The medicinal properties of cloves and the substances they contain have not yet been fully explored. Research is currently underway to investigate, for example, the anti-cancer effect of cloves.

Unopened flower buds of the Indonesian clove tree are widely known under the guise of an exquisite spice - cloves. Dried tree buds for a long time, because of their interesting smell and spicy taste characteristics, are used in various fields of production: liquor, food, perfumery. Also, the seasoning is widely used in restaurant and home cooking.

Such a list of demand does not limit the capabilities of the product. It is an effective element of folk and traditional medicine. Making the seasoning release the healing microelements hidden in it will help its brewing or infusion, so how to properly insist or brew cloves is valuable knowledge that really helps out with a number of malfunctions in the functioning of the body.

What healing trace elements are hidden in cloves?

The incredibly rich chemical composition of this seasoning rightfully classifies it as a healing natural resource. Between its components there is a healing element for almost every organ and system of the human body. For example, it is phenomenal that this seasoning was able to combine all the vitamins of group B. Individually, they: improve the functioning of the nervous system, stimulate improved brain activity, participate in protein synthesis.

Attention deserves a rather high level of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the seasoning - the first helper for colds and infectious diseases. And one of the main components of the product, which provides it with exactly that spicy aroma and piquant taste, is eugenol. This element of essential oil with spices is an excellent septic (disinfector) and anesthetic.

The benefits of decoctions and tinctures of cloves

A decoction or infusion of cloves, no matter how strange it may sound, will have much greater benefits for the body compared to raw, dried seasoning. The thing is that the concentration of useful trace elements of dry seasoning, eaten unprepared, in most cases provokes immediate diarrhea. In addition, a generous amount of spice essential oil can negatively affect the integrity of the gastric mucosa. In view of this, the product should always be infused or boiled.

I am glad that such versatility of this product is available to absolutely every lover of natural remedies. At the same time, common contraindications to the use of spices are hypertension, individual intolerance, stomach ulcers, the period of feeding or pregnancy.

It remains only to learn the correct ways to use the spice. Although cloves are actually effective and healing, how to brew them makes a huge difference. Often, other components are added to prescriptions to increase the spectrum of action of drugs. It is worth taking note of the most popular recipes based on this miraculous seasoning.

Clove tincture for colds and runny nose

To implement the recipe, you need to prepare:

Compound

cloves (8 pcs.);
half an orange;
half a lemon;
1 tsp cinnamon;
water;
150–200 ml of vodka.

Due to the last alcohol component, the recipe is only allowed for adults.

To stabilize blood pressure with cloves, you should prepare:

cloves (6 pcs.);
lemon (half);
honey (1 tablespoon);
hibiscus tea (2 tsp);
water (400 ml.).

Cooking

Cloves are crushed to a powder.
The lemon is peeled and completely squeezed out, only its juice is needed.
Hibiscus tea is brewed with the above amount of water.
All components, including honey, are mixed.
A decoction of cloves, after 1-2 hours of infusion, is drunk completely. Pressure stabilization can be expected within 10–15 min. after its acceptance.

Tincture with cloves for adenoids

Bacterial inflammation of the tonsils is treated with a very simple and at the same time effective recipe based on cloves.

For its manufacture it is necessary to prepare:

cloves (8 pcs.);
sea salt (2 tablespoons);
water.

Cooking

Cloves, according to the already familiar pattern, are ground into powder:
Seasoning is mixed with water and infused for 3-4 hours.
The solution is thoroughly mixed with sea salt.
This infusion is intended exclusively for gargling. The procedure should be carried out 3 times daily, thoroughly rinsing the throat with a solution for 2-3 minutes.

Healing clove infusion can have a beneficial effect on the body only if the dosage is observed and its use is mandatory agreed with the attending physician.

The burning and spicy aroma of this spice makes any dish even more appetizing and attractive. However, its beneficial properties are not limited to the flavoring of culinary products; these inflorescences are no less widely used in medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Meet clove - a spice that is unique in its taste and useful qualities, which is the dried unopened buds of the clove tree Syzygium.

Composition of cloves

The composition of cloves is so rich in vitamins, microelements and other substances that it immediately becomes clear where cloves have such powerful beneficial properties. The nutritional value of cloves is explained by the high content of protein (6 g per 100 g), fat (20 g per 100 g), carbohydrates (27 g per 100 g). A third of cloves is fiber - the necessary dietary fiber that affects bowel function (34 g of fiber per 100 g of cloves). Also in the composition of this spice is ash, water (about 6 g per 100 g of product). About 20% of this spice is essential oil rich in valuable aromatic compounds (eugenol, caryophyllene, ylangen, etc.).

The vitamin composition of cloves can be envied by the most complete multivitamin complex. Dried inflorescences contain: beta-carotene, the bulk of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3 or PP, B4, B6, B9), ascorbic acid, tocopherol () and phylloquinone ().

Mineral substances are represented by micro and macro elements, such as: potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, selenium, zinc.

Also, clove buds include glycosides, tannins, mucus.

The effect of cloves on the body

The spectrum of useful action of cloves is very wide, it has antiseptic and bactericidal action, anesthetizes and relieves muscle spasms. It also has tonic and wound healing properties. The ability to increase muscle tone is both a useful and harmful property of cloves. It has a beneficial effect on the female body, normalizes the menstrual cycle, but for pregnant women, the tonic properties of cloves are harmful, increasing the tone of the muscles of the uterus negatively affects the condition of the baby.

Adding cloves to food has a beneficial effect on the work of all organs of the digestive tract, it stimulates the production of digestive juices, increases appetite, and normalizes the digestion of food. This spice is widely used in the treatment of colitis, intestinal colic, flatulence, diarrhea, diseases of the rectum.

The most recent studies have shown that the benefits of cloves in the fight against cancer are great, this seasoning can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The anticarcinogenic properties of cloves are still being studied, scientists hope to create a drug based on cloves for the treatment of leukemia.

Due to the high content, the benefits of cloves for the nervous system are invaluable. This spice accelerates the recovery process after physical or mental overwork, relieves stress, and calms.

Clove belongs to the category of burning spices and irritates the mucous membrane of the digestive organs, therefore, people suffering from ulcerative lesions of the gastroduodenal region should not use cloves, this seasoning is also contraindicated in hypertension and gastritis with high acidity.

Cloves are an ideal spice, everything converges in it - ancient origin, bright taste, healing power and low price. Many people are familiar with the warm and slightly burning clove smell - it is heard in autumn marinades, gingerbread and expensive perfumes. But cloves are not only famous for their rich aroma - the useful properties and taste of an ancient spice have long conquered the whole world.

Emperor's Pass

Cloves are the unripe flower buds of the fragrant clove tree. They are collected, dried to a dark color and brittleness, and then sent to all corners of the planet. Every person is familiar with cloves - a photo of a spice shows dark brown small umbrellas on a long stem. The spice is so similar to small cloves that in every country it is called that way.

The most famous spice legend has a noble, regal spirit. The Chinese emperors of the Han Dynasty, who ruled the Celestial Empire more than 2 thousand years ago, were refined people and tried once again not to be near the mob. But it was necessary - provided that the representatives of the people would drown out the vile smell from the mouth with a smelly carnation - to chew umbrellas before the audience and not swallow during communication with the king. And if today the Chinese carnation is just a flower, so named for the similarity of the aroma with a spice, in those days the local carnation was a real pass to the royal chambers.

Carnation Wars

Soon, clove popularity increased - it was appreciated by the Egyptians, ancient Greeks and Romans, and from the 15th century it was the turn of enlightened Europe. The history of cloves - like other spices - is a series of intrigues, trade wars and interethnic battles.

The homeland of cloves is usually called the famous Spice Islands - the Moluccas, which were occupied by the Portuguese at the beginning of the 16th century. The cunning southerners decided to become monopolists and make good money on the trade in fragrant goods, but soon the enterprising Dutch, French, and then the British joined the game. In the 17th-18th centuries, the so-called War of Spice unfolded between the largest European states, during which several thousand islanders died.

In the century before last, the cloves came under the gun of the Sultan of Zanzibar, Sayyid Said, who began to plant the spice on the island by force in order to export it everywhere. Today, Zanzibar and the neighboring island of Pemba are leaders in clove production, along with Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Madagascar.

Relieves pain and tension

One of the main superpowers for which cloves are so revered is their healing properties for all kinds of infections and colds. Powerful essential oils (up to a third of the composition) and a unique vitamin and mineral complex relieve inflammation in the throat, remove swelling of the nasopharynx, relieve pain and cough.

With a sore throat, a simple recipe will help: grind 5 umbrellas of cloves in a mortar, pour a glass of hot milk and wait until it cools down. We drink in small sips, trying to hold the milk in our mouths. You can repeat this therapy up to 3 times a day.

Due to the burning effect, even a weak infusion of cloves activates digestion, the work of all organs of the digestive system, and increases appetite. This quality of the spice allows it to be used after poisoning, severe infections, operations, when proper nutrition is needed.

Ground and whole cloves are a real natural dentist. It not only completely removes unpleasant odors (as the ancient Chinese advised), but also relieves toothache, heals gums, and helps with periodontal disease.

Cloves - medicinal properties and contraindications, it is simply necessary to remember those who suffer from chronic stomach diseases. A hot, potent spice can provoke an exacerbation of gastritis and ulcers; with hypertension, it is also better not to get carried away with decoctions and dishes with cloves. During pregnancy, cloves can cause uterine tone, and for babies under 2 years old, the spice is strictly prohibited - the delicate body is not yet used to such oriental delicacies.

The warming power of clove oil

In cosmetology and traditional medicine, another clove product has been successfully used for a long time - essential oil. In this form, the cloves most fully manifested themselves - the harm and benefits of the oil are striking in their diversity.

A warm, light brown elixir with a spicy, floral-woody aroma, it is a medicine for rest and rejuvenation. Clove oil seems to be created for quiet evenings after an active day - it perfectly warms up, relieves nervousness and daytime anxiety, and infuses fresh energy.

Fragrant baths with fragrant oil (dissolve 4-5 drops in a spoonful of sea salt, then in water) will help to quickly destroy the traces of an incipient cold, forget about work problems, and tune in to a peaceful home mood. Clove spa treatments increase blood flow, relieve arthritis and asthma, and oil massages are great for rheumatism.

For skin problems, clove oil will become your home dermatologist: it treats bruises, burns, boils, blackheads and even scabies. One caveat - the essential oil is very powerful, so before using it, you should make sure that you do not have clove intolerance.

Cloves in cooking

The clove spice is traditionally used in all kinds of marinades - mushroom, fruit and vegetable (, squash, cucumbers and cabbage,), meat, fish. Canned fish also rarely do without clove umbrellas; thick soups and main meat dishes are seasoned with them. And convinced bachelors know for sure: broth with dumplings without bay leaf and 3-4 cloves are just money down the drain!

Fragrant spice is the most important component of winter drinks: warming tea and coffee. Cloves are also often added to desserts, especially in combination with classic cinnamon - what are only the favorite gingerbreads!

A little secret: before putting a clove in a dish, be sure to check it for freshness and aroma. To do this, forcefully leave a few buds in a bowl of water. A good spice will sink or float upside down, dried and old - horizontally.

Clove is a capricious spice, it does not like to languish in a saucepan for too long. To get a delicate aroma, it is better to throw clove umbrellas into broths and soups 3-5 minutes before readiness, into roasts - 10 minutes before, into marinades - along with other seasonings. Cloves are placed in the dough before frying and baking: they usually use the tops of umbrellas for baking, they keep the most delicate and delicate taste of the spice.

Recipes with cloves

Many are accustomed to associate cloves with traditional tomato-cabbage pickles and Tula gingerbread, but there are many simple and unusual dishes and drinks with this spice.

Indian spiced coffee

You will need: a glass of milk and water, 3-4 umbrellas of cloves, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and nutmeg, 2 crushed grains, a teaspoon of finely chopped ginger root, 3-4 fresh leaves, a tablespoon of coffee.

Boil water, add dry spices, ginger and mint. Bring to a boil (not completely, to bubbles!), Pour coffee. Once again bring to the state of rising bubbles, add milk, reduce heat and bring to a boil again. Add sugar to taste and let it brew for 5 minutes.

Pear jam with cloves.

You will need: 4-5 medium, 500-600 grams of sugar, 10 cloves.

Peel the pears, finely chop. Pour half the pears and sugar into a saucepan, a little water (2-4 cm), mix, add the rest of the fruit, cloves and sugar. Cook until syrup turns yellowish brown and thickens.

Remove from the stove, sue and transfer to a sterilized jar. Store in refrigerator for up to one year.