Clove or Laung is an excellent and popular spice that has been used for domestic as well as commercial purpose since ancient times. This pungent spice is produced from the buds of a tree which is scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum and is grown initially in India and Madagascar. But nowadays, Indonesia is one of the leading producers of clove. Its extracts are rich in antioxidants and nigericin which help in keeping diabetes, toothache and many other health problems away.
Along with the benefits of clove for health and body, it is extremely beneficial for our skin and hair and has many beauty benefits. This spice is full of antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anaesthetic properties along with some vital vitamins like vitamin A, C and K.(1, 2, 4)
14 Amazing Benefits And Uses Of Clove For Skin, Hair And Oral Health:
Skin Health Benefits of Clove
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Acne Removal With Clove:
Having acne is a very common problem among us and most of us trust natural remedies over chemical medications and other methods to get rid of them. Clove is one of the most effective natural remedies for reducing acne. Its antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties help cure the cause of acne to a good extent. It also helps in reducing the inflammation caused by acne. A compound named eugenol is found in a good amount in clove that makes it antibacterial and anaesthetic.
Prepare a paste by mixing equal amount of clove powder and honey with an easy to apply consistency and put it on the acne. Leave it to dry and wash with normal water. It will help minimize acne problems.(1, 4)
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Clove is Beneficial In Getting Rid of Blackheads and Whiteheads:
Again, the exfoliating and antioxidant properties of clove help to prevent blackheads and whiteheads on the skin. This is because the application of clove on the skin helps in the removal of dead skin cells and excess oil which are the main causes of such skin issues. Make a paste of ground clove mixed with water and apply. After around 20 minutes, wash your face with normal water. (1, 2, 4)
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Benefits of Clove in Removing Scars:
Clove not only reduces acne and skin infections, but it also helps in getting rid of the unwanted scars too. It is an excellent exfoliator that helps to get rid of the scars and marks of skin injuries and acne. Therefore, you can get a spotless and smooth skin with regular use of clove.
Clove paste can be used for this purpose. Take 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil/coconut oil and add 1 teaspoon of ground clove. Mix well and apply this on your face or affected areas and leave for 30 minutes. Wash your face with cold water. It will help greatly to get rid of the scars.(3, 4)
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Get Even Skin Tone Using Clove:
Clove has the ability to remove the dirt and other impurities from the skin. This helps in clearing out the blemishes and darkness of the skin that eventually let you enjoy even skin tone. For this, prepare a mixture of powdered clove and rose water and apply it on the skin. Rinse using normal or cold water after the mask is dried. This is a very effective solution for many skin problems. You will also get a radiant look with the regular use of this ingredient.(3, 4)
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Anti-Ageing Effects of Clove For Younger Looking Skin:
All the useful properties of clove that include anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties help keep skin free of wrinkles and fine lines. These signs of ageing can be controlled by early use of clove on a regular basis.
Mix one and a half tablespoon of clove powder with 1 tablespoon of honey and some drops of lemon juice to make a homemade face pack for anti-ageing effects.
The powerful properties of clove reduce sagginess of skin and thus it is used widely in the cosmetic industry to prepare anti-ageing creams and products.(1, 2, 4)
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Benefits of Clove For Problem Free Skin:
Clove is a brilliant antioxidant due to the richness of minerals in it which is required for maintaining a healthy and smooth skin free from any problem. You can use it in suitable amount with your regular homemade face packs to increase the antioxidant properties of a pack. However, clove is a strong spice and must be used in a balanced amount to prevent unwanted harshness on the skin.
Add half a teaspoon of clove powder in yogurt. Now apply to the face and wash it after drying. This heals pimples and fades scars and spots.
You can also use clove scrub to get radiant clean and healthy skin. Mix ground but coarse clove powder, coconut oil and rose water. Make a paste of all the ingredients. Now massage it on your skin for a few minutes and wash it. You will find that your skin is clean and purified.(1, 2, 4)
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Clove To Treat Skin Infections:
Clove has excellent antiseptic, anti-allergic and antibacterial properties that help to cure skin infections caused by any kind of outer contact. It also cures wounds, bruises, cuts etc. earlier by preventing them from getting further infected. For this, take ground clove, add little water and apply the paste where needed. It is a natural remedy for stimulating early healing of many kinds of skin infections.(1, 4)
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Clove To Comfort Your Feet:
You can treat athlete’s foot and reduce sweating using clove powder. The antibacterial properties work well for this purpose.
Prepare an all-natural foot powder using cloves. For this, grind 1 teaspoon of whole cloves and 1 cup of dried sage leaves and make a fine powder. Sprinkle this mixture into your socks or on your feet daily. Make fresh powder every week for best results. (2, 4)
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Oral Health Benefits of Clove
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Clove For Getting Rid of Bad Breath:
As clove possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties, it is helpful to get rid of bad breath. This problem is caused because of the lack of oral hygiene, bacteria present in the mouth or due to the food we consume. The persistent problem of bad breath may be a sign of gum diseases. Clove is also used to freshen the mouth instantly. Just simply suck 3-4 cloves for a few minutes to get rid of bad breath anytime.
You can also prepare a mouthwash to get rid of bad breath. Take a cup of water and boil it. Mix 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and cloves in the water. Let it boil for 10-15 minutes. Now strain it using a sieve and store in a container or a bottle. Mix 3-4 drops of peppermint essential oil in it. Your mouthwash is ready to use.(3, 4)
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Teeth Whitening Benefits of Clove:
Smoking and consumption of wine, coffee or tea in excess amount are the main reasons for the staining of the teeth which causes discoloration. Clove can be used to treat this problem. The antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties of clove help to treat stubborn stains and unwanted plaque from teeth. You can prepare your clove rinse for teeth to replace harmful mouthwashes to avoid any side effects.
Take a container (heat-proof) and put 1 tablespoon of cloves into it. Mix 1 cup of boiled water. Now using a plate or lid, cover it and let it cool down. When the water cools down enough, strain it using a sieve. Now pour it into a small bottle or any suitable container. Your mouthwash is ready to use. Take 1 teaspoon of it and rinse your mouth whenever needed. Use this mixture within 7 days. This will help whiten your teeth and remove stains.
You can also prepare a paste using 2 teaspoons of ground clove, 2 teaspoons of coconut oil and 2 drops of clove essential oil. Apply it on your toothbrush and brush gently to have whiter and healthier teeth.
Using a mouthwash made of clove is useful for teeth whitening. With this, regular brushing, flossing and maintaining good oral hygiene helps greatly to whiten the teeth.(1, 3, 4)
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Benefits of Clove in Relieving Toothache:
Apply a pinch of powdered clove on the sore tooth area or chew a whole clove. This way, the clove juice mixes with the spit and gives relief from toothache. Chew clove daily before going to bed regularly and it will result in the reduction of germs and cavities.
Rinse your mouth to clean it and flush the food particles left in the mouth. Make a paste of clove powder and water. Now dip a clean cotton ball in this mixture and apply to the gums where there is pain. It will numb the tooth pain.(1, 4)
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Maintain Good Oral Health With Clove:
Clove is also termed as ‘dentist’. Eugenol present in it helps create an environment harmful to bacteria. It is known for making teeth numb and providing relief in toothache. The antibacterial properties of clove treat cavities, mouth blisters and sore gums. It has a strong odor, so gargling using a solution made of clove works great as a mouth freshener. The germicidal properties of the clove also help eliminate the germs and odor. This makes clove a key ingredient in most of the toothpastes.
Keeping clove on the affected tooth for a few minutes only can bring quick relief from pain and oral bacteria.(1, 3)
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Hair Health Benefits of Clove
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Clove As An Effective Hair Conditioner To Treat Dry Hair:
Clove can be used for conditioning the hair without the involvement of any chemicals. It is a natural conditioner to treat many hair problems that include whitening, dryness, split ends, damage and dandruff. It helps provide nourishment to hair follicles that result in a healthy scalp and smooth hair that is wanted by everyone.
Eugenol has the ability to stop oxidative damage that occurs due to free radicals. This ability of clove to repair the damage is about five times more effective than some potent antioxidant sources like Vitamin E. You can add clove in your diet or prepare a hair mask using it.
Clove works greatly for the conditioning of the hair. To prepare a hair mask, mix 1 tablespoon of ground clove with half a cup of olive oil. Warm this mixture and let it cool down. Apply on the hair and scalp and leave for 15 minutes. Now wash your hair with a mild shampoo. You don’t need to put a conditioner after applying this as this remedy works as a great hair conditioner and will leave your hair soft and smooth.(1, 2, 4)
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Hair Fall Reduction and Fast Hair Growth Using Clove:
Clove has the power of increasing blood circulation in the scalp that boosts hair growth and refreshes them. It helps in rejuvenating of lifeless dull hair by maintaining the pH level of the scalp. The nutrients and minerals of this spice help new hairs to grow that results in increasing the hair volume and helps in the hair thickening. Since it is a natural ingredient, there are minimum chances of any side effect.
The strong antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of clove help keeping the scalp clean and healthy that in turn, strengthens the hair follicles and reduces scalp disorders.
A hair mask with 2 tablespoons of curd, ½ tablespoon clove powder and 1 tablespoon of olive oil can be used for the problem of thin hair. Keep this hair mask for 40 minutes and wash with normal water. This is a simple home remedy for hair growth and reduction in hair fall. It reduces the hair fall problem caused by environmental harshness and lack of cleanliness in the scalp. Hence, clove helps in hair growth by protecting hair from thinning.(1, 3, 4)
Things to Keep in Mind Before Using Clove:
As you know that anything used in excess amount is always harmful. So, you should use this strong spice with caution. While using on the skin, always dilute the clove. Don’t use it continuously for a long time.
Clove has a strong pungent flavour and a bitter taste. Its aroma and taste can be sometimes overpowering in even small amount. Therefore, avoid using it on kids both internally as well as externally.
Be careful in case you have sensitive skin, a patch test before applying clove on the skin or hair is a good idea if you have any doubt. It is because some people may be allergic to clove and its aroma that can cause itching, rashes, irritation and inflammation as a reaction.
Even though clove is very much safe to use when taken in a calculated amount, its powerful flavour may cause nausea and unpleasantness to pregnant or breastfeeding women.(2,3,4)
Conclusion:
As you now know that the powerful clove has many skin, hair and oral health benefits, use it in face packs, hair masks and mouthwash. You can use powdered clove for this purpose.
Eugenol found in clove is known for its ability of keeping food items from being spoiled. This effect of clove is also seen in the human body and teeth. Many dentists recommend using clove products to kill bacteria in the mouth that results in healthy gums and to maintain good oral health. It is well known that most of the toothpastes contain clove as the key ingredient. This is due to the antibacterial properties of the clove which promote dental health. This magical spice is used for treating dental issues to a great extent. Along with maintaining oral hygiene and fresh breath, clove can be used as an easily available option for teeth whitening. Use clove in a clever way to enjoy its benefits to the fullest.
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