What Makes Clove Nature's Organic Pain Killer?
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), known as laung in
Hindi, have been used for centuries as a natural pain killer, digestive
aid, and culinary spice. The eugenol compound in cloves acts as
a natural anesthetic and anti-inflammatory agent, making it
effective for toothache relief, joint pain, and muscle soreness.
Modern science confirms cloves contain 14-21% essential
oil, primarily eugenol (70-90%), along
with β-caryophyllene, flavonoids, and tannins that
provide antioxidant, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties.
Clove Chemical Composition – The Science Behind Pain Relief
Primary Active Compounds
• Eugenol (70-90%): Natural anesthetic, anti-inflammatory
• β-Caryophyllene (5-12%): Pain-relieving,
anti-spasmodic
• Acetyl eugenol (2-15%): Enhances eugenol absorption
• Flavonoids (kaempferol, rhamnetin): Powerful antioxidants
• Tannins & sesquiterpenes: Antimicrobial, astringent
properties
Eugenol mechanism: Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels
(like local anesthetics) and inhibits COX-2 enzymes (similar to
ibuprofen), providing dual pain relief + inflammation reduction.
Clove Nutrition Facts – Per 100g (Dried Cloves)
|
Nutrient |
Amount |
% Daily Value |
|
Calories |
274
kcal |
14% |
|
Dietary
Fiber |
27.8g |
110% |
|
60.1mg |
2613% |
|
|
Vitamin
K |
142μg |
177% |
|
Vitamin
C |
0.2mg |
0.3% |
|
Calcium |
632mg |
63% |
|
Magnesium |
259mg |
65% |
|
Eugenol |
15,000mg |
- |
Key takeaway: Cloves deliver 2613% DV
manganese (bone health, metabolism) and massive antioxidants in
tiny doses.
Top 12 Proven Health Benefits of Cloves
1. Natural Toothache & Oral Health Remedy
- Eugenol numbs
pain within 5-10 minutes when applied topically
- Kills 99%
oral bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) causing cavities
- Reduces gum
inflammation and bad breath
2. Digestive Health & Bloating Relief
- Stimulates digestive
enzymes and bile production
- Reduces gas,
bloating, indigestion after heavy meals
- Carminative properties
relieve stomach cramps
3. Blood Sugar Regulation
- Eugenol
improves insulin sensitivity by 15-20% (animal studies)
- Lowers post-meal
blood sugar spikes when consumed with meals
- Manganese supports
glucose metabolism
4. Powerful Antioxidant Protection
- ORAC
score: 314,446 (100x blueberries)
- Neutralizes free
radicals causing premature aging
- Protects liver,
kidneys from oxidative damage
5. Anti-Inflammatory for Joint Pain
- β-Caryophyllene matches ibuprofen
effectiveness (human trials)
- Reduces arthritis
pain and morning stiffness
- Safe
for daily joint support
Cloves in Cooking – From Flavor to Healing
Daily Usage Guide
1-2 whole cloves daily = Therapeutic dose
3-5g powder = Cooking/spice blend
1 drop clove oil = Topical application (diluted)
Cooking Applications:
- Indian:
Garam masala, biryani, chai masala
- Western:
Mulled wine, baked ham, gingerbread
- Chinese:
Five-spice powder, roast duck
- Healing
drinks: Clove-cinnamon tea (1:1 ratio)
Pro Tip: Add cloves last 5 minutes of cooking to
preserve eugenol content.
Safe Usage & Potential Side Effects
Recommended Dosage
Adults: 1-3g/day (whole/ground)
Children: 0.5-1g/day (under supervision)
Pregnant: Avoid concentrated oil
Side Effects & Contraindications
⚠️ High doses (>10g/day):
Liver toxicity
⚠️ Clove oil: Skin irritation
(dilute 1:10)
⚠️ Blood thinners: Increases
bleeding risk
⚠️ Surgery: Stop 2 weeks prior
⚠️ Allergies: Rare but possible
Clove vs Common Pain Killers – Head-to-Head
|
Parameter |
Clove |
Ibuprofen |
Paracetamol |
|
Pain
Relief |
Moderate |
High |
Moderate |
|
Anti-inflammatory |
High |
High |
None |
|
Stomach
Safety |
Excellent |
Poor |
Good |
|
Liver
Safety |
Excellent |
Good |
Poor |
|
Cost
(monthly) |
₹20 |
₹150 |
₹100 |
|
Addiction
Risk |
None |
Low |
None |
Conclusion: Clove – Nature's Multi-Purpose
Pain Killer
Cloves represent the perfect convergence of culinary
delight + medicinal power. The eugenol-driven pain
relief, antioxidant protection, and digestive support make
cloves indispensable for natural health enthusiasts.
From toothache emergencies to daily joint
maintenance, cloves offer pharmaceutical-grade benefits without
synthetic side effects. Their high nutrient
density and versatile applications justify daily inclusion in Indian
households.
NewsWebFit Recommendation: Keep whole cloves inyour kitchen – nature's original organic pain killer that's been
validated by modern science.
Disclaimer
This article provides general health information, not
medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before using cloves
medicinally, especially if pregnant, on medications, or with pre-existing
conditions. Individual results vary.
Sources
- Auctoresonline.org
– Pharmacological Action of Clove
- Bajajfinserv.in
– Health Benefits of Cloves
- Organiclinic.com
– Daily Clove Benefits
- ScienceDirect
– Clove Oil Overview
- MedicineNet
– 11 Health Benefits of Cloves
- Apollo247
– Clove Benefits for Health
- PMC
– Clove: A Precious Spice
- BBC Good Food – Health Benefits of Cloves
- PubChem – Eugenol Chemical Profile