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Eugenol can purify the blood and reduce the risk of gingivitis and heart disease
Eugenol is a chemical which is found in many plants, herbs and spices but clove is the best natural source of this powerful antioxidant.
However, it is a double edge sword since it can have potentially dangerous repercussions, if consumed in higher amounts.
Very small amounts are required, in order to reap the benefits and avoid side effects. It posseses anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which makes it very useful in killing parasites which could damage the heart, lungs or the kidneys.
FOOD SOURCES
Besides cloves, there are many other natural sources of eugenol.
- • Cinnamon
- • Basil
- • Nutmeg oils
- • Anise
- • Lemon Balm
- • Turmeric
- • Hysoop
- • Oregano
HEART DISEASE
Polypehnol is able to improve lipid profiles and prevent oxidation of cholesterol thereby reducing the risk of heart attack and atherosclerosis. As well as curcumin, it can inhibit COX-2, a protein responsible for inflammation.
Clove oil is even included in many toothpastes, dental creams and throat sprays. Thanks to it's strong antibacterial effects, eugenol is one of the most potent blood purifiers. If you have gum disease, you can take cloves internally or apply clove oil on to the inflamed gums. Just don't over do it.
Clove oil is also able to reduce formation of blood clots since it is a natural blood thinner, while inhibiting the aggregation of platelets thereby reducing the risk of heart attack.
Stimulant properties of clove tea are attributed to its ability to increase circulation, expand the blood vessels and to increase body temperature.
DIGESTION
Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, clove oil can be very helpful in treating many digestive problems such as candida, intestinal worms, diarrhea, gas, bloating, ulcers, intestinal spasms and nausea.
Wormwood which is known for its anti-fungal properties, contains significant amount of eugenol.
As well as black pepper, clove can also increase the secretion of gastric acid in the stomach. Gastric acid can help digest food and kill intestinal bacterias, including helicobacter pylori.
NERVE CELLS AND BRAIN FUNCTION
This potent herbal compound is able to deactivate free radicals such as superoxide thereby protecting nerve cells from damage. However, this powerful antioxidant may also promote regeneration of damaged nerve cells.
Clove may have an effect on brain function, while stimulating hypothalamus-pituitary axis which can change the levels of neurotransmitters and hormones in the blood, in a good way.
Thanks to this benefits, clove is used to treat stress, anxiety and depression as well as to improve brain function.
SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS
Although it is very powerful antioxidant, it can be potentially dangerous when ingested in higher amounts. According to scientific research, eugenol may be carcinogenic but the extend of it's carcinogenic potential in humans still hasn't been established.
High doses can cause arrhythmia, increase the heart rate and blood pressure as well as lead to breathing problems, kidney damage, digestive problems, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness and liver failure.
Clove and it's flavonoids may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.
Pregnant and breast-feeding mothers as well as children or people with bleeding disorders shouldn't take the herb, especially in a form of supplement.
CONCLUSION
This strong chemical can be easily obtained from spices. Adding few cloves to your meals while cooking, is enough since the herb is so powerful.
Cloves can also be used to treat headaches, diabetes, arthritis, cholera as well as other infections.
However, beware of the herb's strength since it can have dangerous repercussions if you take too much of it, especially through supplements standardized for high eugenol content.
