Cloves are widely used as a natural pain reliever (Image: Getty )
A renowned chiropractor has recommended chewing on a specific plant daily for its numerous health benefits. Dr Eric Berg, DC, who boasts over 13 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, extolled the virtues of incorporating cloves into one’s daily routine.
A Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate, Dr Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana. Although he no longer practices, he dedicates his time sharing educational health videos on social media.
He is also the author of The Healthy Keto Plan and the director of Dr Berg Nutritionals. In a video titled ‘What Would Happen If You Chewed ONE Clove Daily’, the health expert reveals how this superfood acts as a “natural painkiller.”
He advised: “For the benefits of cloves, chew one clove daily, use clove oil topically, or grind it and add it to a smoothie.” Cloves, the dried flower buds of the clove tree, are often used as a spice in various dishes due to their robust, sweet, and spicy taste, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Cloves are commonly found in soups, stews, meat dishes, sauces, and rice preparations. They also serve as a natural breath freshener and are frequently paired with other spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
Health benefits of cloves
The health benefits of cloves include relief from toothaches, improved gum health, and fresher breath. Cloves may also:
- help reduce the risk of health issues such as arthritis
- help improve liver health
- help protect against cancer
- help regulate blood sugar
- promote bone health
- reduce stomach ulcers
Dr Berg has highlighted the remarkable pain-relieving properties of cloves, particularly for toothaches, due to its natural chemical, eugenol. “Clove can act as a natural painkiller, especially for a toothache. Eugenol, the chemical found naturally in clove, can mimic the effects of lidocaine without any side effects.”
Lidocaine, a local anaesthetic, blocks pain signals at nerve endings, providing relief without unconsciousness like general anaesthetics. However, it requires a doctor’s prescription.
Some research shows that a combination of lidocaine and clove oil could be more effective than lidocaine alone for post-episiotomy pain. Before using clove oil for dental pain, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional and perform an allergy patch test.
Cloves contain eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antibacterial (Image: Getty)
Dr Berg also noted the broader anti-inflammatory benefits of clove. He said: “Clove doesn’t just work for toothaches. It may work systematically for many other inflammatory conditions. Clove can be beneficial for arthritis, swelling, and joint pain. It mimics the effects of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen.”
A 2021 study found clove oil as effective as ice for reducing pain from intraoral injections in children, while research by the British Association of Maxillofacial Surgeons showed patients treated with eugenol-based paste experienced less pain, inflammation, infection, and swelling compared to other treatments.
While cloves are often used to treat hangovers, indigestion, and dental plaque, there isn’t strong scientific evidence backing their effectiveness for these conditions. More extensive clinical trials are needed to determine whether clove oil is a safe and effective treatment for any medical issue.
They can help reduce pain and inflammation (Image: Getty)
Dr Berg added: “Cloves also have potent antimicrobial effects, even for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It’s also beneficial against fungi, viruses, Candida, and parasites like malaria. It’s been shown to mimic the effects of antibiotics without harming good bacteria.
“Clove oil can break down biofilms so your immune system can destroy bacteria. Eugenol in clove starves pathogens of energy, preventing them from reproducing. Clove has also been shown to make insulin more sensitive, producing results similar to a mild form of Metformin.”
Here are a few more of the potential benefits of cloves:
- Cancer-fighting properties.
- Detoxification of the liver.
- Blood-thinning effects.
- Boosts your mood.
- Eliminates gas and bloating.
- Higher ORAC scale (antioxidant scale) than blueberries.
- Decreases mucus.
- Improves bad breath.
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Are cloves safe?
Cloves are typically safe to consume in small quantities, but some important considerations must be remembered. The FDA classifies clove buds and clove oil as Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS). However, clove supplements may not be safe for children.
Using clove oil can lead to serious side effects, such as seizures, liver issues, and imbalances in body fluids. Clove oil or cream may cause burning sensations and irritation when applied to the skin. Additionally, applying clove oil to the gums can result in irritation and potential damage.
Clove oil may increase the risk of bleeding for individuals with bleeding disorders or those undergoing surgery. Consuming excessive amounts of cloves can lead to hypoglycemia.
Before incorporating cloves into your daily regimen, it’s crucial to consult with your GP, particularly if you’re managing a health condition or undergoing treatment. Cloves can interfere with certain medications, including the blood-thinning drug warfarin.
