Oral health problems such as cavities, gum diseases, gingivitis and tooth decay are becoming more prevalent with each passing day due to unhealthy dietary and lifestyle choices. Ayurveda stresses the need to maintain oral health. There are many herbs mentioned in Ayurveda that help to boost oral health and fight against oral diseases. One of these herbs is clove. Cloves hold a high significance in the treatment of oral diseases. They are not only a culinary spice but also a medicinal herb. Cloves are rich in antioxidants, antibacterial, analgesic, and antiseptic properties. They have been known to prevent dental diseases as well as boost the overall oral health of the body.
How do Cloves Boost Oral Health?
- Cloves are considered one of the best herbs to boost circulation. When you chew cloves or rub clove oil on your cavities and gums, it brings blood back to the surface and provides a warm and soothing effect. Enhanced blood circulation helps in healing oral diseases.
- The analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of cloves help to treat bacterial infections and reduce swelling around the decaying gums.
- Eugenol present in cloves is an antioxidant that causes a local anaesthetic effect, effectively helping to relieve toothaches and prevent infections.
- From gingivitis to periodontitis, cloves help to prevent and treat many oral diseases.
How to Use Cloves?
- The best way to use cloves to boost oral health is by chewing a few pieces of cloves. Try to chew it close to the decaying tooth, gums or oral cavities. It will release clove oil into the injured part and promote healing.
- Another way to use cloves for oral health is by using clove oil. You may get some clove oil and rub it on the infected part with the help of a cotton swab.
- You can also encourage the intake of cloves in your lifestyle with the help of clove tea. There are two ways to make clove tea. The first recipe is of a traditional Indian clove tea in which you make the tea using milk, water, tea and cloves. The second method is to make a herbal decoction by boiling crushed cloves into the water for a few minutes. You may add some sweeteners such as honey to this aromatic tea and can also brew other herbs such as basils and cinnamon with cloves.
- Cloves can also be used as a culinary spice. You may add them to a variety of cuisines and boost your oral health.
What are the Other Benefits of Cloves?
- Cloves are rich in manganese. Manganese is an important nutrient that can boost brain function and strengthen the bones in the body.
- Eugenol found in cloves is rich in antioxidants. It helps to reduce oxidative stress and prevent oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which otherwise may lead to the development of many chronic diseases.
- Cloves have been found to be effective in the treatment of cancer. It has anti-cancer properties that can destroy cancerous cells in the body.
- Cloves are also highly beneficial in the treatment of obesity. They help to reduce body weight, burn excess abdominal fat and reduce excess fat in the liver.
- Cloves help to boost liver health. The oxidants present in cloves reduce oxidative stress whereas the anti-inflammatory properties of cloves reduce inflammation in the liver. Therefore, cloves may help in the treatment of fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis, etc.
- Cloves can aid in the treatment of diabetes. They have been found to control blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance and stimulating the production of insulin in the body.
- The anti-inflammatory properties of cloves help to prevent and fight stomach ulcers in the body.
Takeaway:
Cloves are one of the most important spices and herbs found in Ayurveda. It is one of the best natural remedies to boost oral health. Not only do they fight against oral diseases and cavities but also help in strengthening gums and preventing infections. Cloves also yield many other benefits. They help in the treatment of diabetes, cancer, obesity and liver diseases. Therefore, you must try to include cloves in your lifestyle. There are many ways to use cloves. The easiest way is to chew cloves after meals or add them as a culinary spice.
