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Nature's Tonic for Respiratory Health
Soothe your throat and breathe easy with this one step recipe.
As you gear up for the colder months and holiday festivities, let's talk about how cloves can be your secret weapon for maintaining good health.
Often used to add depth and flavor to culinary creations, cloves have been a cornerstone in Ayurveda and Asian medicinal practices for thousands of years. From treating respiratory illnesses to enhancing digestive health, cloves serve as a powerful natural remedy for various ailments and health concerns.
These unassuming buds, often tucked away in your kitchen cabinets, offer you a world of benefits, as they are antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and anthelmintic.
Known as ‘Lavang’ in Ayurveda, cloves originate from the dried unopened flower buds of an evergreen tree. These small and potent buds balance all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), but their pungency may increase Pitta when consumed in excess.
Boosting Your Respiratory Health
Cloves can be incredibly beneficial for you during the cold season. They have properties that fight off respiratory infections, making them perfect for battling common colds and asthma.
A hot cup of clove tea can be both soothing and helpful in keeping your respiratory system healthy.
Clove Tea Recipe
For a simple yet powerful clove tea, steep a few cloves in boiling water. This can be a delightful addition to your routine, especially as the weather turns colder.
Here is a simple recipe for clove tea that I’ve been enjoying as the season is turning cooler. Its lightness and spice can be quite uplifting on dreary days.
Immunity and Antimicrobial Properties
In Ayurveda, cloves are celebrated for their immune-boosting abilities. They contain antioxidants and possess antimicrobial and gastro-protective properties, making them effective against a range of microbial infections. You can use cloves in supporting coughs, colds, asthma, and even laryngitis.
In cases of fever and flu, a decoction made with cloves and other ingredients like tulsi and ginger can be highly effective.
Enhancing Your Digestive Health
The holiday season often means indulgent eating, which can lead to digestive discomfort. Cloves come to your rescue by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes, helping to ease indigestion and constipation.
Including cloves in your holiday meals can help maintain a comfortable digestive process.
Metabolism and Weight Management
If you're concerned about holiday weight gain, cloves can be a natural aid. They have a stimulating effect on metabolism, which can help in managing your weight during a season known for its hearty meals.
Taking Care of Your Dental Health
The onset of cold weather can aggravate dental issues. Cloves contain eugenol, which is known for its pain-relieving properties, offering relief from toothaches. Regular use of cloves can also help maintain oral hygiene, which is particularly beneficial given the increased consumption of sweets during the holidays.
Natural Pain Relief
If you find yourself struggling with headaches or joint pain when it gets colder, cloves' anti-inflammatory properties can offer you relief. Applying clove oil externally can be effective in reducing pain.
For a more extensive list of indications for cloves visit Joyful Belly - school of biocharacteristics medicine
Supporting Your Sexual Health
Maintaining your overall well-being includes taking care of your sexual health. Cloves have been found to enhance fertility and effectively treat various sexual dysfunctions, contributing to a healthier sexual life.
Cancer Prevention and Liver Health
In addition to their other benefits, research shows that cloves may have a role in preventing certain types of cancer, particularly at early stages. They also support liver health, which is important during a season often associated with increased alcohol consumption.
How to Use Cloves
You can incorporate cloves into your daily routine in various ways. Using them as a spice in your cooking, adding them to tea, or using clove oil are all effective methods. A standard daily dose is about 1-2 grams of powder or a couple of drops of oil. For direct benefits to oral health or to alleviate symptoms like jet lag, chewing on a clove bud can be beneficial.
It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before adding cloves to your diet, especially if you plan to use them in a medicinal capacity.
We hope this simple health tip keeps you feeling great this holiday season 🫖☕️ 🌺
P.S. If you have any questions or specific topics you’d like us to cover, just reply to this email and we’ll address it in an upcoming newsletter! 💜🌿