Cloves, which are commonly referred to as long, are the dried unopened flower buds of the evergreen clove tree.

Cloves have long been recognized for their strong aromatic taste but also for their medicinal and nutritional properties. Most of their medicinal properties can be attributed to the presence of compounds within the essential oils of cloves.
 

A Nutrient-Dense Spice

Ground cloves contain many health promoting nutrients. Just one tablespoon of ground cloves spice is a source of dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, omega 6 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B6, folate, manganese, calcium, magnesium, and phytosterols.
 

Powerful Anti-Inflammatory

Eugenol is one of the compounds found in the essential oils contained in cloves. Traditionally, eugenol has been commonly used as a powerful anti-inflammatory. Current studies show that eugenol, along with other flavonoids and antioxidants contained in cloves, act to help lower inflammation. Eugenol is also an platelet inhibitor which inhibits the formation of blood clots.
 

Natural Anti-Fungal and Anti-Bacterial

Eugenol is a natural anti-fungal and works to stop the proliferation of bacteria such as T. mentagrophytes, M. canis dermatophytes, and Candida albicans.
 

Anaesthetic and Analgesic Properties

Eugenol extract as well as beta-caryophyllene are commonly used in many health related industries due to its natural local anaesthetic properties as well as for its analgesic properties. In traditional medicine, sucking on a clove was said to relieve a variety of ailments, including gastro-intestinal concerns and toothaches.