Why Cloves Are Suddenly Getting Attention After Decades in the Background
Cloves aren’t new – they’ve been used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years. What is new is the flood of recent studies highlighting one compound inside them: eugenol. This natural oil gives cloves their warm, spicy aroma and most of their science-backed power.
Research published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry (2023) calls cloves one of the highest antioxidant spices on the planet – beating out blueberries gram-for-gram in some tests. Ready for the benefits? Let’s start with the one that affects almost everyone over 40.
Benefit #1: Helps Calm Everyday Inflammation
Low-grade inflammation is like a slow-burning fire in the body. It’s linked to achy joints, brain fog, and even mood dips. A 2022 study in Inflammation Research showed eugenol can lower several inflammatory markers in a way comparable to some over-the-counter options – but naturally.
Many readers tell me the difference shows up in the first 7–10 days of adding cloves to warm water or tea. The warmth feels comforting, and the effect is gradual but noticeable.
