A simple and accessible strategy for preventing flu and colds is to chew cloves throughout the day.
If you do this regularly, you will be better protected during the viral season.
Cloves are a precious spice, according to Brazilian researchers. In the past, they were used both as food and food preservative, as well as for therapeutic purposes.
Their country of origin is Indonesia. Today, they are cultivated in various parts of the world.
Cloves: Powerful Antioxidants
Few know that these small, strongly flavored buds are one of the richest sources of antioxidants, such as gallic acid, ferulic acid, ellagic acid, salicylic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin.
Cloves contain 18% essential oil. And 89% of its composition is made up of eugenol and eugenol acetate, along with smaller amounts of alpha-humulene, beta-pinene, limonene, farnesol, and benzaldehyde.
A characteristic of aromatic plants is their ability to combat bacteria, viruses, fungi, and cancer.
Diverse Antimicrobial Activity
Studies have shown that the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of cloves surpasses that of other spices, fruits, or vegetables.
Clove extracts have proven effective against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Helicobacter pylori, and Candida albicans.
No less valuable is the antiviral activity of cloves. Studies have shown that they are useful against herpes viruses.
In traditional medicine, cloves are successfully used against colds.
In Brazil, they are currently being studied as a larvicidal agent against dengue fever, a viral disease found in tropical areas, transmitted by mosquitoes.
Cloves Prevent Colds in Winter
Winter brings a series of unpleasant respiratory ailments, but it also offers us the remedies necessary for their treatment or prevention.
Cloves and cinnamon are just two examples in this regard.
Author Gurpareet Bains states that these spices have antibacterial, antiviral, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are ideal for the cold season.
Moreover, they are much more pleasant to taste than medications!
Dr. Mirela Stran recommends using cloves as a preventive measure during the cold season.
We can take preventive or treatment actions: chew cloves!
They have a natural antibiotic activity.
When we chew cloves, we also freshen our breath. Their aroma even masks the unpleasant smell of onion and garlic.
On the other hand, they soothe tooth or muscle pain if there is a problem in this regard.
They also have disinfectant effects at the oral level.
Chew Cloves!
If you get into the habit of chewing 1-2 cloves after meals, you can prevent colds. They can also be used as a treatment says Dr. Mirela Stran.
Other authors recommend chewing cloves with a little coarse salt. This helps soothe throat pain. It reduces inflammation of the pharynx and alleviates persistent dry cough.
Buy whole cloves, not ground. The powder quickly loses its properties.
However, at the time of use, you can turn them into powder. Grind 1-2 cloves and add them to tea (green tea also has demonstrated antiviral properties).
Cloves are an excellent expectorant. They help loosen mucus and stimulate its elimination from the throat.
In the case of a confirmed bacterial respiratory infection, Dr. Neil Schachter from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York recommends an infusion of: 2 cloves, 1 stick of cinnamon, 2 cardamom pods, and 1 bag of black tea.
Let these spices steep for a few minutes in a cup of boiling water.
Alternatively, you can make a paste from ground cloves and cinnamon mixed with honey. This paste can reduce sugar cravings.
