Clove (seasoning): health benefits and harms

In almost every home kitchen there is a jar of cloves - a spice with a burning aroma and a memorable taste. Everyone who at least once tasted dishes with this exotic seasoning will not confuse this spice with any other spicy food supplement. Cloves have taken root in many national cuisines of the world, but in addition to outstanding aromatic and taste qualities, it also has a whole range of healing effects.

The healing properties of clove buds were known in ancient times, so the spice was actively used in those days as a universal medicine for almost all diseases. Spice is an essential component of many perfume compositions, it is used in the cosmetology industry. Experienced housewives also use the capabilities of buds with a specific aroma to solve some everyday problems.

In a word, the scope of cloves is so great that it will be useful for rational people who consider themselves to be fans of natural food products and treatment methods to know about its features.

How it looks and where it grows

A popular spice is obtained by special processing methods from clove buds. This beautiful plant belongs to the Mirtov family, and Malaysia and Indonesia are considered its historical homeland. Interestingly, the clove blooms 2 times a year, so a plentiful crop of spicy buds is harvested twice a season.

External characteristics

1. Clove is branched, for which many are considered to be shrubs.
2. In height, it reaches up to 12 m, and during the flowering period it is densely covered with very small flowers of a purple-red hue, which are collected in inflorescences in the form of a semi-umbrella.
3. Clove leaves are dark green, leathery. They are elliptical.
4. When flowering occurs, fruits appear which, from a botanical point of view, are a false berry.

How to get spice

Fragrant clove buds do not immediately become a spice after removal from the tree. To get into the dish, they must go through a lengthy process consisting of the following steps:

1. First, the unblown buds are carefully removed from the tree.
2. Then they are sorted, selecting the best specimens without damage.
3. Then the spicy raw materials go through a long process of natural drying, that is, they acquire the properties of spice in the sun.
4. An indicator of product readiness is the appearance of an intense odor. During the drying period, the plant material loses about half of the weight of the collected raw materials.
5. Before sending to the spice market, the buds are ground. This processing step is accompanied by a characteristic crack.

Where the spicy tree grows

Considering the needs of the spice market, cloves are grown on an industrial scale in India and the Indonesian region, which is considered the main supplier of all spices. There are also large shrub plantations in Tanzania, Zanzibar, on the islands of Sri Lanka, Madagascar.

This is interesting: the spicy taste of the clove bud is unevenly distributed: it is delicate at the hat itself, and closer to the petiole it becomes burning.

Kinds

In nature, there is only one single species of tropical tree, whose unbranched buds are used as seasoning. All other plants of the same name are not used in cooking. Decorative types of cloves belong to the group of herbaceous plants, they are grown to decorate home gardens and are an obligatory attribute of official ceremonies and celebrations.

Composition and calorie content

Dried spicy clove buds have a very rich composition. And in terms of the content of vitamin supplements, this spice is able to compete with the most modern pharmacy complexes. Therefore, even the smallest portion of seasoning in a dish will bring great benefits to the human body. Although such a saturated composition in some diseases can, on the contrary, lead to a worsening of the condition.

The main active ingredients of clove spice:

1. Ascorbic acid is responsible for the protective ability of the immune system.
2. The complex of B vitamins ensures the normal state of the nervous system.
3. Beta-carotenes are converted into retinol, a substance known as vitamin A.
4. Essential oils are beneficial to humans in a number of ways.
5. There are mineral elements: phosphorus, selenium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, copper.
6. A lot of fiber, which is good for the intestines.
7. Proteins provide muscle tissue with nutrition.
8. Vitamin E or tocopherol is recognized as the strongest antioxidant.
9. Fatty acids prevent the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels, which positively affects blood circulation.
10. Natural sugars provide energy to every cell in the body.
11. Vitamin K is necessary for normal hematopoiesis, because coagulability of the main fluid of the human body depends on it.

In addition to these components, in miniature buds of cloves there are tannins and many other substances that the body also needs.

The caloric content of a 100 gram portion of fragrant cloves is 323 units. Of course, such an indicator causes well-founded fears among those who follow their figure. But not a single person can consume such a quantity of hot seasoning at a time. Usually, 1 tsp is enough to give the dishes a piquant note. ground cloves, which is only 2 g of the net weight of the product. The energy capacity of such a portion is only 7 kcal. Therefore, the fragrant buds of a tropical tree today are actively used in weight loss programs.

Useful properties of cloves

General benefit

The rich composition of cloves makes it not only a valuable food product, but also a powerful natural medicine. When conducting home therapy according to folk recipes, a burning spice helps to heal from many diseases, and also serves as an effective preventive measure. To date, the spice is quite well researched by scientists. They proved that cloves:

1. It is an excellent natural antioxidant.
2. Effective in the treatment of helminthic infestations.
3. It has a pronounced calming effect.
4. Relieves toothache.
5. Demonstrates excellent antispasmodic properties.
6. It has a strong anti-inflammatory property.
7. Promotes rapid healing of wounds.
8. Successfully copes with almost any kind of fungal flora.
9. Normalizes blood pressure.
10. As a carminative, localizes signs of flatulence (bloating from increased gas formation).
11. Being a powerful natural aphrodisiac, it increases sexual activity in both sexes.
12. Has an expectorant effect.

Recent studies have proven the ability of tropical spices to block the development of cancer processes at its earliest stages. Scientists have also proven that cloves are effective as a natural hepatoprotector. Therefore, the constant presence of small portions of spice in food will be beneficial to liver health.

Note: Of particular value is the ether component of eugenol, which accounts for up to 50% of the composition. This compound is also an active antioxidant.

As can be seen from the description of the composition and properties, spicy cloves can have a positive effect on the functioning of individual organs and systems. Consider what benefits the spice can bring to people of different ages and sex.

For women

Doctors believe that fragrant cloves are useful for the fair sex primarily with the ability to normalize the menstrual cycle. After all, the main problem of many modern women is considered infertility, and in most cases the cause of the inability to conceive is precisely hormonal imbalance.

In order to restore normal menstruation, as well as with gynecological pathologies, traditional healers recommend that women drink a decoction prepared according to this scheme:

• 1 tbsp grind the buds in a coffee grinder;
• powder pour a liter of boiling water;
• put the mixture in a water bath for 5 minutes;
• when the solution cools, filter it.

Drink potion with spicy cloves overnight for 10 days in half a glass.

Cloves are useful as a natural pain reliever. Spice improves the condition of the hair, eliminates acne and acne. Women who regularly flavor food with a pinch of spice are less likely to earn breast cancer.

For men

It has been proven that most fans of hot spices are men. Such an addiction to spicy foods cannot be called an accident, because due to the anatomical features the male body needs constant good blood flow. This is necessary to produce a normal amount of sex hormone testosterone. This secret is responsible for everything that is characteristic of men:

• increases libido;
• provides normal potency;
• regulates the process of spermatogenesis.

Therefore, clove buds (both in general and in milled form) can increase a man's sexual abilities and even cope with the first signs of impotence.

In addition, the spice should be included in the diet for professional athletes and amateurs to spend several hours in the gym or on the football field. The fact is that clove relieves spasm and soothes muscles, promotes rapid recovery after excessive physical exertion. We must not forget that spices form a positive mood, stimulating the production of the hormone of joy - serotonin.

An important point: although a healthy lifestyle is widely promoted in the country, many more men cannot give up bad habits. If you chew clove buds several times a day, you can, firstly, neutralize bad breath, and secondly, reduce the need for smoking.

During pregnancy

The ability of cloves, even in small doses, to increase the tone of the uterus makes it impossible to use it in this important period for every woman. This opinion is shared by professional doctors and traditional healers. Although the spicy product is rich in vitamins, and expectant mothers are in great need of such supplements, it’s not worth the risk. The norm of such an ambiguous product is very difficult to choose, so even harmless tea with the addition of cloves can lead to a miscarriage.

When breastfeeding

Since the baby receives all the substances necessary for the formation of a small organism with breast milk, clove could take the place of their natural source. In addition, seasoning can accelerate the recovery process after childbirth.But at the same time, the specific taste of the product will affect the quality of mother's milk, which will lead to the rejection of the baby's breast. Of course, occasionally a nursing mother can add a little spicy variety to a lean diet if the baby does not cause an allergy. To improve digestion, you can add clove seasoning in small portions to main dishes or broth.

For kids

Although pediatricians do not recommend adding spices to preschool children, in some cases, cloves are used in the children's menu. For example, a spicy supplement in vegetable and meat dishes will bring such benefits:

• increase intestinal motility, and this will relieve constipation;
• will strengthen the immune resource;
• help in the fight against worms;
• save from increased gas formation;
• will support the normal tone of the child's body.

Aromatic spice from clove buds is now added to gingerbread and gingerbread, cookies and carbonated drinks. You can throw a pinch of spices into a compote of berries or fruits to add flavor.

To correctly calculate the allowable dosage, you can use the following formula: for 7 kg of a child’s weight, take 3 g of a spicy product.

When losing weight

It has been proven that clove essential oil stimulates metabolic processes. Therefore, buds of a tropical tree are quite suitable as an effective means for systematic weight loss. Based on a spicy product, cleansing tea and cocktails are prepared. Here is one of the popular recipes:

• cinnamon - 1 pinch;
• tea (better green, but you can take varietal black) - 1 tbsp;
• cloves - 3 buds;
• ginger root grated - to taste.

Pour all the components into a cup, then pour 300 ml of boiling water. The drink should be infused for 15 minutes. It is best to drink clove tea in the morning.

Spicy cloves can also be added to hot lemon-ginger smoothies. Such a drink enhances fat burning and gives a good result in weight loss - 2-3 kg per week.

Clove in medicine

In official medicine, cloves are not considered as an independent drug, but in combination with the main therapy, folk recipes with the participation of fragrant spices can very well be used. Traditional dosage forms are prepared from fragrant buds of a tropical tree: infusions, decoctions, alcohol tinctures. These tools in home therapy are used both for internal use and for external treatment. Simple spice drugs can be treated with a positive therapeutic result, a runny nose and cancer. For practical use, any options below the recipes are suitable.

With diabetes

The ability of a popular spice to enhance metabolism in diabetics reduces blood sugar. With the second type of disease, patients can, with the permission of the attending physician, take an infusion prepared according to the following recipe:

1. Rinse 30-40 buds of dried cloves, then pour a liter of boiling water.
2. Cover the dishes in which the infusion is prepared and cover them with a towel.
3. After 2 hours, strain the solution.
4. Store the infusion in a cool place.
5. Drink 50–70 ml of a healing drink at one time, but not more. You can mix the specified amount of infusion with tea or other herbal decoctions.

Traditional healers advise to take such an infusion for 5-8 months to achieve a sustainable therapeutic effect.

An important point: during home treatment with clove infusion, it is advisable to regularly visit a doctor so that a specialist can assess the dynamics of the patient's condition.

With pancreatitis

With pancreatitis, the use of any types of spices is not welcome, but if the doctor allows them to be added to food, the amount of such products is very limited. In addition, the ability to include seasonings in the diet depends on the form and severity of the disease itself. Such restrictive measures are explained by the fact that spices irritate the pancreas, stimulate the production of digestive secrets, which results in an additional burden on the diseased organ.

In the stage of persistent remission in chronic pancreatitis, minuscule portions of cloves can be added to food to relieve spasms and prevent cancer.

For this purpose, you can also prepare and drink an infusion prepared in a water bath of 3 tsp. cloves and glasses of water. The solution should reach readiness in a water bath for 20 minutes. When the infusion has cooled, it is imperative to bring the volume to the original amount of the liquid part. You need to drink the drug on an empty stomach up to 3 times a day.

With gastritis

I want to say right away that patients who are diagnosed with gastritis with high acidity and a stomach ulcer, medicines and food with the addition of clove buds are contraindicated. But with low acidity, such drugs can be taken to stimulate digestion.

For example, a simple recipe for a drink that you need to drink 5 minutes before a meal: ¼ tsp mix clove powder with exactly the same amount of trikatu (a mixture of black and red pippali with dried ginger) and sweeten this cocktail of spices 1 tsp. honey. This simple remedy stimulates the production of digestive secrets, enhances intestinal motility.

For the intestines

If you add a pinch of chopped cloves to indigestible food, this will improve intestinal motility and prevent the formation of gases. You can use a simple method: 1 tsp. mix honey with a pinch of clove powder. Take a spice-honey mixture just before a meal.

For constipation

The ability of cloves to enhance intestinal motility will help normalize stool if you chew a spicy bud in your mouth before eating. When seasoning is added to the food, bowel function also improves. In addition, carnation contains fiber, which will also help solve the problem of irregular stools.

With gout

In this disease, patients should adhere to a strict diet in which burning spices, namely cloves belong to this class, cannot be used. But to relieve pain in the affected joints, you can externally make compresses and lotions with spice from a composition prepared from 20 g of seasoning and 2 bottles of cologne. The solution should be kept in a dark place until it acquires a characteristic brown tint. The procedure is very simple: grate sore spots with tincture, and then cover them with plastic wrap. In a few minutes the pain will go away.

Massage of the joint with the use of clove essential oil will help from pains with gout and arthrosis. To do this, add only 15 drops of clove ether to the base oil for massage.

With colitis

The powerful antibacterial properties of cloves make their use promising for inflammation of the large intestine. With colitis, a mixture of black and red pepper with a spoon of honey will help relieve unpleasant symptoms, and then a pinch of clove powder should be added to this trio. The resulting composition should be taken twice a day before meals.

For the liver

Scientists conducted research on two groups of laboratory animals with cirrhosis. For 9 weeks, one group of subjects was given clove oil saturated with eugenol, and the second received physiological saline instead of the drug. At the end of clinical experiments, it turned out that in animals treated with clove oil, the liver condition improved significantly, and damaged structures began to recover.

This effect is explained by the fact that the spice protects the diseased organ from oxidative stress, which slows down the process of tissue degeneration in cirrhosis. Of course, it is better to consult with doctors about choosing the best option for a recipe for such a serious illness, but for preventive purposes you can drink tea with a pinch of spice. If there are no contraindications, you can chew spicy buds.

With hemorrhoids

With hemorrhoids, any burning spices are contraindicated because of their irritating effect on the intestinal mucosa.Therefore, the question of the possibility of including fragrant clove buds in the diet should be decided with the doctor.

With angina

If you chew cloves at the initial stage of the disease, this simple method will reduce discomfort and reduce the intensity of pain in the throat. Gargling with throat composition with sea salt and clove powder is good for tonsillitis, if both components are taken equally and diluted in warm water. A mixture of 1 tsp will reduce the manifestations of inflammation. honey and a pinch of cloves. This sweet-spicy medicine is best resolved.

With a cold

At the first signs of any respiratory disease, chewing a clove bud can be used as an emergency treatment method. Of course, this method does not completely relieve viruses and other pathogens of the disease, but it will greatly alleviate the condition and relieve headaches.

Cloves are very effective for colds in combination with another spice - cinnamon. They must be mixed in a ratio of 1: 4, then add 3 tsp to the spicy mixture. buckwheat honey. Pour boiling water over the composition and leave for 2 hours. It is best to take medicine at night for ½ cup.

Under pressure

With unstable pressure, you should very carefully approach the use of cloves as a medicine. The fact is that the spice enhances blood flow, which means that it will help increase blood pressure in the vessels. Therefore, in acute conditions without the permission of a doctor, it is better not to use this product. But with hypotension (low blood pressure), spice can be useful. There are many popular methods that will help to quickly stabilize the pressure:

You can just chew a couple of buds in your mouth for 10 minutes.

A cup of invigorating coffee with a pinch of clove will not only make the taste of the drink saturated, but will also increase the pressure.

You can also try to normalize blood pressure due to a decoction prepared according to this scheme:

1. The crushed powder of 6 clove buds combine with 2 tsp. tea leaves (any), add 1 tbsp. honey.
2. Add the juice of one lemon to the mixture.
3. Pour 1/2 liter of boiling water into the aromatic composition.
4. Leave the tonic drink for 2 hours so that it is well infused.
5. Drink the whole amount of infusion at one time.

If there is no time, you can reduce the infusion process to 10 minutes, but then there will be fewer beneficial components in the drink.

For toothache

From the methods of alternative treatment described above, it is easy to draw a simple conclusion that clove buds can be used as natural chewing gum, that is, spice is an excellent alternative to synthetic gum. It eliminates bad breath and relieves pain.

You can also use clove oil extract to relieve toothache. It is necessary to apply 3 drops on a cotton swab, and then attach to the tooth that bothers.

In oncology

The spice clove contains many compounds with antioxidant strength. But the main asset of spicy buds is the presence of a component of eugenol, which blocks the development of foreign cells. In the encyclopedia of folk recipes, there are many schemes for the treatment of oncological diseases of different localization involving cloves. But the simplest method of chewing buds shows almost the same effectiveness as complex formulations of dozens of components. In the process of chewing plant materials valuable esters are released in high concentration, they enter the digestive tract, and then are absorbed by the intestines. Therefore, the therapeutic effect is on all organs, starting with the oral cavity.

The infusion of gastrointestinal cancer can be prepared according to the classic recipe: 1 tsp. chopped clove buds pour a glass of boiling water. After 15-20 minutes, the drink will infuse, it must be filtered and immediately taken.

With tonsillitis

You can slowly chew whole clove buds, and then swallow saliva saturated with useful components. No less effective for tonsillitis infusion for gargling. It is prepared on a glass of boiling water and a dozen buds. After connecting the components, cover the dishes so that the solution is well infused.Gargle up to 4 times.

With parasites

Clove is on the list of the most effective natural remedies for controlling parasites. The following recipe is very popular all over the world, which will not leave a chance for uninvited guests.

1. Take a few handfuls of green walnuts.
2. Pour immature fruits with a liter of vodka.
3. Add 50 g of wormwood and 20 g of clove powder. Within a month, the medicine will reach readiness in a cool place without access to light. Shake the tincture container regularly.
4. After filtering, the anthelmintic infusion is taken 20 ml three times a day.

Note: such a composition for the treatment of helminthic invasion in children is not suitable.

Composition for the treatment of worms in children

It is worth noting that cloves copes with any kind of parasites. For the treatment of children, a decoction is prepared from the list of the following ingredients:

• garlic - 2 cloves;
• ginger - 2 segments from the root;
• vinegar - 2 tsp;
• cloves - 5-6 buds.

How to prepare a medicine:

1. Grind all of the listed plant components.
2. Pour the resulting mass with vinegar.
3. Add a glass of boiled water.
4. When the composition is infused, and it takes 4 hours, take it three times a day for 2 tbsp.

It is interesting: there is evidence that the Chinese used cloves to fight worms in the III century. In our pharmacies you can buy the triplet plant complex without a prescription, which includes cloves.

With a cold

Clove has an excellent decongestant property. Therefore, a runny nose of any nature of origin can be cured quickly with this seasoning. Tincture for the treatment of rhinitis is prepared from the following products:

• lemon and orange - half the fruit;
• cloves - 7-10 buds;
• vodka - 200 ml;
• ground cinnamon - 1 tsp

You will also need approximately 200 ml of plain water.

Preparation Scheme:

1. Finely chop the citrus fruits, add the entire amount of water and bring to a boil.
2. Add spices to the solution after it has cooled.
3. Add vodka to the composition.
4. Store the infusion in a cool and dark place.
5. Take 1 tbsp. 3-4 times in an acute clinic.

With bronchitis

For bronchitis with a strong cough, this medicine will help: clove oil (5 drops) mixed with 1 tsp. honey, add garlic gruel from one clove. This mixture is recommended to take before bedtime.

With a productive, that is, wet cough, you can make tea from 1/2 tsp. ginger powder, and cinnamon with cloves should be taken in ¼ tsp. Mix all the ingredients, and then pour a glass of boiling water. Before use, you can add a little honey to the tea to soften the taste.

With prostatitis

Treatment with herbs for prostatitis is long, so you will have to be patient to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect. Preparing a healing composition is easy according to this recipe: 1 tsp. clove powder pour a glass of hot milk. It is best to use a thermos. The composition should be infused for 2 hours, then it must be filtered, add 1 tsp. cinnamon and honey.

Drink ½ cup at a time, regardless of meal times.

Important: it is useful to take a milkshake with cinnamon for prophylactic purposes from inflammatory processes of the genitourinary sphere, low potency, to relieve stress.

With sinusitis

In the inflammatory process of the maxillary sinuses, this simple remedy will help: put several buds of cloves in a large spoon with water, hold them for a couple of minutes over the fire. When the liquid has cooled, it can be instilled into each nasal passage. As practice shows, this tool provides an outlet for pus without the use of painful medical manipulations. This recipe can also be used with adenoids.

With periodontal disease

Periodontal disease, if not treated, threatens with tooth loss. Home-made toothpaste will help to cope with this common disease in dentistry: it is necessary to mix flour from the following plant components with ordinary tooth powder: galangal, 6 clove buds and incense. It is best to use a coffee grinder. With a ready-made mixture, brush your teeth in the usual morning hygiene procedure.

With psoriasis

Cloves are considered one of the most aggressive spices. She copes well with cleansing the skin from microflora, this spice can help with psoriasis. Using a decoction or infusion to treat problem areas, you can cleanse the skin and accelerate wound healing. Preparing a concentrated solution of 1 tbsp. cloves and glasses of boiling water. After two hours of infusion, the tool can be used as intended.

You can make “Chinese ointment” from wormwood, flax seed and cloves at home.

1. Grind all these plant components to a powder state.
2. Take each ingredient exactly ½ tsp, mix.
3. It will turn out a substance that lubricates problem areas.

With cystitis

With inflammation of the bladder, which affects women more often, any spices, including cloves, are prohibited.

With candidiasis

Cloves are great as an active fighter against fungal infection. After all, candidiasis is caused in life by bread, beer, sugar. To solve this unpleasant problem, you need to buy clove spice powder or grind the buds on a coffee grinder. Take spice daily on an empty stomach for 1 tsp. Drink such a specific medicine with warm water.

With flatulence

Those who are prone to increased gas production just need to add a little clove to their food or drink. Spice stimulates the digestive processes and prevents bloating. Therefore, a diet with the inclusion of fragrant cloves will quickly forget about the problem.

With a hangover

After heavy feasts with alcoholic drinks, a hangover syndrome occurs in most citizens. Many even have a characteristic bad breath. To fix the situation in a minute will help a couple of buds of cloves. Chew them slowly, swallowing saliva. By the way, this simple method eliminates the headache, which often accompanies a hangover, and will help get rid of cravings for alcohol. When you want to drink a strong drink, you need to chew cloves. A mixture of salt with clove, diluted in a glass of milk, will perfectly cope with a headache.

With epilepsy

In severe neurological disorders, as well as in mental illness, spices are prohibited in any form. With epilepsy, such a product can cause an attack.

Although most of the recipes listed here have not received scientific confirmation of their effectiveness, they are verified by the centuries-old practice of traditional healers.

Harm and contraindications

Although cloves have a range of beneficial effects, spice can not always be used for treatment. There are a number of significant contraindications that impose restrictions on the possibility of using seasoning for cooking. The following conditions and pathologies are included in this list:

• children under 3 years old;
• pregnancy;
• period of breastfeeding;
• individual intolerance to the product;
• peptic ulcer in the acute stage;
• hypertension
• allergic to any irritants in the acute phase.

These are absolute contraindications. They should also add restrictions to the intake of spices associated with exacerbation of gastrointestinal pathologies. Do not eat spicy food during the treatment of cardiovascular pathologies. Very carefully, you should use burning spices after 50 years, since at this age arterial hypertension is already beginning to manifest itself.

In any chronic processes, you also need to carefully approach the issue of supplementing the diet with spices.

How to choose and store

For an unmistakable selection of quality spices, just remember a few simple rules:

1. Quality buds are a little oily, they have a reddish-brown hue.
2. It is better to buy whole buds than powder, because processed spice deteriorates quickly.
3. The bud should be flexible. Dry specimens do not have such a persistent aroma as fresh buds.
4. It is very easy to check the clove for quality: you need to throw the bud into the water. If it lies horizontally on the surface, nothing useful remains in it. Suitable for treatment buds float on the water in an upright position with the leg down.

Another test: place the bud between two sheets of paper. If there are greasy spots - a high-quality spice.

How to store spice

1. Whole clove buds will retain their nutritional and healing properties throughout the year.
2. Powder spice is suitable for consumption for 6 months.
3. Essential oil can be stored for 2 years.

The use of cloves in cooking

In world cuisine, cloves are steadily occupying a leading position. If in ancient times it was valued as gold, today the spice can be bought at any store. Its spicy taste with elegant notes is remembered for a long time, and it can not be confused with any other aroma. Cloves are added to the following dishes:

• soups;
• marinades;
• salads;
• beverages;
• pastries;
• meat and fish dishes.

The rate of laying carnations, depending on the category of the dish, varies from 1-2 buds per liter of liquid in soups and broths, up to 4-5 pieces per kilogram of dough. A bookmark is always made when the dish is almost ready.

A few recipes with cloves

Orange juice

Ingredients:

• citrus fruit - 1 pc.;
• sugar - 1 cup;
• citric acid - 1 tbsp;
• water - 2.5 l;
• a pinch of cloves (but you can navigate to your own taste).

Cooking process:

1. Pour sugar and lemon into the jug.
2. Cut the slices of orange.
3. Turn on the blender and turn the entire contents of the jug into a homogeneous mass.

Candied pumpkin with clove

Products:

• sugar - 1 kg;
• orange - 1 pc.;
• pumpkin - 1 kg;
• cinnamon - 1 stick;
• cloves - 2 buds;
• water - 700 ml.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Cut the peeled pumpkin into 2 cm pieces.
2. In a large container, boil the syrup from water and sugar.
3. Place the pumpkin in the syrup, then add the cinnamon with cloves.
4. Squeeze the juice from the orange together with the zest, add to the syrup.
5. Boil everything for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
6. Repeat this procedure three times.
7. When the pumpkin has cooled in syrup, put the candied fruit on parchment and dry in the oven at a temperature of 50 ° C.
8. Roll the finished treat in icing sugar.

Apple mustard

Such a seasoning will surely please home gourmets. And to prepare it is very simple:

1. It is necessary to take 3 sour apples, cut them into halves. Take out the cores.
2. Place the apples in a saucepan, and simmer with a little water until soft.
3. When the fruits have cooled, remove the skin from them, and then with a blender turn into mashed potatoes.
4. To the resulting mass add 5 tbsp. vinegar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 4 buds of cloves and a few peas of pepper. Salt must also be added, but not more than 1 tsp.
5. Mix everything and put on fire again. Boil the aromatic mass for 2-3 minutes.
6. When the mixture has cooled, pour it again into a blender, add 3 tbsp. mustard dry. Turn on the blender again.
7. Let the finished product brew in the refrigerator.

Beetroot caviar

Ingredients for 0.5 kg of beets:

• ground cloves with coriander - ¼ h;
• water - 1 cup;
• lemon - 1 pc.;
• garlic - 8 teeth;
• sugar - 1 tsp;
• onions and carrots - 400 g each;
• vegetable oil;
• salt pepper.

Cooking process:

1. Grate boiled beets and carrots, and chop onions with garlic.
2. Heat the pan, add oil. Then fry the onion with garlic until light brown.
3. Then send the carrots into the pan, and after 2 minutes pour the water and cover the pan with a lid. Stew in this form until carrots are ready.
4. Lastly, add beets, cloves, other ingredients. At the very end of cooking, add salt to the dish.

An appetizer for this recipe is perfect for an everyday table.

Salted capelin

Cooking a great fish appetizer will take minutes and the following list of products:

• fresh washing - 500 g;
• clove buds - 5 pcs.;
• water - 1.3 cups;
• laurel - 3 leaves;
• coriander - 3 tsp;
• peppercorns - 15–20 pieces;
• salt.

Sequencing:

1. Washed capelin with heads and mix with spices.
2. Lastly, add salt.
3. Fill everything with clean filtered water.
4. Put the fish in the marinade in the refrigerator for 12 hours.

Capelin cooked in this simple way will make an excellent duet with boiled potatoes. But you can make delicious sandwiches for the festive table.

Clove oil: properties and applications

Clove oil extract has a wide spectrum of action.

In cosmetology, the product is used for the following purposes:

• treatment of pustules and dermatitis;
• cellulite elimination;
• struggle with age-related changes in the dermis;
• Massage
• treatment and strengthening of hair.

In medicine, essential oil is used:

• for soothing baths under stress;
• conducting therapeutic massage;
• grinding of diseased joints and spine;
• conducting aromatherapy sessions;
• inhalation for colds.

Clove essential oil is in demand in sports medicine, as it has a pronounced analgesic effect. It is used to relieve pain in injuries in athletes.

Cloves are enriched with ether for cosmetics, shampoos, lotions, soaps, added to massage oil and bath salt. Standard proportions: 2 drops of essential product per 10 ml of base.

In everyday life, clove oil helps get rid of insects and mosquitoes.

You can make clove oil at home yourself. To do this, you need a base - olive oil and spice in powder. Components are taken from the calculation of 5: 1.

Note: Clove oil occupies a large niche in the perfume industry.

Carnation in cosmetology

Spicy clove buds are widely used in cosmetology. In the production of various care products, spice is added to the composition. But cosmetologists have a priority in the essential oil obtained by double distillation from the buds of a tropical tree. Oil extract is considered a universal remedy for most skin and hair problems. With regular use of a natural product, the following effects are observed:

• face skin acquires a healthy color;
• manage to remove acne and acne;
• muscle tissue becomes resilient and elastic;
• the hair shaft is strengthened, and hair growth is also enhanced;
• dandruff disappears.

We offer several simple methods that will not take much time, but will help to eliminate small cosmetic defects.

1. To cleanse the skin of acne and blackheads, daily rubbing of the dermis with a swab moistened with clove oil will help. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of the drug will quickly cope with this difficult task.
2. You can try another effective remedy for acne: add a few drops of clove ether to olive oil (1 tsp). Warm the aromatic mixture a little, and then moisten it with a cotton pad and treat your face.
3. An infusion prepared from 1 tsp will help refresh the complexion and remove fine wrinkles. clove powder and a glass of boiling water. It is advisable to insist a solution for 1-2 hours, and then wipe the surface of the face with it.
4. If you add clove essential oil to everyday shampoo, your hair will grow stronger and dandruff will disappear after 2-3 sessions of traditional head washing.
5. Anti-aging mask is prepared on the basis of honey. We need to take 1 tbsp. product, warm up a little, add a few drops of lemon juice and clove oil. Apply the mask to the dermis for 20 minutes. Then rinse with warm water.
6. Another very effective mask will help rejuvenate older women. Basis - gray cosmetic clay (5 g).Add 10 ml of pomegranate juice and 3 drops of clove oil to it. Mix all the components, and immediately apply the resulting mass to the face. Wash off the mask after 20 minutes.

Interesting Facts

1. Arab merchants brought cloves to Europe only in the 4th century, but began using spice for canning only after three centuries.
2. For a long time the place of cultivation of wonderful spices was unknown until the Portuguese discovered this region. True, in the XVIII century the French seized the initiative and exported seeds and seedlings of a tropical tree from the Moluccas to their colonies on the territory of Mauritania.
3. Climbers, when climbing to the top of the mountains, always drink clove tea to improve the supply of oxygen to the brain.
4. In the Middle Ages, at the time of the plague and cholera epidemics that raged then, cloves were actively used as a disinfectant. In order not to become infected, people made a necklace of spicy buds and wore it.
5. Cloves are officially included in the herbal pharmacopeia of Great Britain.

Photo of cloves (seasoning)