Is it healthy to consume laung or cloves in the summer? An Ayurvedic expert answer

Adding clove to your food during peak summer seems like a minister move. Most elders would discourage you from making this mistake, because we believe it produces heat, and that makes it a big no-no during this time. But guess what? There’s a lot more about laung that people don’t know.  

This spice has a range of properties that offer surprising health benefits. But the problem arises when there’s a switch in season? During the winter season, consuming this magical spice is common, but as soon as the summer season arrives, most people eliminate it from their diet.

But is it the right approach? Is it a good idea to completely skip laung in the summer season? Stop scratching your head missy, because if you’re confused in making this decision, our expert, Dr Samudrika Patil, CEO of Vedicure Healthcare and Wellness LLP will help you out.

Laung is an Ayurvedic miracle

Well, whether it’s cough, flu, or chest congestion – sipping on clove tea is one of the best things you can do. In fact, if you have chest congestion, rubbing some clove oil can help in more ways than one. 

That’s because clove has a range of essential nutrients, including vitamin E, vitamin C, folate, riboflavin, vitamin A, thiamine, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids along with other anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

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But what about summers? Relax, relax, we are coming to the point.

Dr Patil reveals there’s no harm in consuming clove in the summer season, but be careful about the quantity

We’re so relieved, because Dr Patil has cleared all our doubts regarding this Indian staple. Not just that, she also tells us why clove must not be missed out on in the summer season:

1. Consume clove for skin care

Skin problems are pretty common during the summer season, but if you add a little bit of clove to your diet, you can tackle these issues easily.

“Cloves are filled with antioxidants, and therefore, have anti-ageing properties. This could help reduce skin ageing, caused by the scorching sun rays during the harsh Indian summers,” advises Dr patil.

2. Clove has anti-cancer properties

If you want to protect yourself from cancer, then you just can’t afford to miss out on this spectacular spice.

“Eugenol in cloves is known to have anti-cancer properties, and it is this compound that helps to combat cancer-cell growth and promotes cancer cell-death,” says Dr Patil.

3. Consuming and applying clove oil works like magic for your hair and teeth

“Mixing clove oil with your regular hair oil can help relieve headaches. A long day under the sun? No problem! Get a clove oil champi from mum, and you’re good to go,” recommends Dr Patil.

She adds, “Essential oils made from clove can help to kill bacteria. It has antibacterial properties that can help with oral inflammation, and in turn, promotes oral health. Clove oil for tooth pain can relieve toothache and also deal with halitosis/ bad breath. Besides that, acne can also be treated with eugenol that is present in cloves.”

4. Those who have bone issues should also include clove

Do you know cloves are also rich in manganese and eugenol, which helps to enhance bone health and tackles osteoporosis? That’s exactly why this spice is a must-have, irrespective of the season.

5. Moderate consumption of clove also helps to deal with mouth ulcers

“Mouth ulcers during the summer season are quite common. Applying clove oil or chewing a clove can help to relieve pain and inflammation,” advises Dr Patil.

Here are some ways in which you can consume clove, as recommended by Dr Patil

• Clove is an age-old spice, larged used as part of Indian cooking. Adding cloves to everyday dishes is a good way to reap its benefits.
• Brewing your tea with cloves is also a good way to consume cloves.
• Ground cloves can be added to your dessert, if you like the taste. Adding clove to a chilled glass of banana milkshake on a hot summer day tastes like a dream!
• Three to four cloves can be had every single day to gain its benefits. Having a large quantity of cloves can cause damage to the liver and fluid imbalances.

But avoid clove, in case of these circumstances:

• Pregnant women or children must avoid too much consumption of cloves.
• People with liver problems should also stay away from this spice.
• Eugenol in cloves is shown to slow blood clotting, and can cause bleeding. That’s why it must be avoided by people who suffer from bleeding disorders.

If you see, we’re back to the basic rule of moderation. So, enjoy clove in moderation, and stay healthy all year round.