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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.
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.
But what about summers? Relax, relax, we are coming to the point.
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:
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
“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
If you see, we’re back to the basic rule of moderation. So, enjoy clove in moderation, and stay healthy all year round.
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