Pumpkin pie and ginger bread would not be the same without cloves and neither would some of our detox products.  Cloves are a familiar spice known for their sweet aroma and flavor but did you know that they have many health benefits as well.  The oil of the clove contains the most nutritional value.

There is an active compound found in cloves called eugenol.  Eugenol has been the subject of research into the prevention of cancer of the digestive tract and inflammation of the joints.  Eugenol, combined with other elements in cloves, can provide a mild anesthetic and anti-bacterial agent.  For this reason it is often used in modern dentistry for procedures such as root canal, temporary fillings and to prevent gum disease.  This is also why clove oil is often found as an ingredient in mouth wash and sprays to soothe sore throats because of these anti inflammatory properties.

Cloves also are an excellent source of manganese, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.   Cloves have been used for centuries by many cultures and were used by the Chinese as far back as 200 BC.  When in the presence of the emperor, the individual would keep a sprig of cloves in their mouth in order not to offend the emperor with less than pleasant breath.  Early Europeans would use cloves to spice up foods that did not have a particularly pleasant flavor.  There are many foods that contain antioxidants but you would be hard pressed to find a richer source of antioxidants than cloves.