Welcome back to 13 Days of Spices. A series where we cover 13 different spices over 13 days from December 8 – 20. For Day 3, we are learning about Cloves.

Cloves are part of the nutmeg family like Nutmeg. They are the dried flowers of a tropical evergreen tree – that means that Cloves grow in warm climates and stay ever green. Due to their small size and light weight, it takes around 5,000 – 7,000 cloves to make a pound. Quite a lot right?

Health Benefits of Cloves

Cloves contain anesthetic and antiseptic properties. I can personally attest to the anesthetic and pain-relieving properties of cloves. Once when I had a horrible tooth ache, I applied a few drops of clove essential oil to a Q-Tip and place it on the aching tooth and within a few seconds the pain disappeared. I would suggest for anyone with a toothache who do not take pain medication (like myself) to try this hack.

Cloves may aid in digestion by enabling the flow of saliva. I can attest to this with my toothache.

It is said that tea made from steeping the buds cured nausea and rid the intestines and stomach of gas.

Cloves in Cooking

I add a few dried cloves when I boil my beans to prevent gas that boiling beans may cause. Though I have never experienced this – as someone who eat beans/peas daily.

Ground cloves add a spicy warm touch to baking. You will find ground cloves in seasonal baking mixes.