Yoga Life
Cloves: Ayurvedic Benefits, Uses & How to Eat It
Cloves (laung) are the dried, aromatic flower buds of the clove tree, a staple in Indian kitchens and Ayurvedic home remedies. Rich in antioxidants and aromatic oils, cloves are traditionally used to freshen breath, ease digestion, and soothe minor aches, and are a good source of flavour and traditional wellness value.
In Ayurveda and the Indian Kitchen
Cloves, known as laung in most Indian households, are the dried flower buds of a tropical evergreen tree. Long before they became a pantry staple, they were valued in traditional Indian home remedies for their strong aroma and warming quality, and they remain a fixture of garam masala, chai, and festive cooking across the country.
In traditional practice, cloves are especially associated with oral care. They are chewed after meals or applied as an oil for their natural analgesic and antimicrobial properties, a use that has been passed down through generations of Indian households long before modern toothache gels existed.
Nutrition & How It May Help
Cloves are a concentrated source of natural antioxidant compounds, which is one reason they are traditionally regarded as supportive of overall liver wellness and as a way to help the body manage everyday oxidative stress. As with most spices used in small culinary quantities, this is best understood as a general nutritional contribution rather than a treatment.
The characteristic aroma of cloves is traditionally considered soothing to the respiratory passages, which is why clove-infused steam, tea, or chai is a common comfort measure in Indian homes during seasonal throat and chest discomfort. Cloves are also traditionally believed to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which is one reason they feature in post-meal mixtures and digestive spice blends across the country.
Clove oil, diluted with a carrier oil, has long been used in traditional practice to provide temporary comfort for muscle aches and joint stiffness through gentle massage.
How to Use It
The simplest way to bring cloves into your day is through the kitchen: a couple of buds in your daily chai, dal tempering, or garam masala. Whole cloves can also be simmered in hot water for a warming, aromatic drink.
For occasional tooth or gum discomfort, a traditional home approach is to mix a drop or two of clove oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and dab it gently on the affected gum or tooth for temporary, short-term relief. This is a traditional comfort measure, not a substitute for a dental check-up if the pain persists.
For sore muscles, a small amount of diluted clove oil can be massaged into the area as part of a traditional self-care routine.
Who Should Be Cautious
Clove oil is highly concentrated and should never be applied undiluted to the skin, gums, or mouth, and should never be swallowed directly in oil form. Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and anyone on blood-thinning medication should check with a doctor before using concentrated clove oil, as it can affect blood clotting.
If you have a persistent toothache, ongoing respiratory symptoms such as asthma, or a diagnosed liver condition, these need proper medical evaluation and treatment; cloves are a traditional kitchen and comfort remedy, not a substitute for that care.
This article is general wellness and culinary information based on traditional use, not medical advice; please consult a doctor or qualified health professional for any health condition.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I chew cloves daily?
- A clove or two after meals is a common traditional practice in Indian households and is generally considered safe in normal culinary amounts. Very large or concentrated doses, especially of clove oil, are not advisable without medical guidance.
- Is clove oil safe to apply directly?
- No. Clove oil is very concentrated and should always be diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut oil before any application to skin, gums, or teeth, to avoid irritation or burns.
- Does clove tea help with a cold?
- Warm clove-infused water or tea is a traditional Indian comfort drink often used alongside rest and fluids during seasonal throat discomfort. It is not a treatment for infections and should not replace medical care if symptoms are severe or persistent.