The Potential Health Benefits of Cloves

Cloves are much more than a flavorful spice used in cooking.

For centuries, cloves have been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes. Today, they continue to attract attention because they contain natural compounds such as eugenol, which has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Although cloves should not be considered a cure for medical conditions, including them in a balanced diet may provide several useful nutrients and plant compounds.

What Are Cloves?

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree.