We’ve reached our first frosting and the last two spices in the pumpkin spice family: allspice and cloves. In the first two parts of our three-part series, we explored the health benefits of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Although allspice and cloves may be less well-known and used in the kitchen than their siblings, they are certainly no less in terms of health benefits.
Origin of allspice and cloves
Although it would seem that allspice it would include all the spices – given the name – it’s not actually a spice mix.
Native to Jamaica, Central America and the West Indies, allspice comes from its ground berries Pimenta dioica plant. When Europeans in the 17th century received imports from the berries, they gave them the name allspice because the berries tasted like a combination of the spices cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Allspice berries are picked green, fermented and dried until they turn a chestnut color. Berries are best stored whole to retain flavor longer. You can then grind them up when it’s time to glaze an upcoming dish.
Instead of having three or four leaves, spices cloves they begin as pink buds of the tropical evergreen tree Eugenia caryophyllata. Often found in Indonesia and Madagascar, these beautiful buds are usually harvested in late summer and again in winter. Once harvested, the buds are dried until they resemble the dark cloves we know today. They can be purchased whole, ground or distilled into an essential oil.
Both spices have a sweet and warm flavor — perfect not only for sweet treats but also for mulled wine and meat seasonings.
Pause in menopause
The process of stopping the menstrual cycle in middle-aged women is not for the faint of heart. As estrogen and progesterone levels decline, women are subject to symptoms such as mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, dryness and joint pain.
Ingredients in allspice bind to estrogen receptors, causing the body to act as if its estrogen is higher. This can bring the struggling body into better balance—and fewer negative symptoms—during this tumultuous time for hormones.
Spice and Cancer
Interestingly, many animal studies using components in the spice show promising results in reducing certain types of cancer cells.
Ingredients in the spice called eugenol, gallic acid, ericifolin and quercetin can promote the death of cancer cellsreduce tumor growth and prevent their spread.
The most effective cancer types are breast, stomach and prostate cancer.
Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that is considered carcinogenic. Overgrowth of this type can contribute to stomach cancer. Spice ingredients inhibit the growth of bacteriahelping to prevent the spread of stomach cancer.
The spice can increase the body’s ability to degrade and be rejected breast cancer cells. It can also silence an androgen receptor prostate cancer, interrupting the activity of hormones that can make prostate cancer worse. For use after a cancer diagnosis, consult a healthcare professional.
Cloves love your teeth
Are you interested? A highly concentrated component in cloves called eugenol can bring pain relief associated with the mouth. One study showed that clove oil has a potency similar to that of benzocaine, a common prescription numbing agent. To use it, consider applying clove oil to the affected area. Numbness should last for 2-3 hours. If you do not have clove oil handy, it is possible to place a whole clove in the mouth near the source of the pain until relief comes.
Clove oil can also slow tooth decay, strengthen the teeth, and possibly inhibit cavity-causing organisms. This is likely because the eugenol in cloves also contains antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The combination works to provide not only relief but also prevention of further dental complications.
If you are interested in using clove oil, make sure it is mixed with a carrier oil to prevent irritation and consult a healthcare professional for proper dosage.
Skin health
Acne can be painful and irritating in many ways. Staphylococcus disease is a strain of bacteria linked to the spread of acne. Clove contains ingredients that can kill this strain of bacteriahelping to manage its damage to the skin.
For best results, consider washing your face with a combination of three drops of clove oil and two teaspoons of raw honey.
Cloves do not like fungi
While cloves may love your teeth, they don’t love fungus. Fungal overgrowth – especially candida – can cause digestive problems, fatigue, joint pain and even recurring infections. A study proved that cloves were as effective as the prescription drug nystatin in fighting candida (or yeast) overgrowth. Consult your physician for instructions for use.
Protection against Ulcer
Ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine caused by stomach acid. Often associated with stress, these sores are painful and require treatment. Cloves can increase mucus production in the gastrointestinal tract, helping to prevent ulcer formation.
Liver support
Fatty liver disease is caused by the accumulation of fatty tissue in the liver. In a study with rats that had the disease, a low dose of clove improved liver function and reduced inflammation and oxidative stress. He even found that it could reverse liver scarring. One-week eugenol supplementation in humans study decreased a family of enzymes that may be indicative of liver disease.
Manganese + Clove
Cloves seem to have a close bond with the mineral manganese. One teaspoon of cloves contains 55% of our daily value. In its proper dosage, manganese penetrates the blood-brain and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers and supports brain function and bone strength. It’s worth adding this hot and sweet spice — your brain and bones will thank you.
What do allspice and cloves have in common?
Both allspice and cloves share the compound eugenol. As mentioned earlier, its concentration is much higher in cloves, however the spice still shares some of its benefits.
These fragrant spice sisters are commonly used in perfumes and beauty products. Eugenol has a spicy aroma, while allspice contains additional compounds cineol and caryophyllene, bringing intense and woody tones.
Eugenol can be used as anti-inflammatory and immune support due to its high concentration antioxidants. Diffusing clove and allspice or placing the oils with a carrier oil on the throat can help prevent the spread of colds and flu.
A word of caution
Both spice sisters can be overpowering when used in inappropriate levels. Any spice can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted with a carrier oil.
It is best to use allspice oil externally as it can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. They me hand dermatitis may develop allergic reactions when cooking with the spice.
Too many cloves can cause a burning sensation, liver damage or diarrhea. Clove oil should not be used on children under 2 years of age.
Consult a healthcare professional for proper dosage and any potential drug interactions.
Allspice and clove recipes
Allspice:
Cloves:
As we transition from fall to winter, let these spices bring health and joy to your household and beyond.
About the Author: Lisa (Driscoll) Lopes is a Certified Master Nutritionist through NTI’s Nutritional Therapist Master’s Program. Having studied journalism and voice acting in undergrad, she enjoys using her voice to share the benefits of a holistic, integrated lifestyle in writing. You can find more of her writing at Baltimore Sun, Classical Singer Magazine, Capital News Serviceand Blog FOCUS.
Pictures:
- Image by Asya Vlasova from Pexels
- Image by John phyo from Pexels
