Cloves 

Studies have shown that Cloves can suppress Candida both in the mouth  and the intestine. As with many other spices, they have been  used to treat  a variety of ailments through the ages, including indigestion, diarrhea, hernia,  and ringworm.

Cloves come from the evergreen  clove tree, indigenous to Indonesia but now found around  the world. The earliest  use of cloves was by subjects of the Chinese empire in 200 BC, requested to chew on cloves to freshen their breath before addressing their emperor. 

How do Cloves work? 

Along with their other medical benefits, cloves are also a powerful anti-fungal agent often used to treat athletes foot and other fungal infections. In a 2005 paper,  Clove oil was found to be highly effective against Candida Albicans  and a variety of other fungi. 

The constituents of  clove oil are eugenol, eugenyl acetate, caryophyllene and iocaryophyllene, of which eugenol is the active ingredient. Its antiseptic properties allow it to kill the Candida yeast, while it also boosts your immune system. 

How do you take Cloves? 

Clove extract  is most effective  in the form of an oil. Add 15 to 30 drops in warm water and take this tea 1-3 times daily. Be sure to dilute it - clove extract is actually quite  a powerful substance. 

Clove oil also blends quite well with other  essential oils, e.g. basil essential  oil, rosemary essential oil, rose  oil, cinnamon essential oil and grapefruit essential oil. Feel free to mix it up a bit to make your tea more palatable! 

Who should  not take Cloves? 

Check with your doctor regarding the use  of clove oil during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Also take advice if you  are seriously ill, especially  with a gastrointestinal problem. Some may have an allergic reaction  to cloves so start with  a small dose. Those with an allergy to Balsam  of Peru may also have a clove allergy. 

Cloves Side Effects 

Cloves  are a powerful spice  and should never be taken in large quantities. If consumed in too great  a quantity, especially in an undiluted oil, the following side effects  may be experienced: 

• Vomiting 
• Sore Throat 
• Seizure 
• Sedation
• Difficulty breathing
• Hematemesis 
• Kidney Failure
• Liver damage 
• Erectile dysfunction 
• Prolonged ejaculation 
• Seizure 
• Stomach irritation