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. Clove oil’s use as an antifungal is well supported by research. A 2001 study (here) found that clove oil “had a fast killing effect on yeast cells”. A 2009 study (here) found that “clove oil and eugenol have considerable antifungal activity against clinically relevant 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
If you are careful with your dosage and start small, you should have no problems with cloves or clove oil.
For lots more information on how to choose the right antifungal, take a look at my Ultimate Candida Diet treatment plan.
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