Contents
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What is carnation
Of course, we are not talking about a red carnation (flower), symbolizing victory, freedom and courage. By the way, the soldiers of Napoleon’s army considered this flower a talisman instilling courage on the battlefield.
Cloves are a spice, not a spice, as many mistakenly believe. These are the flower buds of the evergreen syzygium tree (Syzygium aromaticum). The homeland of syzygium is Indonesia, the Moluccas. The name “carnation” comes from the appearance of the bud, which resembles the head of a nail.
The carnation has a long history. In ancient medicine, it was considered a cure for diseases of the stomach and respiratory tract. Clove oil and dry buds soothed a toothache. During the Middle Ages, clove powder was highly valued and was a remedy for cholera and plague.
In the role of a spice, cloves began to be used in the Renaissance. Before visiting the emperor, Chinese courtiers freshen their breath with cloves.
This plant is cultivated in tropical countries, and the dried flower buds are used in cooking, everyday life and for medicinal purposes.
Chemical composition and calorific value
100 grams of ground cloves
- calorie content – 274 kcal;
- proteins – 5 g;
- fats 12 g;
- carbohydrates – 32 g;
- dietary fiber – 34 g;
- water – 10 g.
Cloves contain essential oil, tannins, beta-carotene, B vitamins, vitamins A, E, C, K. Minerals: manganese, iron, potassium, selenium, magnesium.
Cloves: properties and uses
A fragrant spice-clove that tastes hot, tart, endowed with medicinal properties:
- antispasmodic;
- anthelmintic;
- wind-blowing;
- antipruritic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antiseptic;
- pain relievers.
In folk medicine
- normalizes digestion;
- helps with nausea;
- with constipation;
- natural aphrodisiac treats frigidity, potency disorder;
- prevention of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism (add to tea);
- for colds, bronchitis (inhalation);
- speeds up the metabolism;
- reduces the risk of oncology;
- strengthens memory;
- relieves spasms;
- removes worms;
- promotes fat burning;
- has an expectorant effect;
- has a beneficial effect on blood circulation;
- insomnia problems;
- clears the intestines from accumulated mucus;
- kills harmful bacteria, viruses;
- with flatulence;
- relieves toothache, gum inflammation (rinsing with infusion).
In cooking
Without this spice, real mulled wine will not work, it is used in canning, in the production of chewing gum. Cloves are added to coffee, grog, punch, cocoa, compotes, baked goods and pastries. Housewives add this spice to cereals, meat and fish, when canning vegetables and fruits.
How to make tea: mix crushed (on a coffee grinder or in a mortar) cloves with leaf tea. Brew normally.
Household use
- clove oil repels insects, moths and mosquitoes;
- a pinch of spice can be placed in a wardrobe with clothes (from moths);
- in the Middle Ages, women wore beads made from dried carnation buds;
- there is a belief that dry spicy buds will protect from envy and the evil eye, bring well-being to the house.
Dry clove weight:
- weight of 1 button – 0,08 g;
- in 1 teaspoon – 5 g;
- in 1 tbsp. spoon – 18 g
The quality of a clove spice can be checked by throwing one clove into the water. If it sinks or stays upright, then it is a fresh product.
Противопоказания
Excessive passion for spices can cause poisoning or mental upset.
Clove oil: application
It is an essential oil from flowers, stems, leaves or bark of syzygium. Part of the Golden Star balsam. Used in aromatherapy and perfumery. Combines with oils of cinnamon, basil, mint, rosemary, bergamot, orange. Shelf life in a sealed dark glass bottle is up to 5 years.
- relieves toothache;
- flu, acute respiratory infections;
- with depression;
- low blood pressure;
- intestinal infections;
- helps to strengthen nails;
- scares away insects;
- antifungal agent;
- for hair health, added to masks;
- treatment of acne, boils;
- helps with mycoses of nails and skin;
- pain during menstruation;
- corns, warts and other benign neoplasms;
- promotes wound healing;
- helps to cope with hysteria;
- rheumatism, arthritis (baths with the addition of oil, 5 drops);
- additive to massage cream (3-4 drops per session);
- aroma lamps (1-3 drops);
- for enrichment of creams, tonics, lotions;
- suitable for flavoring food (meat, sauce, baked goods).
Противопоказания
- during pregnancy;
- during lactation;
- allergy;
- bronchial asthma;
- hypertension;
- children under 12 years old;
- intolerance;
- with prolonged contact with the skin – burns;
- do not overdose!
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