Cloves, which have the Latin name Syzygium aromaticum, are dried flower stalks that come from the Mirtaceae tree family. Cloves are commonly found in the lowlands with altitudes (200–900 ) m above sea level. The height of the clove plant can reach (5–10) m. The leaves of the plant are oval or oval in shape while the color is greenish and reddish. The clove plant has unique properties because all parts of the tree contain oil, from the roots, stems, leaves to flowers.
Cloves benefit in human daily life include as a spice, aromatherapy agent, mixture of spices and others. Cloves are used as a spice in Asian, African, Mediterranean and Near Eastern and Middle Eastern cuisines, to flavor meats, curries and marinades, as well as fruits (such as apples, pears and rhubarb). Cloves can be used to impart aromatic and flavorful qualities to hot drinks, often in combination with other ingredients such as lemon and sugar. Cloves are also commonly used in spice and seasoning blends, such as pumpkin pie seasoning and speculaas spice bread.
Cloves can be used as a spice either in its whole form or as a powder. This spice is used in Europe and Asia. In Indonesia, cloves are mainly used as an ingredient in kretek cigarettes. Cloves are also used as an ingredient in incense in the People’s Republic of China and Japan. Clove oil is used in aromatherapy and also to treat toothache. Finely ground clove leaves can be used as a vegetable pesticide and is effective for controlling Fusarium stem rot disease by giving 50-100 grams of dried clove leaves per plant.
Herbs and spices, including cloves, have been known for a number of health benefits because they are packed with important compounds. In 100 grams of cloves, there are various nutrients, such as:
Based on the facts of the various nutrients, it is not surprising that cloves are often used as a treatment for various medical conditions. Clove, which is scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum has useful properties as antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and many other properties.
Although cloves are known to provide benefits for people of all age groups, this spice is also very beneficial for sexual health for both male and female sexuality. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of cloves for men’s health and sexuality, such as the quantity and quality of sperm production and diseases classified as chronic.
Many lifestyle factors such as age, smoking, poor diet, drinking alcohol, and chronic diseases can affect men’s health and sexuality, namely male fertility and decreased sperm quantity & quality. As reported by Boldsky, a study found that cloves have strong antioxidant activity. This helps prevent damage to the reproductive organs against free radicals, increases sperm production, and improves quality and mobility.
Cloves contain phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins which are known as aphrodisiacs or compounds that can help stimulate sexual desire or increase libido. Cloves have also been used as an aphrodisiac for centuries to enhance sexuality performance, increase testosterone levels, and prevent premature ejaculation. Additionally, this herb is believed to help stimulate the nervous system which aids in sexual arousal.
Degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia are diseases that generally occur in the elderly, but the prevalence of these diseases is more common in men than women due to factors such as drinking alcohol, smoking and lifestyle. Cloves have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent chronic inflammation and damage to brain cells due to free radicals. Thus, it helps prevent the formation of beta-amyloid which is a major cause of degenerative diseases.
Cloves have antigingivitis and antiplaque properties; it is good for dental health in many ways. Cloves not only help inhibit oral microbes but can also prevent gum infection, inflammation and pain. It is also good for bad breath and prevents the risk of dental diseases such as periodontitis. Consumption of these healthy spices can be beneficial for overall dental health.
According to research, the prevalence of hypertension is higher in men than in women. Cloves have cardioprotective activity, which can help lower cholesterol levels, improve blood circulation throughout the body and keep the heart muscle healthy, along with boosting immunity. These activities can also help lower blood pressure and thus, reduce the risk of hypertension.
Studies show that men are twice as likely to develop diabetes as women, possibly because of the high prevalence of obesity and overweight in the earlier age group. A study has shown that cloves have great antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities. It can help reduce glucose levels in the body, lower cholesterol levels and prevent damage to liver cells, all factors that help manage and prevent diabetes.
Cloves contain the important phytochemical eugenol which has extraordinary therapeutic properties, including maintaining good hair health. Baldness is a common male health problem. Studies say that the use of cloves, orally or topically, can help reduce hair loss problems to major hair loss and delay hair thinning or baldness.
