Dr Eric Berg DC has shared the benefits of chewing on the ‘natural painkiller’ anti-inflammatory plant
A chiropractor has recommended chewing on a specific plant daily for its numerous health benefits. Dr Eric Berg, DC, who boasts over 13 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, highlighted the advantages of adding cloves to your daily routine.
Dr Berg, a licensed chiropractor graduated with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Although he no longer practices, he dedicates his time to sharing educational videos about nutrition online.
He is also the author of The Healthy Keto Plan and the director of Dr Berg Nutritionals. In a recent video the health expert explains how cloves is often known as a “natural painkiller.”
He said: “For the benefits of cloves, chew one clove daily, use clove oil topically, or grind it and add it to a smoothie.” Cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree and are often used as a spice in various culinary dishes due to their robust, sweet, and spicy taste, reports Surrey Live.
They are commonly found in soups, stews, meat dishes, sauces, and rice preparations. Not only do they serve as a natural breath freshener, but they are also frequently paired with other spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
Health benefits of cloves:
Cloves offer a variety of health advantages, such as their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive qualities. They are beneficial for oral health and can alleviate toothaches. These spices are rich in phytonutrients that may aid in the prevention of chronic illnesses and can assist in reducing inflammation. They also provide nutrients that may help protect against stomach ulcers and contain fibre that can alleviate constipation. Additionally, cloves can help minimise bloating.
- Cloves may help with toothaches, gum health, and bad breath.
- They may help reduce the risk of health issues such as arthritis.
- They may help improve liver health.
- They may help protect against cancer.
- They may help regulate blood sugar.
- They may promote bone health.
- They may reduce stomach ulcers.
Among the health benefits of cloves are their potential to help with toothaches, gum health, and bad breath. Dr Berg explained: “Clove can act as a natural painkiller, especially for a toothache. Eugenol, the chemical found naturally in clove, can mimic the effects of lidocaine without any side effects.” He highlighted that lidocaine is a local anaesthetic interrupting pain signals at nerve endings. Unlike general anaesthetics, it does not induce unconsciousness but still requires a doctor’s prescription.
A study indicated that using a combination of lidocaine and clove oil was more effective in alleviating pain at the episiotomy site compared to using lidocaine by itself. It’s wise to check with a doctor or dentist before trying clove oil for tooth pain to ensure it’s safe for you. Additionally, you might want to perform a patch test to check for any allergies.
Beyond dental pain, Dr Berg also noted: “Clove doesn’t just work for toothaches. It may work systematically for many other inflammatory conditions. Clove can be beneficial for arthritis, swelling, and joint pain. It mimics the effects of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen.” Findings from a 2021 study show clove oil’s effectiveness against injection-related pain in children was comparable to ice. A British Association of Maxillofacial Surgeons study also suggested better outcomes with eugenol-based treatments over others.
Dr Berg continued: “Cloves also have potent antimicrobial effects, even for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It’s also beneficial against fungi, viruses, Candida, and parasites like malaria. It’s been shown to mimic the effects of antibiotics without harming good bacteria.
“Clove oil can break down biofilms so your immune system can destroy bacteria. Eugenol in clove starves pathogens of energy, preventing them from reproducing. Clove has also been shown to make insulin more sensitive, producing results similar to a mild form of Metformin.”
Here are a few more of the potential benefits of cloves:
- Cancer-fighting properties.
- Detoxification of the liver.
- Blood-thinning effects.
- Boosts your mood.
- Eliminates gas and bloating.
- Higher ORAC scale (antioxidant scale) than blueberries.
- Decreases mucus.
- Improves bad breath.
Are cloves safe?
Cloves are generally considered safe in moderation, with the FDA classifying clove buds and oil as Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS). However, there are potential risks to be aware of. Clove supplements may not be suitable for children, while using clove oil can cause serious side effects such as seizures and liver issues. Applying clove oil to the skin can cause irritation, and individuals with bleeding disorders or those undergoing surgery should be cautious as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
Excessive consumption of cloves can also lead to hypoglycemia. Before you start popping cloves into your meals, it’s crucial to have a chat with your GP, particularly if you’re dealing with an existing health condition or are on medication. Cloves can interfere with certain medications, including the blood-thinning drug warfarin.
