Inflammation can happen to anybody, especially to those with conditions such as arthritis. It is something that can leave us feeling stiff and in pain each day, affecting the overall quality of our lives. It might feel like it’s never going to end, but what if we told you there are two spices that can help you out?
Clove and cinnamon both have some fantastic anti-inflammatory properties to help you out. Keep reading to discover how they can help your body and which recipes you can recreate to introduce them into your daily diet.
Anti-inflammatory properties of clove
Clove is a spice found in the dried flower buds from the ‘clove tree’, also known as Suzgium aromaticum. Many studies have found that it hosts a wide range of anti-inflammatory properties, some of which are:
Eugenol
Eugenol is the primary active compound found in clove and one of the main elements contributing to the anti-inflammatory effects experienced when regularly ingesting the spice. This compound works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory molecules that are spread around the body and, therefore, reducing overall inflammation.
Antioxidants
Not only does clove have various elements that contribute directly to reducing inflammation, but it also has high levels of antioxidant activity. This helps reduce inflammation even further by combatting oxidative stress throughout the body. The antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are harmful molecules known to contribute to inflammation.
Pain relief
One of the biggest side effects of inflammation is various levels of pain. It can range from minimal to excruciating pain, but it can easily affect our day-to-day lives. When ingesting clove regularly, it has been known to provide pain relief due to the fact it helps alleviate inflammation and provide an overall boost to the body.
Anti-microbial
Alongside anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, clove has also demonstrated some antimicrobial properties. This means it helps the body fight against various bacteria and fungi. If the bacteria or fungi take over the body and cause infection, this can cause inflammation. Therefore, clove can help get rid of inflammation before it even starts.
Anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon
Not only does clove offer anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body, but cinnamon is a strong contender too. Studies have found that when digesting cinnamon, it will maintain an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect at the cellular level due to these properties:
Antioxidants
Similar to clove, cinnamon is also packed with various antioxidants. One of cinnamon’s main compounds is polyphenols, which help fight oxidative stress throughout the body. This ultimately reduces inflammation in the same way as cloves, as it neutralizes the free radicals in your system.
Anti-inflammatory compounds
Cinnamon comes with a host of anti-inflammatory compounds, and cinnamaldehyde does all the heavy lifting throughout the body. Not only does it provide cinnamon with its unique flavor and aroma, but it also helps reduce inflammation. It does this by inhibiting inflammatory pathways and reducing the production of inflammatory molecules.
Regulates immune system
Cinnamon comes with a whole range of health benefits, mainly because it modulates the immune system. This not only makes you feel on top of the world but also regulates your body’s response to inflammation. It contributes to reducing inflammation in various tissues and organs around your body.
Pain alleviation
As we mentioned with clove, inflammation can cause a varied level of pain in individuals. You might not experience it as badly as others, or vice versa, but it can affect your daily life. Cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory effects indirectly alleviate the pain you feel by reducing the inflammatory response in your body.
Enhanced effects when combining clove and cinnamon
Since both clove and cinnamon reduce inflammation in the body, it’s only normal to put them both together for an enhanced effect, right? Well, various researchers have studied the effects of putting the two spices together, and there are many health benefits you can make the most of:
- Provides relief for various conditions, such as arthritis, by reducing inflammation throughout the body.
- Both spices have been known to improve digestion, which can help make losing weight easier.
- Helps boost the immune system, which can help heal various infections, keeping you feeling on top of the world.
- Enhances the look of your skin by healing skin infections and leaving you with a silky smooth result.
- Improves both the density and strength of your bones, making overall movement of your joints easier.
- Offers a good level of relief from tooth and gum pain by numbing the area while it heals.
How to infuse these spices into recipes
Want to increase your intake of both clove and cinnamon in your daily diet? Why not try out some of these simple recipes:
Mulled apple cider
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 8 whole cloves
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- Sweetener of choice (optional)
Instructions
- Place the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange, and lemon in a large pot.
- Allow the mixture to simmer on a low heat for 15-20 minutes.
- Add a sweetener such as honey or sugar to taste if you wish.
- Strain the cider and serve in mugs with a garnish of your choice.
Glazed carrots
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the carrots to the skillet and saute for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the honey, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley.
Spiced rice pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 4 cups milk (whole or any plant-based milk)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4-5 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes.
- Remove from heat and remove the cinnamon stick and cloves.
- Stir in the vanilla before letting it cool and serving it with a cinnamon garnish.
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