Lavang/Cloves and the human body; It’s a tale as old as time. Told through the years by numerous generations. Accepted by billions and appreciated by more. It’s a story of a bond between the native spice of Maluku Islands in Indonesia, by the name of Syzygium Aromaticum, a.k.a. Lavang or Laung or Cloves and the human body.
Ever since the human body has existed, so have ailments and diseases. And way before we humans discovered and wholeheartedly accepted allopathic medicines, there was a whole nother way of curing the ailments of the body.
Nature. It was apparent for our ancestors that if nature has given a problem, the solution to that problem undeniably exists in Nature itself.
That’s why people would look for natural means to cure or soothe any disease they felt. And they would find solutions to most of their health related problems in spices, fruits, flowers, plants and trees.
And hence began the affair of an extremely well-known and beneficial spice and the human body.
A Little Lavang Background
Lavang is basically a flower bud that is super aromatic and uniquely so. Not that you'd have many problems recognizing it, but for the newbies, I’d rather mention what cloves look like. They are dark blackish-brown in color and look like a nail. They are spicy and warm in taste.
Fun fact- The word Clove is similar to the latin word “Clavus” literally meaning “Nail”.
You’d smell it once and never forget what its aroma is like. Having said that, it is equally necessary to mention that this singular aromatic bud of a spice is a repository of health benefits, ranging from internal boons to external advantages.
Apply it. Cook it. Drink it. Crush it. Chew it. You name it. You can use this particular spice in more ways than a multipurpose table. How so you ask?
Apply It
- The oil from cloves has antifungal properties making it a remedy for soothing warts and acne.
- Lavang oil also acts as a mosquito and insect repellent.
- It is one of the most natural anti-septics you’ll find because of its anti-bacterial traits. While you’re at it give Amrutam's Germ Protection Basket a definite try.
- Skin’s sagging? Just put some Lavang oil and it'll help tighten it.
- It also prevents fine lines and wrinkles.
- Got a muscle spasm? Just put some Lavang oil on it.
- It also enhances blood circulation.
- Want to get rid of dry skin cells? Just apply some Lavang oil to it.
- It also nourishes the skin giving it a healthy glow.
Consume It
- Lavang is an excellent mouth-freshener.
- Chewing on Lavang can instantly relieve toothache.
- Just putting a Lavang in your mouth can also help you soothe motion sickness.
- Lavang oil is an amazing metabolism stimulator.
- It also is an immunity booster. Just like in the Amrutam Chyawanprash.
- It is also effective in weight loss.
- Got indigestion? Just have some.
- Got a cough? Just suck on some cloves. And you could try the Lozenge Malt from Amrutam.
- It has antioxidants which help in repairing skin from within.
There are hundreds of uses of Lavang when it comes to using it in Masalas and food. But we’ll keep that for some other time.
Lavang and Hair
- Crush some and mix it with oil. Apply it on your scalp to improve blood circulation.
- Lavang adds shines to your hair.
- Dry hair? Lavang oil has got that covered as well.
- It also helps reduce hair fall.
- Is your hair thinning? Put some Lavang oil and see the results.
- It is also a promoter of hair growth.
No wonder the human body has loved Lavang for ages, is there?
But what love story goes without a lover’s spat? Not a single one actually. Lavang is a spice which has a very warm effect on the body. So it’s only natural for it to behave a little hotly, so to say.
There is Such a Thing as Too Much Lavang
- Lavang lowers blood sugar but too much of it and it could make your blood sugar levels drop to a worrisome degree.
- If you have certain allergies, you might want to consult a doctor before extensively using it.
- If used in combination with certain medications, it can cause bleeding. But there isn’t much apparent scientific evidence as to it.
If you think about it, there aren’t really any disadvantages of cloves. If you use it well and wisely the spice can work wonders for you and your body.
So this was the age-old love story of Lavang and the human body. You see, they get along more than just pretty well. They in fact are a power couple. A combo that results in a healthy human being in and out.
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