Eating One Clove Daily May Benefit Your Heart: Ayurvedacharya Shares Health Benefits of Laung

Clove, popularly known as laung, is a familiar ingredient in Indian kitchens. From masala chai and biryani to curries and homemade remedies, this aromatic spice has long been valued for its distinctive flavour. But according to Ayurveda, cloves may offer benefits that go beyond taste and aroma.

Dr Partap Chauhan, Founder and Director of Jiva Ayurveda and an Ayurvedacharya, says that making small, consistent changes to daily habits can contribute to overall wellbeing. He highlights clove as one such spice, suggesting that using a small amount regularly may support heart health and healthy cholesterol levels

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According to Dr Chauhan, clove has a warming effect and may support digestion. Ayurveda places considerable importance on proper digestion, as poor digestion is traditionally associated with the buildup of Ama, described in Ayurvedic practice as unwanted residue that may affect overall health, including the cardiovascular system.

How Can Clove Benefit Heart Health?

Dr Chauhan explains that incorporating clove into your routine may offer several potential benefits related to digestion and cardiovascular wellness.

1. May support better digestion

Clove is traditionally believed to stimulate digestive fire

, which may help the body process food and fats more efficiently.

2. Provides antioxidant support

Cloves contain compounds with antioxidant properties. These may help the body deal with oxidative stress, which can contribute to cellular damage.

3. May promote healthy circulation

Because of its naturally warming properties, clove is traditionally used to support circulation and healthy blood flow.

4. May help maintain healthy cholesterol

Clove contains eugenol

, a naturally occurring compound known for its antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory properties. According to Dr Chauhan, eugenol may help reduce oxidative stress affecting blood lipids and thereby support healthier cholesterol levels.

However, clove should not be considered a substitute for cholesterol-lowering medication or medical treatment.

What Makes Eugenol Important?

One of the major compounds found in cloves is eugenol

, which gives the spice much of its distinctive aroma and flavour.

Dr Chauhan points to eugenol’s antioxidant properties as one reason clove may be beneficial. By helping counter oxidative stress, the compound may contribute to maintaining overall cardiovascular health.

He also notes that good digestion is important. When digestion is functioning well, the body may process dietary fats more effectively, potentially reducing the uncomfortable feeling of heaviness after meals.

Clove may be particularly appealing to people who have irregular eating habits or frequently feel sluggish after eating, according to the Ayurvedic expert.

How Can You Include Clove in Your Daily Routine?

There are simple ways to incorporate a small amount of clove into your routine.

Chew a clove after meals:

A single clove can be chewed after eating as one traditional way of using the spice.

Prepare clove water: Cloves can also be lightly boiled in water to make a warm, aromatic drink.

However, more is not necessarily better. Dr Chauhan cautions that people with strong Pitta tendencies, according to Ayurvedic principles, may find clove’s heating nature uncomfortable. Moderation is therefore important.

Is One Clove Enough to Improve Cholesterol?

While Ayurveda has traditionally used cloves for various purposes, having one clove daily should not be viewed as a guaranteed way to lower high cholesterol or prevent heart disease.

Healthy cholesterol levels depend on several factors, including diet, physical activity, weight, genetics and overall health. Anyone with diagnosed high cholesterol should continue prescribed treatment and follow medical advice.

Clove can be considered a small addition to a balanced lifestyle, rather than a replacement for professional medical care.