As we discussed with Clove Tea, this spice contains eugenol, a potent compound that acts as a natural numbing agent and a powerful defender against unwanted bacteria.
When you slowly masticate a clove, you release its volatile oils directly into the mucous membranes of the mouth.
The Oral “Sanitizer”: Cloves are one of the most powerful antioxidants on the planet. Chewing them helps eliminate the bacteria that cause gum discomfort and bad breath.
Immediate Digestive Spark: The moment the bitterness hits your tongue, it signals the stomach to produce digestive enzymes. This is the “spark” that helps the body process the fats in your Olive Oil or the minerals in your Beet Tonic.
Blood Sugar Balance: Traditional healers often suggested chewing a clove after a meal to help the body maintain a steady “rhythm” in the blood, preventing the mid-day “slump.”
The Breath of Life: If you have congestion, the oils in the cloves travel through the sinuses and throat, acting as a mini-steam treatment from the inside out.
The Traditional Way to “Dare”
Chewing a clove is a strong experience. It is “hot” and slightly numbing—this is the medicine working.
The Ritual: Take two whole cloves. Place them in your mouth, but do not bite down immediately.
The Soften: Let them sit and soften with your saliva for a minute or two.
The Chew: Once they are soft, gently nibble on them. You will feel a tingling or numbing sensation on your tongue and gums; this is the eugenol activating.
The Finish: You can swallow the softened bits or spit them out. Most traditional practitioners suggest swallowing them to allow the oils to continue working through the digestive tract.
Fitting the Clove into Your Daily Rhythm
This simple habit acts as a “bridge” between your morning and evening rituals:
Morning: Lemon Water and 3 Activated Almonds.
Post-Lunch: Chew 2 Cloves to refresh the palate and ignite digestion.
Afternoon: Golden Vision Tonic (Carrot, Turmeric, Apple).
Nightly: Olive Oil and Grounding.
A Respectful Note for the Heart
Because cloves are so warming and can slightly thin the blood (similar to Garlic and Ginger), this habit is a beautiful way to keep the circulation “moving.” However, if you are preparing for a dental procedure or have very sensitive gums, always approach the “heat” of the clove with a gentle hand.
