As the winter chill sets in, many find themselves battling cold and cough symptoms. While there’s no shortage of remedies, one spice has been a winter staple for generations, cloves. Known as “Laung” in Hindi and “Lobongo” in bengali, this aromatic spice not only adds a warming flavor to winter recipes but also holds therapeutic powers. Here’s a look at why cloves can be your go-to remedy for winter cold and cough.
1. Powerful Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties:
Cloves contain a compound called eugenol, renowned for its antibacterial and antiviral benefits. These properties help the body fight infections, making cloves a natural remedy against cold and cough.
2. Relieves Congestion and Soothes the Throat:
Cloves act as a natural expectorant, easing mucus buildup in the respiratory tract. Drinking clove tea or inhaling clove-infused steam can relieve congestion, soothe a sore throat, and make breathing easier during a cold.
3. Boosts Immunity:
Rich in antioxidants, cloves help strengthen the immune system, making the body more resilient to seasonal infections. Including cloves in your winter diet supports long-term immunity, keeping winter illnesses at bay.
4. Reduces Inflammation and Pain:
Known for their anti-inflammatory effects, cloves can help reduce throat irritation and body aches associated with colds. Adding cloves to herbal teas or drinking clove-infused water offers a soothing effect, especially for an irritated throat.
5. Provides Warming Effects in Winter:
Cloves naturally increase body temperature, making them ideal for winter consumption. Their warming effect improves circulation and helps you stay comfortable in colder weather.
Cloves offer easy and effective remedies for cold and cough relief. Brew clove tea with ginger and honey for immunity support, inhale clove steam by adding clove oil to hot water for congestion relief, or add clove powder to warm milk or herbal teas for additional benefits. With antibacterial, warming, and immune boosting properties, cloves are a powerful addition to your winter wellness routine to stay warm and healthy.