Cloves Benefits: 7 Reasons to Eat Laung Daily

Cloves (laung) are one of the most concentrated sources of natural antioxidants in the Indian spice box, and eating just one or two a day is a simple, time-tested way to support digestion, oral health and immunity. This tiny flower bud punches far above its size, which is exactly why it has been chewed, brewed and added to food across India for centuries.

Also known as: cloves in English, laung or lavang in Hindi, long in Bengali, and lavanga in Sanskrit. Whatever you call them, these dark, nail-shaped buds carry a warm, sweet-pungent aroma that comes mostly from a compound called eugenol.

What makes cloves so good for you?

Cloves are rich in eugenol, fibre and minerals like manganese, along with small amounts of vitamin K and vitamin C. Eugenol is the natural oil responsible for both the strong smell and most of the traditional health uses of laung. Because a little goes a long way, cloves give you these benefits without adding calories or salt to your food.

7 health benefits of cloves (laung)

• Supports digestion: Chewing a clove or adding it to food may help stimulate saliva and digestive juices, easing bloating and gas after a heavy meal.
• Freshens breath naturally: Laung has long been used as a natural mouth freshener, and its aroma helps mask odour without artificial mints.
• Eases toothache traditionally: Clove oil's eugenol has a mild numbing effect, which is why grandmothers have pressed a clove near an aching tooth for generations.
• Rich in antioxidants: Cloves contain some of the highest antioxidant levels of any spice, which help the body fight everyday oxidative stress.
• Warms you during cold and cough: A clove simmered in chai or kadha is a classic winter remedy to soothe the throat.
• Adds flavour without salt: Using laung lets you cut back on salt while keeping food aromatic and satisfying.
• May support blood sugar balance: Early research suggests compounds in cloves may help the body use insulin, though cloves are a supplement to a healthy diet, not a treatment.

A quick, honest note: cloves are a wellness food, not a medicine. They support good habits, but they do not cure illness, and anyone with a health condition should speak to a doctor.

How many cloves should you eat a day?

For most healthy adults, 1 to 2 cloves a day is plenty. Cloves are potent, and eugenol in large amounts can irritate the stomach, so more is not better. You can chew one after a meal, steep one in warm water or tea, or simply cook with them as usual.

Easy ways to add laung to your day

Freshness matters most with cloves — old, dry laung loses its oil and its benefits. Look for plump, dark buds with a strong aroma and a little oil when pressed. Whole cloves keep their strength far longer than ground ones, so buy them whole. Our ODM Cloves (Laung) are handpicked to preserve their natural oils, with no fillers, no artificial colours and no preservatives. For festive cooking, they also feature in our ODM Whole Garam Masala Mix.

FAQ

Is it good to eat cloves every day?

Yes, for most healthy adults 1 to 2 cloves a day is considered safe and may support digestion and oral health. Keep the amount small, as cloves are very concentrated.

What is the best time to eat laung?

Many people chew a clove after meals to aid digestion and freshen breath, or take one in warm water in the morning. There is no strict rule, so pick what fits your routine.

Can I chew a raw clove?

Yes, chewing one raw clove slowly is a common traditional practice. The taste is strong, so one at a time is enough, and you can also steep it in tea if raw feels too intense.

If you have been cooking with tired, aroma-less laung, it is worth tasting the difference a fresh, handpicked batch makes — try ODM Cloves in your next cup of chai and see how much warmer it feels.