CLOVE

            The health benefits of cloves have been well known for centuries. Cloves have been used as a medicine in China since 600 AD. Clove is antioxidant, have germicidal, antibacterial, anti fungal, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. Cloves are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin K, C and omega-3 fatty acids, it is also a very good source of calcium, manganese and magnesium. Cloves also have a significant amount of  carbohydrates, phosphorus, potassium, protein, iron, sodium and hydrochloric acid. Clove also contain flavonoids, anthocyanins, and quercetin which contribute to clove's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are powerful protection preventing various diseases.

            Clove boost the immune system by purifying the blood and help to fight against heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer and cancer. Researchers found that clove extract stop the growth of many types of cancers such as colon cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and liver cancer. 
            Clove helps fight infections such as fungal infection, rheumatism, arthritis pain and digestive problems such as stomach ulcers, flatulence, loose stools, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, gastric irritability, and vomiting. Clove also has analgesic properties that can help relieve tooth aches, cuts, burns, bruises, and pain in athletes's foot. It can also boost memory and blood circulation.

            Clove oil, when is inhaled, can help relieve certain respiratory conditions like coughs, colds, flu, asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis.

MY USES  

I add small amount (around 6) of cloves to my smoothies.  

I also pour small amounts of cloves into boiling water and allow then to sleep around 25 min. After, I drink the tea hot or cold. To give more flavor I add an other types of herbs together with the cloves. 

CAYENNE PEPPER

            Cayenne pepper, red pepper, and red hot chili pepper refer to the same product. 
Cayenne pepper has anti-allergen, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-irritant properties. 
Cayenne pepper is high in vitamins A, B complex, C, calcium, and potassium.It contains capsaicin which is the active compound that gives the sensation of fire, warms the body and stimulates the release of mucus from the respiratory passages as it clears the sinus and causes sweating. Cayenne pepper improves urinary tract health and circulation, helps relief colds, flu, indigestion and destroy parasites. Cayenne pepper can stop a heart attack and is useful for weight loss, can rebuild the tissue in the guts wall to improve digestion and the action in the intestines. Also, acts as a catalyst and increases the effectiveness of the herbs.  
             Cayenne and other hot pepper with capsaicin may help to maintain insulin levels, lower blood glucose levels and heal breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and leukemia. 

MY USES 

I chop cayenne pepper to saute with vegetables, chicken and fish.   
Cayenne pepper sauces are very tasteful in special with Mexican food.