Clove: why this works so well with allergies

Pollen allergy, dust allergy, flea allergy, mite allergy, grain allergy, etc. Dogs can be allergic to all kinds of things. This can result in itching complaints, but an allergy can also cause huge health problems. For dogs with an allergy, we often recommend a clove extract, but why is that? What is so special about clove?

Clove provides balance in body and mind

Everyone knows clove as the dried, unopened flower bud that you can use as a spice in the kitchen. But did you know that it is actually the whole plant and flower that have medicinal properties? That is why a clove extract is made from the whole plant. Clove is rich in (phyto)cannabinoids, which support the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This sounds like cannabis and has similarities, but without the addictive effect and without getting high. Clove does not contain THC and contains multiple types of cannabinoids, making it richer than CBD/hemp.

The ECS is the body's signaling system that works at the cellular level. It checks for abnormalities and sends a signal to the brain via a cannabinoid when an abnormality is detected. The brain then knows to send a helper substance to the location where the abnormality was detected. If there is a shortage of cannabinoids, these signals are not transmitted correctly, and the body cannot repair itself. Cannabinoids are therefore necessary to keep the body's self-healing capabilities optimal. It affects metabolism, inflammation, mood, pain, body temperature, and nerve impulses. Because clove is rich in these cannabinoids, it helps support the self-healing abilities of the dog, bringing balance to the body and mind.

An allergy leads to inflammatory responses

With an allergy, a dog's immune system reacts excessively to substances it encounters. The body's reaction is often exaggerated and should not react so extremely to, for example, pollen. Usually, due to an imbalance in the body, this allergic reaction occurs. Because the immune system reacts so strongly, it immediately defends against these substances, leading to inflammatory responses. These inflammatory responses occur throughout the body and can manifest typical allergy symptoms, such as:

• Itching

• Redness

• Sneezing and/or watery eyes

• Stomach pain and/or diarrhea

Clove reduces inflammatory responses

The beauty of a clove extract is that it works on multiple levels for a dog with allergies. Firstly, clove extract is anti-inflammatory, reducing inflammatory responses in the body. This means there are also fewer waste products, and issues like itching and skin redness will decrease. Inflammation reactions actually cause itching, so if you remove those, the itching and redness will also decrease.

But clove goes beyond just removing inflammatory responses. The ECS is activated, bringing the body into balance and further activating the body's self-healing capabilities. A body is not benefited by having an allergy, and by restoring balance in the body, allergies can also be reduced.

Read also: How to give your dog clove extract & what is the ECS system?