A leading health expert has proposed an incredibly cheap and natural bedtime drink to help the millions of Britons struggling with poor sleep. Dr Eric Berg, a specialist in healthy keto and intermittent fasting, suggests that a simple glass of clove water, costing just pennies, can enhance sleep quality and offer significant anti-inflammatory benefits.
The Simple, Cost-Effective Sleep Solution
This recommendation comes at a critical time, as Mental Health UK recently revealed that nearly one in five people in the UK fail to get an adequate amount of sleep each night. Chronic sleep deprivation is known to drain energy, lower mood, and weaken the immune system. Dr Berg's solution requires only four or five dried cloves steeped in hot water. Given that a 100g bag of cloves can be purchased for around £2.50, each serving costs a mere pence.
"It's a natural sedative, so can be used as a sleep aid without the side effects of sleep medication," Dr Berg explained. He highlights that cloves, the aromatic buds of the evergreen clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), have been used for centuries in both kitchens and medicine cabinets. Their potent effects are largely due to a compound called eugenol.
Why Cloves Work: The Power of Eugenol
The secret to clove water's effectiveness lies in its high concentration of eugenol. Dr Berg notes that this compound acts as a natural sedative, helping to relax the nervous system. This relaxation can reduce nighttime awakenings and promote deeper, more restorative sleep. "Drinking a cup of clove water every night before bed can be a game-changer when it comes to relaxation!" he said.
Beyond sleep, scientific research underscores eugenol's broad therapeutic potential. A 2021 study noted its "remarkable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties," suggesting significant benefits for overall health. Furthermore, a 2024 review highlighted that eugenol exhibits multiple biological activities relevant to managing diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative conditions.
A Promising Nutritional Supplement
Health authority WebMD corroborates these findings, stating that the anti-inflammatory properties of eugenol can lower the risk of issues like arthritis and help manage symptoms. Cloves are also rich in antioxidants, which combat cell damage from free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
To make the drink, simply infuse four to five cloves in a cup of hot water. It can be consumed warm for a soothing bedtime ritual or chilled for a refreshing alternative. With sleep problems like insomnia affecting so many, this ancient, affordable remedy offers a simple, drug-free avenue to better health and improved rest.
