Description
Clove Allergy Test
Code: f268
Latin name: Syzygium aromaticum
Family: Myrtaceae
Common names: Clove, Cloves
Synonyms: Caryophyllus aromaticus, Eugenia caryophyllata
Clove is a spice which may result in allergy symptoms in sensitised individuals.
Clove Allergy Test: Allergen Exposure
The clove tree is native to the Moluccas (previously known as the Spice Islands), however today it is grown in tropical climates around the world. They have been used by humans for their essential oil for thousands of years, having been recorded by the ancient Egyptians and Romans.
Cloves are an important ingredient in a variety of national cuisines. In North Africa they are widely used to flavour meat and rice dishes, and are used similarly in Sri Lanka. In Ethiopia they are roasted along with coffee beans.
In Europe cloves are traditionally combined with cinnamon in some pastries and stewed fruits, as well as in the production of mulled wine or cider. They are also found in certain stews and pickles. The most common flavouring method in the West is to simmer whole cloves with fish, poultry, game and meat.
They are a common ingredient in spice mixes such as curry paste and the Mexican mole sauces. Cloves are also a key ingredient in the British Worcestershire sauce.
In Indonesia cloves are primarily used to produce clove cigarettes, or kretek. In recent years these have become increasingly popular in Western countries.
Clove oil is widely used as an analgesic and antiseptic agent in dentistry, and is often found in toothpaste and tooth powders. It is also a flavouring, scent or deodorant in a range of products, including perfumes, soaps and detergents.
Clove oil has also been used medicinally in the treatment of digestive ailments, as well as fungi and parasites.
Clove Allergy Test: Allergen Description
No allergens present in clove have been characterised to date.
Clove Allergy Test: Potential Cross-Reactivity
Cross-reactivity can be expected among the different species of the genus.
Clove and allspice have often been reported to provoke allergic patch-test reactions in patients allergic to balsam of Peru. This is theorised to be as a result of these spices containing several of the same or related substances, e.g. cinnamic aldehyde, eugenol and vanillin.
Clove Allergy Test: Clinical Experience
Anecdotal evidence suggests that clove may induce symptoms of food allergy in sensitised individuals; however, few studies have been reported to date. It is possible that the allergy occurs more frequently than has been reported.
In a study of Type VI delayed-hypersensitivity reactions to spice, clove caused the most reactions, followed by Jamaica pepper and cinnamon.
In another study of 1,000 patients investigated for occupational skin disease, 5 displayed occupational allergic contact dermatitis (to the hand or finger) from spices. The causative spices were garlic, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and clove.
Oral irritation, purpura of the lips and stomatitis with clove oil have been reported.
Other reactions
Clove, present in a herbal product, has been said to potentially increase the risk of bleeding or potentiate the effects of warfarin therapy.
Health effects, including severe pulmonary toxicity, are suspected to be associated with clove cigarette (kretek) use among adolescents and young adults.
It’s a chilly winter evening, and you’re sipping on a warming mug of mulled wine. Suddenly, you notice a tingling in your mouth, or your throat feels irritated. You might assume it’s the spices creating some heat, but this could be a sign of a clove allergy.
Symptoms of a clove allergy
If you experience any of the following symptoms after consuming or coming into contact with cloves, it could indicate an allergy:
- Oral reactions: Itching, swelling, or a burning sensation in the mouth or throat
- Skin irritation: Rashes, hives, or contact dermatitis from clove oil
- Digestive issues: Stomach cramps, nausea, or diarrhoea
- Respiratory problems: Coughing, sneezing, or wheezing from airborne clove particles or essential oils
- Severe reactions: Anaphylaxis, including difficulty breathing or a drop in blood pressure, though rare
If these symptoms arise after consuming dishes, drinks, or products containing cloves, it might be time to investigate further.
What is a clove allergy?
A clove allergy is an immune response to eugenol, the primary compound in cloves. Found in both the spice and clove oil, eugenol can cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. While rare, clove allergies can manifest through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, making it important to identify and manage exposure.
Why can a clove allergy be a problem?
Cloves are a common ingredient in festive foods and drinks, such as mulled wine, pumpkin spice blends, or spiced baked goods. Clove oil is also widely used in dental care products (like toothpaste and mouthwash), aromatherapy, and household cleaning items. This means accidental exposure can occur not just in the kitchen, but in everyday life, complicating efforts to avoid this allergen.
What should I do if I suspect a clove allergy?
If you suspect that cloves are triggering your symptoms, allergy testing is the best way to confirm this. Understanding your clove sensitivity can help you avoid reactions and manage your lifestyle with greater ease.
Why choose our clove allergy testing kit?
Discover if cloves are affecting your health with our clove allergy testing kit.
- Simple process: Your kit includes two finger prick samples and step-by-step instructions. Mail your samples in the prepaid envelope, and within three weeks, your results will be ready.
- Accurate results: Our advanced technology ensures precise and reliable insights into your sensitivity to cloves.
- Convenience: Test for a reaction to cloves from the comfort of your home without the need for a clinic visit.
- Comprehensive testing: We analyse specific markers linked to clove allergies, giving you a thorough understanding of your immune response.
- Expert consultation: After receiving your results, consult with our specialists for tailored advice and a personalised plan.
Take control of your clove allergy
Don’t let clove-related reactions limit your enjoyment of seasonal foods and products. Our clove allergy testing kit and expert support provide you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your health and diet. Order your kit today and take the first step toward a safer, healthier lifestyle.
