Key Takeaways

• Cloves contain eugenol, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce pain and fight infections.
• Regular consumption of cloves may help regulate blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for people managing diabetes.
• Cloves are excellent for oral health, providing natural relief for toothaches and helping fight bacteria that cause bad breath and gum disease.
• The antioxidants in cloves support liver function and help protect cells from oxidative damage, potentially slowing the aging process.
• You can easily incorporate cloves into your daily routine through cooking, teas, or homemade remedies to harness their full health benefits.

Updated on November 1, 2025 — we’ve added fresh insights on using Cloves in everyday cooking and nutrition.

Tucked away in most spice cabinets sits a powerful health ally that many overlook. Those small, nail-shaped aromatic buds pack a remarkable punch when it comes to improving your wellbeing. Harvested from the flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, cloves have been valued for centuries not just for their distinctive flavor but for their impressive medicinal properties.

What makes cloves truly special is their concentrated source of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. Rich in manganese, vitamin K, and fiber, these tiny spice powerhouses deliver an impressive array of health benefits that modern research continues to validate. From soothing toothaches to potentially fighting cancer cells, the applications of this ancient spice in contemporary health practices are expanding rapidly.

Traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine practitioners have long recognized cloves’ healing potential, using them to address everything from digestive complaints to respiratory issues. Today, Natural Remedies Advocate brings these time-tested benefits into focus alongside cutting-edge research, helping you understand how this common kitchen spice could transform your health routine naturally.

Article-at-a-Glance

Cloves stand among nature’s most potent medicinal spices, containing compounds that fight inflammation, bacteria, and oxidative stress throughout the body. Their active component, eugenol, provides natural pain relief while other compounds help regulate blood sugar, support liver function, and boost immune health. Beyond their medicinal properties, cloves add warming complexity to both sweet and savory dishes across global cuisines. From homemade remedies for toothaches to everyday cooking applications, this article explores the multifaceted benefits of incorporating cloves into your wellness and culinary routines. For a similar spice with numerous health benefits, consider exploring cinnamon as well.

Why Cloves Are Nature’s Hidden Healing Treasure

Cloves have been prized for their medicinal properties since ancient times, appearing in texts from Chinese medicine dating back to 300 BCE. These aromatic flower buds from the evergreen clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia, contain a remarkable concentration of nutrients and beneficial compounds rarely found in such abundance in a single natural source. Their distinctive aroma and flavor come from eugenol, the primary bioactive compound that constitutes 72-90% of the essential oil extracted from cloves.

What makes cloves truly exceptional is their extraordinarily high antioxidant content. According to the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale, which measures antioxidant potency, cloves score over 290,000 units per 100 grams – the highest of any spice and far exceeding better-known antioxidant sources like chicory (2,400) or dark chocolate (20,000). This antioxidant power helps neutralize free radicals that cause cellular damage and contribute to chronic diseases and aging.

Beyond their antioxidant content, cloves contain a diverse array of beneficial compounds, including flavonoids, hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and hydroxyphenyl propens. These phytochemicals work synergistically to produce cloves’ anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, and carminative properties. Perhaps most impressive is how these complex benefits come packaged in a simple, accessible spice that can be easily incorporated into daily life through cooking, teas, or topical applications.

The Powerful Health Benefits of Cloves You Need to Know

• Natural pain relief through eugenol’s analgesic properties
• Antibacterial effects that fight oral pathogens and prevent infections
• Blood sugar regulation through insulin-like activity
• Liver protection against toxins and oxidative stress
• Digestive support that reduces bloating and improves gut health
• Respiratory benefits, including cough suppression and expectorant effects
• Potential cancer-fighting properties through selective cytotoxicity
• Bone health support through preservation of bone mineral density

While many spices offer health benefits, cloves stand apart for their exceptional versatility and potency. Their therapeutic effects extend to nearly every system in the body, making them one of nature’s most comprehensive medicinal foods. Research continues to uncover new applications for this ancient remedy, with recent studies examining cloves’ potential in preventing neurodegenerative disorders and supporting cardiovascular health.

What’s particularly valuable about cloves is their accessibility and ease of use. Unlike many natural remedies that require special preparation or rare ingredients, cloves can be purchased affordably in most grocery stores and incorporated into everyday meals. This practical aspect makes their impressive health benefits attainable for virtually everyone, regardless of budget or cooking expertise.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties That Reduce Pain

The pain-relieving power of cloves comes primarily from eugenol, a natural compound that works similarly to commercial numbing agents by blocking nerve signals. This explains why dentists have traditionally used clove oil as an analgesic and why many cultures apply cloves directly to aching teeth for immediate relief. Beyond simply masking pain, research shows that eugenol inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, addressing the underlying inflammation that causes discomfort.

“Eugenol’s mechanism of action involves inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but without many of the associated side effects. This makes cloves a valuable natural alternative for managing chronic inflammatory conditions.” — Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2019

For those suffering from arthritis or inflammatory conditions, cloves offer a complementary approach to pain management. Studies have demonstrated that regular consumption of clove tea or incorporation of ground cloves into the diet may help reduce inflammatory markers in the body. The effects are cumulative, with research suggesting that consistent use over several weeks provides more substantial benefits than occasional application.

Antibacterial Effects for Oral Health

Cloves shine brightest perhaps in their ability to promote oral health through potent antibacterial properties. The eugenol in cloves effectively combats bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, primary culprits behind tooth decay and gum disease. This natural antibacterial action explains why cloves have been used for centuries in traditional dental care across multiple cultures, from India to Indonesia.

Modern dental research has validated these traditional applications, with studies showing that clove oil can reduce plaque accumulation and gingivitis when used in mouthwash formulations. The benefits extend beyond fighting bacteria – cloves also freshen breath naturally by neutralizing odor-causing compounds rather than simply masking them. Many commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes now incorporate clove oil specifically for these properties.

For those dealing with dental pain before a professional appointment, cloves offer one of nature’s most effective emergency remedies. Simply placing a whole clove near the affected area and gently biting down releases pain-relieving compounds directly where needed. Alternatively, a drop of diluted clove essential oil applied to the painful area can provide almost immediate relief in many cases, making it an invaluable addition to any natural medicine cabinet.

Blood Sugar Regulation for Diabetes Management

Emerging research suggests cloves may play a valuable role in blood glucose management. Multiple studies have demonstrated that compounds in cloves can mimic insulin, helping to move glucose from the bloodstream into cells where it’s needed. This insulin-like activity makes cloves particularly interesting for those managing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

The benefits for blood sugar control come from polyphenols that appear to enhance insulin sensitivity at the cellular level. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that clove extract significantly improved insulin function in laboratory models of insulin resistance. What’s particularly promising is that these effects were observed at concentrations achievable through regular dietary consumption rather than requiring concentrated supplements.

For practical application, incorporating a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves into daily meals may help stabilize blood sugar levels, especially when consumed with carbohydrate-rich foods. Some traditional diabetes management practices recommend steeping whole cloves in water overnight and drinking this clove-infused water first thing in the morning for blood sugar support. While these approaches shouldn’t replace medical treatment, they represent promising complementary strategies backed by both traditional wisdom and modern research.

Liver Protection and Detoxification Support

The liver, our primary detoxification organ, receives significant support from the compounds found in cloves. Research indicates that eugenol and other antioxidants in cloves help protect liver cells from damage caused by environmental toxins, medication metabolism, and metabolic byproducts. This protective effect is particularly relevant in our modern world, where chemical exposure has become increasingly common.

Studies examining liver enzyme levels have found that clove extracts can help normalize elevated liver enzymes, a marker of liver stress or damage. This suggests that regular consumption of cloves may support overall liver function and resilience. The hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects appear to work through multiple mechanisms, including enhancing glutathione production – the body’s master antioxidant that plays a crucial role in detoxification pathways.

Beyond direct protection, cloves support the liver’s phase II detoxification processes, which are responsible for converting harmful compounds into water-soluble forms that can be safely eliminated from the body. This comprehensive support for detoxification pathways makes cloves a valuable addition to any natural liver support protocol, especially during seasonal cleansing routines or for those exposed to higher levels of environmental toxins.

Immune System Boost from Antioxidants

The exceptional antioxidant content in cloves directly translates to immune system support. With an ORAC value (a measure of antioxidant capacity) higher than almost any other food, cloves provide a powerful defense against oxidative stress that can compromise immune function. These antioxidants, including eugenol, kaempferol, and rhamnetin, neutralize harmful free radicals before they can damage cells and tissues.

Beyond their antioxidant action, cloves stimulate immune response through enhancing the production of white blood cells – our body’s primary defense against pathogens. This immune-stimulating effect combines with cloves’ natural antimicrobial properties to create a two-pronged approach to fighting infections. During cold and flu season, consuming cloves regularly may help reduce susceptibility to common respiratory infections.

• Increases production of white blood cells for better pathogen defense
• Provides potent antioxidants that protect immune cells from oxidative damage
• Contains eugenol with direct antimicrobial effects against common pathogens
• Reduces inflammation that can compromise immune function
• Supports respiratory health through expectorant and antiviral properties

How to Cook with Cloves in Everyday Meals

Incorporating cloves into your culinary repertoire offers a dual benefit: enhancing flavor while simultaneously boosting the nutritional profile of your meals. Though potent, cloves integrate beautifully into both sweet and savory dishes when used judiciously. The key to cooking successfully with cloves lies in understanding their intensity and knowing when to use whole versus ground forms for optimal results in different applications.

Sweet Dishes That Shine With Cloves

In sweet applications, cloves create depth and complexity that balances sweetness with their distinctive warm, slightly bitter notes. Classic pairings include apple desserts where cloves complement the fruit’s natural sweetness – think apple pies, compotes, and crisps where a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves transforms a simple dish into something memorable. Pumpkin and sweet potato dishes similarly benefit from cloves, which enhance their earthy sweetness while adding aromatic complexity.

Baked goods like gingerbread, spice cookies, and holiday cakes traditionally incorporate cloves alongside cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This quartet of spices creates the distinctive flavor profile we associate with winter baking. For a modern twist, try adding a pinch of ground cloves to chocolate desserts – the spice enhances chocolate’s depth while adding intriguing aromatic notes that most people can’t quite identify but find irresistible.

When Not to Use Cloves: Cautions and Contraindications

Despite their numerous health benefits, cloves aren’t appropriate for everyone in every situation. Like any powerful medicinal substance, they come with certain cautions that should be respected. Individuals with bleeding disorders should use cloves with particular caution, as compounds in cloves may slow blood clotting and potentially increase the risk of bleeding or bruising. This same property makes cloves problematic before surgery, and it’s generally recommended to stop consuming medicinal amounts at least two weeks before any scheduled surgical procedure.

Medication Interactions to Watch For

Cloves can interact with several common medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing side effects. The eugenol in cloves may enhance the effects of blood-thinning medications like warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel, potentially increasing bleeding risk when used together. Similarly, because cloves can affect blood sugar levels, they may interact with diabetes medications, potentially causing hypoglycemia if dosages aren’t adjusted accordingly.

Those taking medications metabolized by the liver should exercise caution with clove supplements or concentrated clove oil. Compounds in cloves can inhibit certain liver enzymes (particularly CYP3A4 and CYP2C9), potentially increasing blood levels of medications processed through these pathways. This includes many common drugs like certain statins, benzodiazepines, and some antihistamines. Always consult with a healthcare provider before combining clove supplements with prescription medications. For more information on liver health, you might find this chapter on the root of all disease insightful.

Pregnancy and Nursing Considerations

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should approach the medicinal use of cloves with extra caution. While culinary amounts used in cooking are generally recognized as safe during pregnancy, concentrated forms like clove oil or supplements haven’t been adequately studied in pregnant or lactating women. Some research suggests that excessive amounts of eugenol may have uterine-stimulating effects that could theoretically increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.

For nursing mothers, limited research exists on whether compounds from cloves pass into breast milk or what effects they might have on nursing infants. The safest approach is to enjoy cloves in normal food amounts while avoiding supplements or therapeutic doses during pregnancy and lactation unless specifically recommended by a qualified healthcare provider who is aware of your pregnancy or nursing status. For more insights into natural compounds, you might explore the benefits of cardamom as well.

Ready to feel your absolute best? Unlock vibrant, natural energy and nourish every cell in your body with the power of our 16 essential vitamins and 74+ pure plant-derived minerals – much more than in cloves. Discover the difference today – visit our shop page.

Use These Clove Tips to Transform Your Health and Cooking

Maximizing the benefits of cloves starts with proper selection and storage. Look for whole cloves that have a rich brown color, intact heads, and stems that don’t break easily. Quality cloves should have a strong, sweet-spicy aroma when scratched or crushed – if they lack fragrance, they’ve likely lost their potency. For convenience, ground cloves offer versatility in cooking, but they lose their beneficial compounds more quickly than whole cloves. Whenever possible, purchase whole cloves and grind them yourself just before use for maximum potency. For those interested in exploring other spices, cardamom is another aromatic option worth considering.

To extract the most benefit from cloves in cooking, consider blooming them in warm oil before adding other ingredients. This technique releases fat-soluble compounds and intensifies both flavor and therapeutic properties. For beverages like tea, steep whole cloves for at least 10-15 minutes to allow for proper extraction of beneficial compounds. To make a simple yet effective clove tea, combine 3-4 whole cloves with a cinnamon stick and a slice of ginger in hot water, steep for 15 minutes, then strain and add honey if desired.

“I recommend patients keep a small jar of whole cloves in their wellness cabinet. Beyond cooking, they’re invaluable for natural first aid – particularly for dental pain. Simply placing a whole clove near an aching tooth provides relief comparable to commercial numbing products but without artificial ingredients. It’s one of the most reliable natural remedies in my practice.” — Dr. Sarah Matthews, Integrative Dentist

For topical applications, create a therapeutic massage oil by infusing 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut) with 5-6 whole cloves. Heat gently for 20 minutes, strain, and use for muscle pain or arthritis relief. Remember that consistency matters most with natural remedies – incorporating small amounts of cloves regularly in your diet will provide greater benefit than occasional larger doses. Start with adding just a pinch to your morning tea or coffee, sprinkling on roasted vegetables, or incorporating into smoothies for an easy daily habit.

Frequently Asked Questions

As interest in natural remedies continues to grow, so do questions about how to use cloves effectively and safely. The following answers address the most common concerns about clove usage, dosing, safety, and applications based on both traditional wisdom and current scientific understanding. Remember that while cloves offer many benefits, they should complement rather than replace professional medical care for serious health conditions.

Can cloves help with toothache pain immediately?

Yes, cloves can provide rapid relief from toothache pain, often within minutes of application. The eugenol in cloves acts as a natural anesthetic by blocking nerve signals while simultaneously fighting bacteria that may be causing the infection. For fastest results, place a whole clove against the affected area and gently bite down to release the oils, or apply a drop of diluted clove oil directly to the painful site using a cotton swab. The numbing effect typically lasts 1-2 hours and can be repeated as needed until dental care can be obtained.

How many cloves should I consume daily for health benefits?

For general health maintenance, consuming ¼ to ½ teaspoon of ground cloves daily (approximately 2-4 whole cloves) is typically sufficient to obtain therapeutic benefits without risk of adverse effects. This amount can be easily incorporated into regular cooking or beverages like tea. For specific health concerns like blood sugar management or inflammatory conditions, some practitioners recommend gradually working up to ½-1 teaspoon daily, divided between meals.

It’s important to note that the therapeutic effects of cloves are often cumulative rather than immediate. Consistency matters more than quantity – regular consumption of small amounts typically provides better outcomes than occasional larger doses. Individuals with sensitive digestive systems should start with smaller amounts (⅛ teaspoon) and gradually increase as tolerated, as cloves’ potency can sometimes cause digestive discomfort when introduced suddenly in larger amounts. For those interested in exploring other potent herbs, tarragon is another option to consider.

Children, elderly individuals, and those with health conditions should generally consume lower amounts proportional to their body weight and overall health status. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using cloves medicinally if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.

The form in which you consume cloves affects their potency and therapeutic action. Whole cloves release their compounds more slowly and are ideal for teas and slow-cooked dishes. Freshly ground cloves provide the most immediate benefit as their volatile compounds haven’t had time to dissipate. Pre-ground cloves offer convenience but should be replaced every 3-6 months to ensure potency.

Are clove cigarettes safer than regular cigarettes?

No, clove cigarettes (also called kreteks) are not safer than regular cigarettes despite common misconceptions. While cloves themselves have health benefits when consumed in food or used medicinally, burning cloves creates harmful compounds just as burning tobacco does. Clove cigarettes typically contain 60-80% tobacco along with ground cloves and clove oil, meaning they deliver nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and additional toxic substances created when clove oils burn.

Some research suggests that clove cigarettes may actually pose additional risks beyond those of regular cigarettes. The eugenol in cloves can numb throat tissues, potentially allowing smokers to inhale more deeply and hold smoke longer in their lungs. This increases exposure to harmful compounds and may contribute to more severe respiratory damage over time. The FDA has banned flavored cigarettes, including clove cigarettes, in the United States precisely because of these health concerns and their appeal to younger smokers.

Can clove oil be applied directly to the skin?

Clove oil should never be applied to the skin at full strength as it can cause severe irritation, burning, tissue damage, and allergic reactions. For safe topical use, clove essential oil must be properly diluted in a carrier oil like coconut, olive, or jojoba oil at a concentration of no more than 0.5-1% (1-2 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil) for most applications. Even when diluted, it’s important to perform a patch test on a small area of skin and wait 24 hours to check for reactions before wider application.

Do cloves lose their medicinal properties when cooked?

Cloves retain many of their beneficial properties when cooked, though some heat-sensitive compounds may diminish with prolonged cooking at high temperatures. Eugenol, the primary active compound in cloves, is relatively stable during most cooking processes, especially when cloves are used in oil-based preparations that help preserve fat-soluble compounds. Gentle cooking methods like simmering in liquid or briefly toasting actually help release beneficial compounds from the cellular structure of whole cloves, potentially making them more bioavailable.

For maximum medicinal benefit, consider adding ground cloves toward the end of cooking time when possible. Alternatively, blooming whole cloves in oil at the beginning of cooking infuses the oil with beneficial compounds that are then distributed throughout the dish. Cold preparations like steeping cloves in room-temperature water overnight can preserve heat-sensitive compounds while still extracting many beneficial elements.

Different therapeutic compounds in cloves respond differently to heat. While some antioxidants remain stable during cooking, certain volatile oils may decrease. However, the overall nutritional profile remains beneficial even after moderate heating. This is why traditional medicinal systems often include cloves in cooked preparations like mulled beverages and slow-simmered dishes rather than insisting on raw consumption only.

For the best of both worlds, incorporate cloves into your diet through a variety of preparations – from raw applications like smoothies to cooked dishes and teas – to benefit from the full spectrum of their healing compounds. The convenience and palatability of cooked preparations may encourage more regular consumption, which ultimately provides greater benefit than occasional use of raw preparations with marginally higher compound levels.

Home