You’ve likely seen cloves in your spice rack — whole or ground — adding warmth to mulled wine, pumpkin pie, or chai.
But this tiny, nail-shaped bud is far more than a flavor booster.
For thousands of years , cloves have been used in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and folk healing for their potent medicinal properties .
Packed with eugenol , a powerful compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects , cloves are a natural powerhouse for:
Soothing toothaches
Easing digestive issues
Fighting infections
Boosting immunity
Let’s explore the science-backed health benefits of cloves — and how to use them safely at home.
What Are Cloves?
Cloves are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia.
They’re rich in
Eugenol (70–90% of clove oil) — a natural anesthetic and antiseptic
Antioxidants — help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress
Vitamins & minerals — manganese, vitamin K, and fiber
According to the USDA, cloves have one of the highest antioxidant levels of any food or spice.
7 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Cloves
1. Natural Toothache Relief (Yes, It Works!)
Eugenol is the active ingredient in dental cement and temporary fillings.
Clove oil numbs pain and fights bacteria in the mouth
A 2006 study in the Journal of Dentistry found clove gel was as effective as benzocaine for numbing oral pain
How to use:
Dab 1–2 drops of clove oil (diluted with coconut oil) on a cotton ball and apply to the affected tooth
Chew a whole clove near the painful area (spit out after 10 minutes)
Never apply undiluted clove oil directly — it can burn gums or damage tissue.
2. Soothes Digestive Issues
Cloves stimulate digestive enzymes and help reduce:
Bloating
Gas
Nausea
Indigestion
They also have anti-ulcer properties — studies show clove extract may protect the stomach lining from H. pylori bacteria.
How to use:
Sip clove tea after meals: Steep 2–3 whole cloves in hot water for 5–10 minutes
Add ground cloves to oatmeal, smoothies, or soups
3. Boosts Immune Function
Cloves are loaded with antioxidants that help your body fight off infections.
High in phenolic compounds and flavonoids
Shown to have antiviral and antibacterial effects in lab studies
A 2012 study found clove extract inhibited the growth of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus .
How to use:
Add cloves to immune-boosting teas with ginger, lemon, and honey
Use in cooking during cold and flu season
4. May Help Regulate Blood Sugar
Preliminary research suggests cloves may improve insulin sensitivity .
A 2019 animal study found clove extract lowered blood glucose levels
Human trials are limited, but promising for prediabetes support
How to use:
Sprinkle ground cloves into oatmeal, yogurt, or coffee
Combine with cinnamon and turmeric for a metabolic boost
5. Natural Breath Freshener & Oral Health Aid
Cloves have antimicrobial properties that kill odor-causing bacteria.
Used in natural mouthwashes and toothpastes
Helps prevent plaque and gingivitis
How to use:
Chew a whole clove to freshen breath (don’t swallow)
Make a DIY mouthwash: 1 cup water + 3 drops clove oil + 3 drops tea tree oil (swish, then spit)
6. Anti-Inflammatory Pain Relief
Eugenol acts as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent .
May help with arthritis, sore muscles, or headaches
Used in topical pain-relief oils and balms
How to use:
Mix 2–3 drops of clove oil with 1 tbsp carrier oil (coconut, almond) and massage into sore joints
Add to bathwater with Epsom salt for full-body relief
7. Supports Liver Health
Animal studies show clove oil may protect the liver from oxidative stress and toxin damag
Reduces inflammation and fat buildup in the liver
May support detoxification pathways
How to Use Cloves at Home
1. Clove Tea
Boil 2–3 whole cloves in 1 cup water for 5–10 minutes
Strain and drink warm — great for digestion or immunity
2. DIY Clove Oil (for topical use)
Crush 1 tbsp whole cloves
Mix with ¼ cup carrier oil (olive or coconut)
Let sit in a jar for 5–7 days, then strain
Store in a dark glass bottle
3. Cooking & Baking
Add to curries, stews, rice dishes, or mulled beverages
Use ground cloves in spice blends like pumpkin pie spice
Safety Tips & Precautions
Safe in food amounts — great for daily use
Reduces inflammation and fat buildup in the liver
May support detoxification pathways
How to Use Cloves at Home
1. Clove Tea
Boil 2–3 whole cloves in 1 cup water for 5–10 minutes
Strain and drink warm — great for digestion or immunity
2. DIY Clove Oil (for topical use)
Crush 1 tbsp whole cloves
Mix with ¼ cup carrier oil (olive or coconut)
Let sit in a jar for 5–7 days, then strain
Store in a dark glass bottle
3. Cooking & Baking
Add to curries, stews, rice dishes, or mulled beverages
Use ground cloves in spice blends like pumpkin pie spice
Safety Tips & Precautions
Safe in food amounts — great for daily use
Don’t swallow clove oil — can be toxic in large doses
Avoid in children under 2 — risk of liver damage
Pregnant or nursing? Talk to your doctor first
Allergic reactions? Stop use if you develop rash or swelling
Never use cloves as a replacement for medical treatment — especially for dental infections or chronic conditions.
Final Thoughts
Cloves are more than just a holiday spice.
They’re a time-tested, science-supported remedy with real power to support your health — from your mouth to your gut, and beyond.
So next time you reach for that jar of whole cloves, remember:
Don’t swallow clove oil — can be toxic in large doses
Avoid in children under 2 — risk of liver damage
Pregnant or nursing? Talk to your doctor first
Allergic reactions? Stop use if you develop rash or swelling
Never use cloves as a replacement for medical treatment — especially for dental infections or chronic conditions.
Final Thoughts
Cloves are more than just a holiday spice.
They’re a time-tested, science-supported remedy with real power to support your health — from your mouth to your gut, and beyond.
So next time you reach for that jar of whole cloves, remember:
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