Cloves are small, aromatic flower buds commonly used in cooking, baking, and traditional remedies. Known for their warm flavor and distinctive fragrance, these little spices contain plant compounds that have attracted scientific interest for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
But what can cloves really do for your health? Here are 11 potential benefits, along with important precautions to keep in mind.
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Cloves contain eugenol and other plant compounds with antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Including a variety of antioxidant-rich foods in your diet can support overall health.
2. May Support Oral Health
Cloves have a long history of use in traditional dental care. Eugenol has pain-relieving and antimicrobial properties, which is why it has been used in some dental products. However, chewing cloves is not a substitute for brushing, flossing, or professional dental treatment.
3. May Help Freshen Breath
The strong, aromatic flavor of cloves can temporarily freshen your breath. However, persistent bad breath may be related to dental problems, dry mouth, or other conditions that require attention.
4. May Support Healthy Digestion
Cloves have traditionally been used to help relieve digestive discomfort. Some laboratory and preliminary research suggests that compounds in cloves may influence digestive processes, but strong human evidence for these benefits remains limited.
5. Contains Anti-Inflammatory Compounds
Eugenol has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory studies. Researchers are investigating how these properties may affect human health, but eating cloves has not been established as a treatment for inflammatory diseases.
6. May Help Protect Against Certain Microorganisms
Clove extracts and essential oil have shown antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies. These findings are promising, but they do not mean that chewing cloves can prevent or cure infections.
7. May Support Normal Blood Sugar Regulation
Some preliminary research suggests that clove compounds may influence glucose metabolism. However, evidence in humans is limited, and cloves should never replace prescribed diabetes medication or recommended dietary care.
8. May Contribute to Heart Health
The antioxidant properties of compounds found in cloves have prompted research into their potential cardiovascular effects. Nevertheless, there is not enough clinical evidence to conclude that chewing cloves prevents heart disease or lowers cholesterol in people.
9. May Help Relieve Minor Tooth Discomfort Temporarily
Eugenol has traditionally been used for temporary relief of dental pain. However, whole cloves can irritate the mouth, and clove essential oil can cause burns or tissue damage if used improperly. Tooth pain should be assessed by a dentist, particularly when it is severe or persistent.
10. May Support Liver Health Through Further Research
Some animal and laboratory studies have investigated the potential protective effects of eugenol against certain forms of liver damage. These findings cannot establish the same benefit in humans. In concentrated amounts, eugenol can itself cause serious liver injury.
11. Adds Flavor Without Extra Sugar or Salt
One of the most practical benefits of cloves is their ability to enhance the flavor of meals, teas, soups, and desserts. Using aromatic spices can help make food enjoyable without relying as heavily on added sugar or salt.
How Can You Use Cloves Safely?
Cloves can be added to soups, stews, rice dishes, baked goods, and warm beverages. Some people chew a whole clove occasionally, but doing so is not necessary to enjoy its culinary benefits.
Keep these precautions in mind:
- Use cloves in ordinary culinary quantities rather than taking concentrated preparations without professional advice.
- Avoid swallowing clove essential oil. Concentrated eugenol can be toxic, especially in children.
- Ask a healthcare professional before using medicinal amounts if you take blood-thinning medication, have a bleeding disorder, or have liver disease.
- Stop using cloves if they cause mouth irritation or an allergic reaction.
The Bottom Line
Cloves are a flavorful spice containing interesting plant compounds, particularly eugenol. Research suggests potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, but many claimed health benefits have not yet been confirmed in high-quality human studies.
Enjoy cloves as part of a balanced diet, but remember that no single spice can replace medical treatment, a nutritious diet, or healthy daily habits.