Cloves: 12 Health Benefits, How to Use & Contraindications

Cloves can can be consumed to achieve many health benefits, like treating infections and pain. They can also improve digestion, reduce coughing and helping to boost libido.

These benefits are due to the fact that cloves have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, spasmodic and aphrodisiac properties. They also contain nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin E and beta-carotene.

Cloves are scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticus. They can be used in their natural form to flavor foods, such as soups, stews and breads or to prepare infusions, or purchased as powder or essential oil form.

Health benefits

The main health benefits of cloves include: 

1. Fighting infections

Due to its antimicrobial action, cloves can be used to fight bacterial infections (especially staphylococci and E. coli bacteria) as well as fungal infections. This action is believed to be related to the presence of eugenol, methyl salicylate, kaemferol, gallic acid and oleanolic acid commonly found in cloves.  

These components seem to denature the proteins that react with the cellular membrane of bacteria. They alter membrane permeability and prevent them from developing and multiplying. 

2. Preventing cancer

Cloves contain a high concentration of phenolic compounds, which give them an antioxidant action. They protect the body from serious chronic illnesses, like cancer, by fighting free radicals that cause damage to tissues in the body..

3. Decreasing pain

Eugenol is one of the most recognized components of cloves. It is well studies and has been used for many years in the dental field to reduce pain and inflammation from dental procedures. 

According to many studies, eugenol acts by suppressing prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators to reduce the sensitivity of pain receptors. 

4. Repelling mosquitos and other insects 

Cloves contain a natural aroma that repels insects, as its characteristic smell is generally unpleasant to bugs. To use it as an insect repellent in the kitchen, simply crush the cloves and leave them on a plate on top of the kitchen table. You can also stick individual cloves into a lemon or orange to repel bugs. 

You can also purchase specific products that contain clove oil, like candles, to keep insects away. 

5. Boosting libido

Clove extract is a great home remedy for sexual impotence. It contains many aphrodisiac properties that can increase libido. 

6. Treating bad breath

Due to its antiseptic properties and natural aromas, cloves can be used as a natural way to treat bad breath. To reap this benefit, you can chew on a clove until it is fully grinded in the mouth before spitting it out. You can also make clove tea and use it as a gargle to treat foul-smelling breath.

 7. Promoting optimal digestion

Cloves can also improve digestion and help to control diarrhea. They activate enzymes that help with food breakdown in the stomach and intestine. Cloves can also be used to treat intestinal gas, especially when consumed as a tea following a gas-inducing meal (like black beans, broccoli or cauliflower).  

8. Speeding-up wound healing 

When applied directly to the skin, clove oil or a plant-based cream with cloves can help to promote healing. It also reduces inflammation and irritation due to its antiseptic action. Cloves can be a great way to heal small anal fissures.

9. Relaxing muscles and treating fatigue 

Clove essential oil can help to relax muscles and may be used as a massage oil or as a gel applied to tired or injured muscles . Due to its characteristic aroma, it is also a great option for treating fatigue and melancholia. It can improve your mood so that you can participate in your day-to -day activities.

10. Decreasing blood pressure 

Some studies on cloves have shown that clove essential oil contains a hypotensive action. It can promote the relaxation (or dilation) of blood vessels, leading to reduced blood pressure. However, the use of cloves for blood pressure management has not yet been formally approved.

Check-out other natural remedies for blood pressure that you can use.

11. Relieving coughs

Due to its expectorant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, cloves can be used to help treat coughs, bronchitis and the common cold. They can help to reduce inflammation and eliminate phlegm, and be used in combination with medical treatment for bacterial respiratory infections

12. Fighting gingivitis

Cloves can help to combat gingivitis, as they naturally contain eugenol which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory action. It can help to reduce pain and inflammation of the gums, and can be prepared as a tea to make mouthwash. 

How to use cloves 

Cloves can be included in cakes, bread, desserts and soup broths. However, consuming cloves in tea form will guarantee the most therapeutic benefits, particularly when clove tea is made with cinnamon, lemon or ginger. 

• Tea from fresh cloves: Place 10g of cloves in a pot with 1 L of water, and boil for 15 minutes. Then allow to cool, strain, and drink up to 3 times per day. 
• Tea from powdered cloves: Take 300 to 500 mg of powder diluted in water, 2 to 3 times per day.  
• Using essential oils: Apply 2 or 3 drops on a cotton ball, and apply where desired. 

Clove preparations like creams or gels can be found in natural health product stores or compound pharmacies. 

Contraindications for use

Cloves are contraindicated for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women, and by children under 6 years old, as there are no studies to guarantee its safety. It is also not recommended for people with a history of gastritis or ulcers.

Cloves can cause skin irritation and digestive tract irritation in some people, therefore it should be used as directed by a doctor or medicinal plant specialist. 

Cloves contain a substance called eugenol, which can delay blood clotting. Therefore, clove tea should not be consumed for up to 2 weeks before a planned surgery. 

Furthermore, eugenol, which is one of the components of cloves, can be toxic when consumed in its pure form and in large quantities (with concentration greater than 600 mg/mL).

Cloves can also interact with some medications, such as antidiabetics and anticoagulants, and it is important to consult your doctor before consuming cloves.