This is the most well-known use of cloves—and for good reason.
What it does: Eugenol is a natural anesthetic and antibacterial agent. It numbs pain while fighting the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
How to use it:
For toothache: Dip a cotton ball in clove oil and gently apply to the affected area.
As mouthwash: Steep 2-3 whole cloves in hot water for 10 minutes, strain, cool, and use as a mouth rinse.
For gum health: Add a drop of clove oil to your toothpaste when brushing.
Research: Studies have shown clove gel to be as effective as benzocaine for numbing oral mucosa before dental procedures.
2. Digestive Support
Cloves have been used for centuries to settle upset stomachs, reduce gas, and improve digestion.
What it does: Cloves stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, reduce gas, and have a carminative effect (helping to expel gas from the digestive tract).
How to use it:
Digestive tea: Steep 2-3 crushed cloves in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink after meals.
For nausea: Inhale the aroma of clove oil or sip clove tea.
Add to cooking: Simply include cloves in your meals for gentle, ongoing digestive support.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chronic inflammation is at the root of many modern diseases. Cloves can help.
What it does: Eugenol has been shown to reduce inflammation by suppressing inflammatory pathways in the body.
How to use it:
Internal use: Regular culinary use of cloves can contribute to lower overall inflammation.
Topical use: Dilute clove oil with a carrier oil (coconut, olive, or jojoba) and massage into sore joints or muscles.
Research: Animal studies have shown clove extract to be effective at reducing inflammation, comparable to some anti-inflammatory medications.
4. Immune System Support
Cloves are packed with antioxidants that help your body fight off illness.
What it does: The antioxidants in cloves neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and supporting immune function.
How to use it:
Immune tea: Combine cloves with ginger, cinnamon, and lemon for a powerful immune-boosting drink.
During cold season: Add cloves to soups, stews, and teas regularly.
5. Respiratory Health
Cloves can help clear congestion and soothe sore throats.
What it does: The expectorant properties of cloves help loosen mucus, while their antimicrobial effects fight respiratory infections.
How to use it:
Steam inhalation: Add 2-3 drops of clove oil to a bowl of hot water, drape a towel over your head, and inhale slowly.
Sore throat gargle: Use cooled clove tea as a gargle.
Cough relief: Clove tea with honey can soothe coughs.
6. Blood Sugar Support
Emerging research suggests cloves may help with blood sugar management.
What it does: Compounds in cloves may help improve insulin function and lower blood sugar.
How to use it: Incorporate cloves regularly into your cooking—they pair well with both sweet and savory dishes.
Research: Some studies have shown clove extract to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
7. Liver Protection
The antioxidants in cloves may help protect your liver from damage.
What it does: Cloves have been shown to reduce oxidative stress in the liver and may help protect against fatty liver disease.
How to use it: Regular, moderate consumption of cloves as part of a healthy diet.
8. Headache Relief
The cooling, numbing effect of clove oil can help ease tension headaches.
How to use it: Dilute clove oil with a carrier oil and massage into temples, forehead, and the back of the neck.
How to Use Cloves
In Cooking
Whole cloves: Add to soups, stews, rice dishes, and marinades. Remove before serving.
Ground cloves: Use in baked goods, spice blends, and rubs.
Clove tea: Steep 2-3 whole or crushed cloves in hot water for 10 minutes.
As a Supplement
Clove supplements are available in capsule form. Always follow package directions and consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
As Essential Oil
Important safety note: Essential oils are highly concentrated and should never be taken internally without professional guidance. Always dilute with a carrier oil before topical use.
Clove Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
2-3 whole cloves (or ½ teaspoon ground)
1 cup water
Optional: cinnamon stick, ginger slice, honey, lemon
Instructions:
Bring water to a boil.
Add cloves (and optional spices) to a mug.
Pour hot water over and steep for 10 minutes.
Strain if using whole cloves.
Add honey and lemon if desired.
Sip and enjoy.
Safety Precautions
While cloves are generally safe when used in food amounts, there are important precautions:
⚠️ Clove oil is potent. Always dilute with a carrier oil before applying to skin. Undiluted oil can cause burns or irritation.
⚠️ Internal use of essential oil should only be done under professional supervision.
⚠️ Blood thinning: Cloves may slow blood clotting. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners (like warfarin), consult your doctor before using medicinal amounts.
⚠️ Surgery: Stop using medicinal amounts of cloves at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery due to bleeding risk.
⚠️ Children and pregnancy: Consult a healthcare provider before using cloves medicinally in children or during pregnancy/breastfeeding.
⚠️ Low blood sugar: If you take diabetes medication, monitor your blood sugar closely when using medicinal amounts of cloves.
The Bottom Line
Cloves are far more than a holiday spice. They're a powerful, natural tool for supporting wellness—from soothing toothaches and settling stomachs to fighting inflammation and supporting immunity.
Used wisely and respectfully, this tiny bud can make a big difference in your health.
Start simple: Add a clove or two to your tea. Sprinkle a little ground clove into your oatmeal. Keep a small bottle of diluted clove oil in your medicine cabinet for toothaches.
Your spice rack holds more healing power than you might have imagined.
