Cloves are a multipurpose spice that not only enhance flavor but also offer several potential health perks. They are rich in antioxidants, may assist with blood sugar control, possess antibacterial properties, and more.
These spice buds come from the clove tree, an evergreen botanically known as Syzygium aromaticum.
Available whole or ground, cloves can season roasts, add depth to warm drinks, and lend a spicy-sweet note to baked goods like cookies and cakes.
You might recognize cloves as a signature component of gingerbread treats or as a frequently used spice in Indian dishes.
Beyond their well-known sweet and fragrant profile, cloves have a history of use in traditional medicine.
Indeed, studies indicate that compounds in cloves could confer multiple health benefits, including supporting liver function and contributing to blood sugar stability.
This piece outlines eight notable health benefits associated with consuming cloves.
1. Provide key nutrients
Cloves supply fiber, vitamins, and minerals, so adding whole or powdered cloves to recipes can contribute modestly to your nutrient intake.
One teaspoon (2 grams) of ground cloves contains:
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Manganese: 55% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin K: 2% of the DV
Manganese is an essential mineral important for cognitive function and bone development.
Although cloves are a good source of manganese, they are usually consumed in small amounts and therefore don’t supply large quantities of nutrients overall.
2. Rich source of antioxidants
Along with several vitamins and minerals, cloves are abundant in antioxidants.
Antioxidants help lower oxidative stress, a factor in the onset and progression of chronic illnesses.
Cloves contain eugenol, a compound shown to function as a natural antioxidant. Including cloves alongside other antioxidant-rich foods may support better overall health.
3. May support liver health
A 2022 animal study reported that clove extract helped mitigate liver injury caused by the toxin thioacetamide. In particular, eugenol appears to offer protective effects for the liver.
That said, human data are limited, and excessive amounts can actually harm the liver.
4. May offer anticancer effects
Some studies indicate clove oil might have protective effects against cancer.
Specifically, eugenol has demonstrated anticancer activity. Test-tube research shows eugenol can trigger cell death in breast cancer cell lines.
However, because eugenol can be toxic at high doses and overconsumption of clove oil may damage the liver—particularly in children—more research is necessary to assess safe, effective doses in people.
5. Antibacterial properties
Cloves exhibit antimicrobial activity, meaning they can hinder the growth of microbes like bacteria.
Moreover, when used alongside regular brushing and sound oral hygiene, the antibacterial action of cloves may support dental health.
6. May help control blood sugar
Compounds in cloves could assist in maintaining blood glucose levels. For instance, a 2019 trial reported that people with and without prediabetes who took 250 mg of clove extract daily for 30 days had significantly lower post-meal blood sugar.
In another animal study, nigricin—a constituent of cloves—enhanced cellular glucose uptake, boosted insulin secretion, and improved beta-cell function in mice.
Combined with a balanced diet, cloves may help modulate blood sugar, though additional human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
7. May support bone health
Low bone mass affects an estimated 43 million Americans per the latest estimates from 2014.
This condition can progress to osteoporosis, increasing the likelihood of fractures.
Animal research indicates eugenol might help enhance bone mass. Additionally, cloves are a source of manganese, a mineral involved in bone formation and essential for bone health.
Nevertheless, more human-focused research is required to determine the effects of cloves on bone.
8. May help prevent stomach ulcers
Certain animal studies suggest eugenol could be useful in treating gastric ulcers.
Stomach ulcers, or peptic ulcers, are painful lesions that develop in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus.
In vitro research also indicates that clove oil may act against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to ulcers and, in some cases, gastric cancer.
While these findings are promising, more clinical studies are needed to confirm anti-ulcer effects in humans.
Potential side effects of clove
Keep the following safety considerations in mind when using clove:
- Eating cloves: Consuming small amounts is unlikely to be harmful. The FDA classifies clove buds and clove oil as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in foods. However, evidence on consuming large quantities is limited—particularly for pregnant or nursing individuals—so it’s wise to stick to typical culinary amounts.
- Ingesting clove oil: Although both clove and clove oil contain eugenol, concentrations are far higher in the distilled oil. For this reason, clove oil is unsafe to ingest, especially for children. Even small oral doses can lead to severe effects like seizures, liver injury, and electrolyte disturbances. It can also increase bleeding risk in those with clotting disorders or undergoing surgery.
- Topical use: Clove oil or creams derived from clove are generally considered safe for skin application, though using clove oil on gums may cause irritation or damage.
- Drug interactions: If you take medications that affect blood clotting or blood glucose (for example, diabetes drugs), be cautious: eugenol in cloves might interact with these treatments.
How to use cloves
For clove oil, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommends:
- Aromatherapy (spray or diffuser): Mix 10–15 drops per ounce of water.
- Topical: Blend 10–15 drops into a carrier oil such as coconut oil; use a smaller amount on sensitive skin.
- Dental: Dab a cotton ball in the topical blend and apply to the affected tooth, avoiding contact with gums.
Learn more: What You Need to Know About Clove Essential Oil.
Including cloves in food
Like many nutritious ingredients, cloves are most beneficial when included as part of an overall healthy diet. Aim to incorporate cloves a few times per week into meals.
Ground cloves are easy to add to a variety of dishes, providing a warm, distinctive flavor to sweets, curries, and chutneys. Recipe ideas include:
- Icelandic breaded lamb chops with spiced red cabbage
- Chorizo and brandy chicken
- Pumpkin soup
- Sweetcorn fritters with homemade ketchup
- Mulled wine baked fruit
Benefits of clove tea
Another popular way to enjoy cloves is to simmer whole cloves in boiling water for 5–10 minutes to make a calming cup of clove tea.
Traditionally, clove has been used to ease nausea and to alleviate symptoms of respiratory infections or asthma, though more human and animal research is necessary to confirm these uses.
The takeaway
Cloves are the small flower buds harvested from the clove tree, enjoyed both whole and ground in numerous culinary applications.
While prized for their sweet, aromatic flavor, cloves have also been employed in traditional remedies.
They may offer several potential health benefits, including supporting blood sugar control and inhibiting bacterial growth, though further research—especially in humans—is needed to confirm many of these effects.
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