Eat cloves every day, but avoid this common mistake!
Clove: The Tiny Spice with Powerful Health Benefits—and Important Warnings
Clove, a small, aromatic spice often tucked away in kitchen cabinets, holds a surprisingly potent place in traditional and modern health practices. Used for centuries in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and holistic remedies, this humble bud offers a wealth of benefits—from numbing pain and reducing inflammation to supporting heart health and digestion. But while cloves can be a powerful ally in natural wellness, they’re also commonly misunderstood and occasionally misused. Learning the proper way to use cloves is essential to unlocking their benefits safely and effectively.
What Makes Clove So Powerful?
The secret to clove’s strength lies in eugenol, a natural compound that has been used in dental procedures for its anesthetic and antiseptic properties. Eugenol is responsible for the signature numbing sensation you feel when applying clove oil or chewing the buds, especially for toothaches. However, this effect can cause confusion. Many people mistakenly believe the numbness or tingling means they’re having an allergic reaction. In reality, this is a normal, temporary reaction to eugenol—and one of the reasons clove has become a go-to natural remedy for oral pain.
Storing Cloves the Right Way
Cloves are most effective when they’re fresh and potent, which depends heavily on how they’re stored. Exposure to heat, light, and moisture can degrade their essential oils and medicinal value. To preserve their strength, always store cloves in an airtight glass container in a cool, dark place—a pantry or spice drawer away from the stove is ideal. You can tell if your cloves are still fresh by crushing one slightly; if it releases a strong, spicy aroma, it’s still active. If not, it may be time to restock.
How Much Is Too Much?
Although cloves offer impressive benefits, more isn’t always better. In moderate amounts—such as using 1–2 whole cloves a day or adding a pinch of ground clove to tea or food—they are generally safe for most people. However, excessive consumption can lead to problems. High doses of eugenol can irritate the stomach lining, trigger nausea, or put strain on the liver over time. People with preexisting liver conditions should be especially cautious and avoid high doses of clove or clove oil entirely.
Special Considerations for Diabetics
Cloves can help lower blood sugar levels, which is great for many—but it can also pose a serious risk for people with diabetes. If you’re already taking insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications, adding cloves to your daily routine may amplify their effect, potentially leading to hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar). Always speak with your doctor or a licensed healthcare provider before incorporating cloves regularly into your diet if you manage diabetes or any chronic health condition.
Cloves Are Not a Substitute for Dental Care
Many people reach for cloves to relieve tooth pain—and it’s true, cloves are one of the most effective natural pain-relievers for oral discomfort. But they are not a cure. While they can ease pain temporarily, they do nothing to address infections, cavities, or underlying dental disease. Using cloves as a substitute for dental visits can delay proper treatment and worsen the issue. They’re best used as a temporary measure until professional care is available.
Be Cautious with Clove Oil
Clove essential oil is extremely concentrated and should always be handled with care. Applying it undiluted to the skin can cause burns or irritation, especially on sensitive areas like the mouth or face. Even more dangerous is ingesting clove oil, which can lead to liver damage, seizures, or other severe health issues—especially in children. If you want to use clove oil externally (for example, as a chest rub or for aromatherapy), always dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and use only a few drops at a time.
Blood-Thinning Risks
Cloves also have blood-thinning properties, which can be dangerous when combined with certain medications. If you’re taking anticoagulants like warfarin, aspirin, or even certain herbal supplements, cloves could increase the risk of internal bleeding or bruising. Consult with a doctor before using cloves regularly if you’re on any medication that affects your blood’s clotting ability.
The Bottom Line
Clove may be small in size, but its effects on the body are anything but minor. From natural pain relief and immune support to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, it’s a spice that deserves respect and proper use. When used in moderation and stored correctly, cloves can be a safe, natural way to support well-being. But overuse or misuse can turn this powerful remedy into a health risk.
As with any natural product, the key is balance and awareness. With the right approach, cloves can become a trusted part of your wellness routine—flavorful in food and powerful in healing.
