In one test-tube study, the compounds extracted from cloves were found to stop the growth of two types of bacteria that contribute to gum disease ( 16 ).
8 Surprising Health Benefits of Cloves
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Cloves are a versatile spice that add flavor while also providing health benefits. They are high in antioxidants, may help regulate blood sugar, can kill bacteria, and more.
Cloves are the flower buds of the clove tree, an evergreen also known as Syzygium aromaticum ( 1 ).
Found in both whole and ground forms, this versatile spice can be used to season pot roasts, add flavor to hot beverages, and bring spicy warmth to cookies and cakes.
You may know cloves as one of the main ingredients in gingerbread baked goods or a staple spice in Indian cuisine.
Cloves are best known as a sweet and aromatic spice, but they have also been used in traditional medicine.
In fact, animal studies have found that the compounds in cloves may have several health benefits, including supporting liver health and helping stabilize blood sugar levels ( 2 , 3 ).
This article reviews 8 of the most impressive health benefits of eating cloves.
Cloves contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals, so using whole or ground cloves to add flavor to your food can provide some important nutrients.
One teaspoon (2 grams) of ground cloves contains ( 4 ):
Manganese is an essential mineral for maintaining brain function and building strong bones ( 5 , 6 ).
Apart from being a rich source of manganese, cloves are only used in small amounts and do not provide significant amounts of nutrients.
SUMMARY
Cloves are low in calories but a rich source of manganese. They’re otherwise an insignificant source of nutrients.
In addition to containing several important vitamins and minerals, cloves are rich in antioxidants ( 7 ).
Antioxidants are compounds that reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of chronic disease ( 8 ).
Cloves also contain a compound called eugenol, which has been shown to act as a natural antioxidant.
In fact, a test-tube study found that eugenol stopped oxidative damage caused by free radicals five times more effectively than vitamin E, another potent antioxidant ( 9 ).
Including cloves in your diet along with other antioxidant-rich foods can help improve your overall health.
SUMMARY
Cloves are high in antioxidants, including eugenol, which can help reduce oxidative stress.
Some research suggests that the compounds found in cloves might help protect against cancer.
One test-tube study found that clove extract helped stop the growth of tumors and promoted cell death in cancer cells ( 10 ).
Another test-tube study observed similar results, showing that concentrated amounts of clove oil caused cell death in 80% of esophageal cancer cells ( 11 ).
The eugenol found in cloves has also been shown to have anticancer properties.
A test-tube study found that eugenol promoted cell death in cervical cancer cells ( 12 ).
However, keep in mind that these test-tube studies used very concentrated amounts of clove extract, clove oil, and eugenol.
Eugenol is toxic in high amounts and overdosing on clove oil may cause liver damage, especially in children. Further research is needed to determine how lower amounts may affect humans ( 13 ).
SUMMARY
Test-tube studies show that the compounds in cloves may reduce cancer cell growth and promote cancer cell death. More research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Cloves have been shown to have antimicrobial properties, meaning they can help stop the growth of microorganisms like bacteria ( 14 ).
One test-tube study showed that clove essential oil killed three common types of bacteria, including E. coli, which is a strain of bacteria that can cause food poisoning ( 15 ).
What’s more, the antibacterial properties of cloves could even help promote oral health.
In one test-tube study, the compounds extracted from cloves were found to stop the growth of two types of bacteria that contribute to gum disease ( 16 ).
Another study in 40 people tested the effects of an herbal mouthwash consisting of tea tree oil, cloves, and basil.
After using the herbal mouthwash for 21 days, they showed improvements in gum health, as well as the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth ( 17 ).
In combination with regular brushing and proper oral hygiene, the antibacterial effects of cloves may benefit your oral health.
SUMMARY
Studies show that cloves may promote oral health, thanks to their antimicrobial properties, which may help kill harmful bacteria.
Studies show that the beneficial compounds in cloves could help promote liver health.
The compound eugenol may be especially beneficial for the liver.
One animal study fed rats with fatty liver disease mixtures containing either clove oil or eugenol.
Both mixtures improved liver function, reduced inflammation, and decreased oxidative stress ( 18 ).
Another animal study showed that the eugenol found in cloves helped reverse signs of liver cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver ( 2 ).
Unfortunately, research on the liver-protecting effects of cloves and eugenol in humans is limited.
However, one small study found that taking eugenol supplements for 1 week decreased levels of glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), a family of enzymes involved in detoxification that’s often a marker of liver disease ( 19 , 20 ).
Cloves are also high in antioxidants, which may help prevent liver disease due to their ability to help decrease oxidative stress ( 21 ).
Nevertheless, eugenol is toxic in high amounts. One case study in a 2-year-old boy showed that 5–10 mL of clove oil caused serious liver damage ( 22 ).
SUMMARY
Some studies show that cloves and the compounds they contain may help reduce oxidative stress and protect the liver.
Research shows that the compounds found in cloves may help keep blood sugar under control.
An animal study found that clove extract helped moderate blood sugar increases in mice with diabetes ( 3 ).
Another test-tube and animal study looked at the effects of clove extract and nigericin, a compound found in cloves, both on human muscle cells and in mice with diabetes.
Cloves and nigericin were found to increase the uptake of sugar from the blood into cells, increase the secretion of insulin, and improve the function of cells that produce insulin ( 23 ).
Insulin is a hormone responsible for transporting sugar from your blood into your cells. The proper functioning of insulin is essential for maintaining steady blood sugar levels.
In combination with a balanced diet, cloves could help keep your blood sugar levels in check.
SUMMARY
Test-tube and animal studies have shown that the compounds in cloves may help promote insulin production and lower blood sugar.
Low bone mass is a condition that affects an estimated 43 million older adults in the United States alone ( 24 ).
It can lead to the development of osteoporosis, which may increase the risk of breaks and fractures.
Some of the compounds in cloves have been shown to help preserve bone mass in animal studies.
For example, an animal study found that clove extract high in eugenol improved several markers of osteoporosis and increased bone density and strength ( 25 ).
Cloves are also rich in manganese, providing an impressive 30% of the DV in just 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of ground cloves ( 4 ).
Manganese is a mineral that’s involved in the formation of bone and incredibly important to bone health.
An animal study found that taking manganese supplements for 12 weeks increased bone mineral density and bone growth ( 26 ).
However, current research on the effects of cloves on bone mass is mostly limited to animal and test-tube studies. More research is needed to determine how it may affect bone formation in humans.
SUMMARY
Animal studies show that clove extract and manganese may help increase bone mineral density. More research is needed to confirm these effects.
Some research indicates that the compounds found in cloves could help treat stomach ulcers.
Also known as peptic ulcers, stomach ulcers are painful sores that form in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus.
They’re most commonly caused by reductions in the protective lining of the stomach, which are due to factors like stress, infection, and genetics ( 27 ).
In one animal study, essential oil from cloves was shown to increase the production of gastric mucus ( 28 ).
Gastric mucus functions as a barrier and helps prevent erosion of the stomach lining from digestive acids ( 29 ).
Another animal study found that clove extract helped treat stomach ulcers and exhibited effects similar to those of several anti-ulcer medications ( 30 ).
Though the anti-ulcer effects of cloves and their compounds may be promising, further studies are needed on their effects in humans.
SUMMARy
Some animal studies show that clove extract and clove oil may increase the production of gastric mucus and help protect against stomach ulcers. More research in humans is needed.
Cloves have many potential health benefits, including keeping blood sugar in check and helping block the growth of bacteria.
As with many healthy foods, they’re most effective when included as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Try integrating a few servings of cloves per week into your meals.
You can easily incorporate ground cloves into many dishes. They’ll bring a warm, distinctive flavor to desserts, curries, or chutneys.
You can also simmer whole cloves in boiling water for 5–10 minutes to make a soothing cup of clove tea.
Cloves are delicious and may provide many important health benefits.
Shop for cloves online.
Last medically reviewed on March 12, 2020
How we reviewed this article:
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Health Benefits of Cloves
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Vitamin C 1%
- Iron 0%
- Vitamin B6 0%
- Magnesium 0%
- Calcium 0%
- Vitamin D 0%
- Cobalamin 0%
- Vitamin A 0%
Spices used to be worth their weight in gold, and cloves were no exception. Cloves are the dried flowers of the clove tree. Native to the Spice Islands near China, cloves spread throughout Europe and Asia during the late Middle Ages as an important part of local cuisine. Today, cloves remain an important spice that gives many dishes that special kick.
Cloves can be used whole or ground. People often include ground cloves in spice mixes and whole cloves in recipes to add depth and flavor to a wide variety of foods. These small dark brown pods are used to spice up curries, season meats, enrich sauces like Worcestershire sauce, and even flavor spiced baked goods. They also provide some impressive health benefits.
Health Benefits
Cloves are a great source of beta-carotene, which helps give them their rich brown color. The carotene family of pigments are important antioxidants and provitamins. Carotene pigments can convert into vitamin A, an important nutrient for keeping your eyes healthy.
Some notable health benefits of cloves include:
Cloves include multiple compounds that are linked to anti-inflammatory properties. Eugenol is the most important of these compounds. Eugenol has been shown to reduce the inflammatory response in the body, reducing the risk of diseases such as arthritis and helping to manage symptoms.
Eugenol is also a potent antioxidant. Cloves are full of antioxidants. These compounds help your body to fight free radicals, which damage your cells and can lead to disease. By removing free radicals from your system, the antioxidants found in cloves can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Cloves can help protect your stomach from ulcers. Most ulcers are caused by thinning in the layers of mucus that protect your stomach lining. Preliminary studies show that cloves can thicken this mucus, lowering your risk of developing ulcers and helping existing ulcers heal.
Cloves may also promote better liver function. Some trials have shown that the eugenol found in cloves can help reduce signs of liver cirrhosis and fatty liver disease. It may also improve general liver function.
Nutrition
Cloves provide a significant amount of the mineral manganese. Manganese helps your body manage the enzymes that help repair your bones and produce hormones. Manganese can also act as an antioxidant that protects your body from free radicals.
Cloves are also an excellent source of:
Nutrients per Serving
A one teaspoon serving of cloves contains:
- Calories: 6
- Protein: Less than 1 gram
- Fat: Less than 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: Less than 1 gram
Things to Watch Out For
Cloves are potent in both their flavor and their effects. There are a few things to keep in mind when adding cloves to your recipes.
Drug interactions. Eugenol can sometimes interact with medication, such as Warfarin. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, avoid consuming clove oil or clove tea. It’s relatively safe to consume smaller amounts of cloves as spice, though.
Hypoglycemia. Cloves may also affect blood sugar levels. In people with diabetes, eugenol can lower blood glucose counts to safe levels. However, in excessive amounts, cloves can cause hypoglycemia, where your blood sugar levels are too low.
Essential Oil Toxicity. Clove essential oil contains a much higher dose of eugenol than whole or ground cloves do. Consuming pure clove oil can be toxic and lead to symptoms such as dizziness or even coma.
How to Use Cloves
Cloves are dried flowers, so they can be found all year long in spice shops, grocery stores, and health food stores nationwide.
Cloves come in both whole and ground form. However, their potency quickly fades once they’ve been ground. In order to keep their flavor strong, buy whole cloves and keep them in airtight containers until you want to use them. If you need ground cloves, you can grind them with a pepper mill so they remain as fresh as possible.
You can also make clove tea if you’re interested in getting a stronger dose of cloves:
- Grind a tablespoon of whole cloves.
- Steep the powder in boiling water for three or four minutes.
- Strain the spice out and you’ll be left with a rich spicy tea that’s perfect for winter months.
Cloves are a soothing, healthy addition to your diet. Here are some other ways to use this flavorful spice:
- Add ground cloves to pumpkin pie
- Add cloves to chai lattes
- Use whole cloves in a pickling mix for spicy pickles
- Include cloves as an essential spice in curry
- Make mulled wine with a heavy sprinkle of cloves
- Use cloves in rubs to season meats
Show Sources
Archives of Disease in Childhood: “Near fatal ingestion of oil of cloves.”
American Academy of Ophthalmology: “What Is Vitamin A Deficiency?”
American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy: “Potential Interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin.”
ESHA Research, Inc., Salem, Oregon.
Gut: “Glutathione S-transferases in alcoholic liver disease.”
Journal of Medicinal Food: “Protective effect of clove oil and eugenol microemulsions on fatty liver and dyslipidemia as components of metabolic syndrome.”
National Institutes of Health: “Manganese.”
Nigerian Journal of Physiological Science: “Effects of Clove and Fermented Ginger on Blood Glucose, Leptin, Insulin and Insulin Receptor Levels in High Fat DietInduced Type 2 Diabetes Rabbits.”
Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine: “Gastrointestinal effects of Syzigium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry (Myrtaceae) in animal models.”
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity: “An Overview on the Anti-Inflammatory Potential and Antioxidant Profile of Eugenol.”
Royal Museums Greenwich: “The Spice Islands.”
Spiceography: “Cooking with Cloves.”
UCLA Spice Exhibit: “Clove.”
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