Are Chewing Cloves Good for Your Body?

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, the active compound eugenol found in cloves has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This is one of many reasons why people often wonder, "Are chewing cloves good for your body?" and turn to this ancient spice for a natural wellness boost.

Quick Summary

Chewing cloves offers benefits for oral health, digestion, and provides a rich source of antioxidants. This traditional practice can help combat bad breath and soothe dental discomfort. However, moderation is key due to potential side effects from the compound eugenol, particularly for those on blood thinners or with liver concerns.

Key Points

Oral Health Booster: Chewing cloves naturally combats bad breath by killing odor-causing bacteria and can temporarily soothe toothaches and gum inflammation.
Digestive Aid: The practice stimulates digestive enzymes and saliva production, which can help relieve gas, bloating, and other digestive discomforts.
Rich in Antioxidants: Cloves are a potent source of antioxidants like eugenol, which fight free radical damage and protect against chronic diseases.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: The eugenol in cloves provides a natural anti-inflammatory effect that can help manage aches and pains, including joint discomfort.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies suggest that clove compounds may help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels, beneficial for those with diabetes.
Moderation is Key: While beneficial in small amounts (1-2 cloves daily), excessive intake, especially of concentrated clove oil, can be toxic and cause liver damage.
Important Caveats: Individuals on blood thinners, pregnant women, and children should be cautious with clove consumption due to potential interactions and toxicity risks.

The Science Behind Chewing Cloves

Cloves are the dried, unopened flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree and have been used for centuries in both culinary and medicinal applications. The primary active component in cloves is eugenol, a natural antioxidant with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and anesthetic qualities. When you chew on a clove, you are releasing these potent compounds, allowing them to interact directly with the bacteria and tissues in your mouth before being swallowed and entering your digestive system.

Benefits of Chewing Cloves

Chewing whole cloves provides a concentrated delivery of their beneficial properties. Unlike clove oil, which is highly potent and must be used with caution, chewing the buds offers a gentler and more direct application of their active components.

Improves Oral Health and Freshens Breath

Combats bad breath: The powerful antimicrobial action of eugenol directly attacks and kills the bacteria responsible for foul mouth odor. This makes chewing a clove a simple and effective natural breath freshener.
Soothes toothaches: Cloves have natural analgesic (pain-relieving) properties that can provide temporary relief from toothaches by numbing the affected area.
Reduces gum inflammation: The antiseptic qualities help fight against harmful oral bacteria that can lead to plaque buildup, gum disease, and infection.

Aids Digestion and Reduces Discomfort

Stimulates digestive enzymes: Chewing cloves stimulates the production of saliva and digestive enzymes, which helps improve the breakdown of food and aids digestion.
Relieves gas and bloating: The carminative properties of cloves help to ease gas, reduce bloating, and soothe the stomach, providing relief from common digestive issues.

Boosts Antioxidant and Immune Protection

Fights oxidative stress: Cloves are exceptionally rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to chronic disease.
Strengthens immune response: Research suggests that clove's antimicrobial and antiviral effects can help boost the immune system and protect against common infections.

Stabilizes Blood Sugar Levels

Enhances insulin function: Studies indicate that compounds in cloves may act similarly to insulin, helping to regulate blood sugar levels. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals managing type 2 diabetes.

How to Chew Cloves Safely

Moderation is crucial when chewing cloves to avoid potential side effects. Most experts suggest chewing just one to two whole cloves per day. Chew thoroughly to release the active compounds, and you can either swallow or spit out the remaining pieces. It is often recommended to do this after a meal to aid digestion or in the morning on an empty stomach to kickstart your metabolism.

Comparison: Chewing Whole Cloves vs. Ground Cloves


Feature	Chewing Whole Cloves	Consuming Ground Cloves
Potency & Absorption	Direct release of essential oils in the mouth, leading to rapid local effects and slower systemic absorption.	Active compounds are blended with food; absorption is more gradual and less concentrated in the mouth.
Oral Health Impact	Highly effective for bad breath, toothache, and gum health due to direct application of eugenol.	Less effective for localized oral issues, as the benefits are more systemic.
Shelf Life	Retains potency for years when stored whole in an airtight container.	Loses potency quickly once ground; best used within months.
Flavor Experience	Intense, pungent, and warm flavor upon chewing, which can be overpowering for some.	Milder, more distributed flavor integrated into a dish or drink.
Control over Dosage	Easy to control by chewing only one or two buds.	Requires careful measurement to avoid overuse in recipes.

The Importance of Caution and Moderation

While chewing cloves offers many potential health benefits, it's not without risk, especially when consumed in excessive amounts. The high concentration of eugenol can be toxic if consumed in large quantities, potentially causing liver damage. Individuals on blood-thinning medications or those with bleeding disorders should exercise extreme caution, as eugenol can slow blood clotting. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult a healthcare provider before using cloves medicinally.

Conclusion: The Balanced Approach

For many, the practice of chewing cloves can be a rewarding addition to a wellness routine, providing a natural way to freshen breath, aid digestion, and boost antioxidant intake. However, it is essential to approach this practice with a balanced perspective, prioritizing moderation over excess. By sticking to a small number of cloves daily and being mindful of your individual health conditions, you can safely enjoy the ancient benefits of this potent spice. For persistent health concerns, such as chronic bad breath or digestive issues, it is always best to consult a medical professional rather than relying solely on herbal remedies. The key to harnessing the power of cloves lies in a respectful and measured approach, allowing you to benefit from nature's small but mighty offering.

Potential side effects of excessive clove consumption

Large amounts of cloves can upset the stomach, cause liver damage, and interfere with blood-thinning medications due to high levels of eugenol.

Cloves for bad breath and oral hygiene

Chewing cloves releases eugenol, which has powerful antibacterial properties that kill odor-causing bacteria in the mouth and help fight gum disease.

Cloves and blood sugar regulation

Some studies suggest that compounds in cloves can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, but more human research is needed.

Cloves for pain and inflammation

Eugenol is an anti-inflammatory compound that provides analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, which can help soothe toothaches and minor aches.

Is it safe to swallow a chewed clove?

Swallowing a chewed clove is generally considered safe in small amounts, but ingesting large quantities is not recommended due to potential side effects.

Chewing cloves for liver health

Some research indicates that cloves have hepatoprotective properties and can support liver health, but excessive intake of eugenol can damage the liver.

How many cloves should you chew daily?

Experts recommend chewing one to two whole cloves per day to receive the benefits without risking potential side effects from excessive intake.

Best time to chew cloves for health benefits

Many suggest chewing cloves in the morning on an empty stomach to stimulate digestion or after meals as a breath freshener.

Frequently Asked Questions

While chewing cloves effectively freshens breath by killing odor-causing bacteria, it provides a temporary solution, not a permanent cure. For long-term results, it's essential to combine this practice with a consistent oral hygiene routine, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups.

Swallowing a chewed clove in moderation is generally safe. The danger lies in consuming excessive amounts, particularly concentrated clove oil, which can be toxic due to its high eugenol content.

For safety and effectiveness, it is typically recommended to chew one to two whole cloves per day. This allows you to benefit from the active compounds without risking potential side effects from overuse.

Yes, cloves, particularly due to their eugenol content, can interact with certain medications, especially blood-thinning drugs like warfarin. Anyone on medication, or with pre-existing health conditions, should consult a doctor before using cloves medicinally.

In small amounts, side effects are rare. However, excessive chewing can lead to gastrointestinal upset, mouth irritation, and, in higher doses, liver toxicity due to the potent eugenol. It can also lower blood sugar levels.

To benefit oral health, gently chew one clove after a meal or whenever you need a breath freshener. Allow the essential oils to coat your mouth and teeth, then either swallow or discard the remaining bud.

Yes, cloves have carminative properties that can aid digestion by stimulating enzymes and relaxing the digestive tract muscles, which helps relieve gas and bloating.