Are Cloves Good to Ingest? Unpacking the Health Benefits and Risks

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, clove buds and oil are 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) for use as a food additive. But are cloves good to ingest as a regular health practice, and is it safe to consume them beyond culinary quantities? The answer lies in understanding the difference between culinary use and concentrated forms.

Quick Summary

This article explores the health benefits and potential risks of ingesting cloves, covering their nutritional value, potent antioxidants, and safe consumption methods. It also highlights the dangers associated with concentrated clove oil and discusses important safety precautions.

Key Points

Moderate Amounts Are Safe: Ingesting cloves as a culinary spice in small amounts is generally safe for most healthy adults.
Concentrated Forms Are Risky: Avoid concentrated clove oil and supplements, which contain dangerously high levels of eugenol and can cause liver damage.
Packed with Antioxidants: Cloves are rich in antioxidants, including eugenol, which help fight oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Consider Drug Interactions: Individuals on blood thinners or diabetes medication should be cautious and consult a doctor due to potential interactions.
Promotes Digestive and Oral Health: Ingesting small amounts of cloves can aid digestion, fight bacteria, and freshen breath.

Understanding the Nutritional Profile of Cloves

Cloves, the dried flower buds of the evergreen Syzygium aromaticum tree, are a flavorful spice with notable nutritional value, even in small amounts. A teaspoon of ground cloves provides manganese and antioxidants like eugenol. This contributes to their historical and current use in traditional medicine.

Key Nutritional Components

Manganese: Essential for brain function and bone health.
Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bones.
Fiber: Aids digestion and gut health.
Antioxidants: Rich in phenolic compounds, especially eugenol, which fight oxidative stress.

The Potential Health Benefits of Ingesting Cloves

Moderate clove consumption as part of a balanced diet is linked to various health benefits due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

List of Reported Health Benefits

Rich in Antioxidants: Neutralize free radicals and may reduce chronic disease risk.
Antibacterial Properties: May inhibit the growth of bacteria like E. coli.
Supports Liver Health: Animal studies suggest potential liver function improvement and protection, though high doses can be toxic.
Aids in Blood Sugar Regulation: May improve insulin sensitivity.
Reduces Stomach Ulcers: May help thicken stomach mucus, potentially reducing ulcer risk.
Promotes Oral Health: May help fight plaque and bad breath due to antibacterial properties.

The Crucial Distinction: Culinary Use vs. Concentrated Forms

While culinary use of cloves is generally safe, consuming concentrated forms like clove oil or supplements is risky. The difference lies in the high concentration of eugenol in these products.

Comparison of Clove Consumption Methods


Aspect	Culinary Use (Spice)	Medicinal Use (Concentrated Oil)
Form	Whole or ground dried flower buds	Essential oil
Eugenol Concentration	Low concentration	Highly concentrated
Safety Profile	Generally safe in moderation	Potentially toxic
Potential Risks	Minimal risk	Severe side effects, especially in children
Recommended Use	Flavoring food and drinks	Topical application, diluted, under medical supervision

Potential Risks and Who Should Exercise Caution

Ingesting concentrated clove products carries serious risks. Certain individuals should be cautious or avoid them.

Who Should Be Careful with Cloves?

Children: Clove oil is toxic and can cause severe liver damage and seizures.
Individuals on Blood Thinners: Eugenol can slow blood clotting. Avoid concentrated forms and consult a doctor about culinary use.
People with Diabetes: Concentrated clove products may cause dangerously low blood sugar when combined with diabetes medication.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: Culinary amounts are likely safe, but concentrated forms lack sufficient safety data.
Prior to Surgery: Stop clove consumption at least two weeks before surgery due to effects on blood clotting and blood sugar.

Safely Incorporating Cloves into Your Diet

The safest way to ingest cloves for most healthy adults is through culinary use. This provides health benefits without the risk of eugenol overdose.

Safe Ways to Ingest Cloves

Whole Spice in Cooking: Add to dishes for flavor and remove before serving.
Ground Cloves in Recipes: Use in baked goods and other dishes.
Clove Tea: Steep whole cloves in hot water in moderation; avoid daily or concentrated intake.

Conclusion: Ingest Cloves with Caution and Moderation

Cloves are beneficial when consumed moderately as a culinary spice, offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. However, avoid concentrated products due to significant health risks like liver damage and drug interactions. Safe use involves sensible culinary applications and awareness of your health status. Individuals with pre-existing conditions, especially related to blood clotting or blood sugar, should consult a healthcare professional before increasing clove intake.

Optional Outbound Link: For further information on the health aspects of cloves, refer to resources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is generally not recommended to swallow whole cloves. While small amounts are not highly dangerous, the hard, woody texture can be difficult to digest and potentially cause stomach irritation. It is best to use them for flavoring and remove them from the food before eating.

Ingesting too many cloves, especially in concentrated forms like supplements or essential oil, can lead to side effects. These can range from digestive upset and irritation to severe health problems like liver damage, seizures, and interactions with medication.

Yes, in moderate amounts, cloves can benefit your stomach. They contain compounds that may help improve digestion, reduce gas and bloating, and protect against ulcers by thickening the stomach's protective mucus.

Culinary amounts of cloves used as a spice are generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should avoid concentrated clove products, such as oils and supplements, due to insufficient safety data.

Some research suggests that cloves may help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. However, this means that individuals with diabetes, especially those on medication, should be cautious with high doses to prevent dangerously low blood sugar.

Yes, cloves have long been used as a home remedy for dental pain due to the natural analgesic and antiseptic properties of eugenol. However, applying concentrated clove oil directly to gums can cause irritation or damage.

To safely add cloves to your diet, use them in whole or ground form as a spice for cooking or brewing tea. Limit your intake to moderate, culinary amounts and avoid consuming concentrated oils or supplements.