Beyond the Spice Rack: What do cloves and cinnamon do to the body?

October 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Cloves boast a higher antioxidant content than many fruits and vegetables, and when paired with cinnamon, they offer a powerhouse of health benefits. Both spices have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, leading many to wonder exactly: what do cloves and cinnamon do to the body?.

Quick Summary

Cloves and cinnamon are rich in potent bioactive compounds, offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. They may support blood sugar regulation, aid digestion, boost immunity, and promote oral and cardiovascular health.

Key Points

Antioxidant Power: Both spices are loaded with potent antioxidants, like eugenol in cloves and polyphenols in cinnamon, which combat free radical damage and reduce inflammation.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Cinnamon is known to improve insulin sensitivity, helping the body regulate blood sugar levels, which is especially beneficial for managing conditions like diabetes.
Antimicrobial Action: Eugenol in cloves and cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon exhibit strong antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making them effective against various infections and oral bacteria.
Digestive Support: Used in moderation, these spices can stimulate digestive enzymes to reduce bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort, promoting overall gut health.
Heart Health Protection: The consumption of cinnamon and cloves has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease by potentially lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Oral Hygiene Enhancement: The antiseptic properties of cloves help combat bad breath and oral bacteria, while cinnamon adds further antibacterial action for improved dental health.

The Potent Compounds in Cloves and Cinnamon

Cloves and cinnamon derive their potent health benefits from their rich composition of active compounds. At the heart of cloves' medicinal properties is eugenol, a phenol with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Cinnamaldehyde is the primary active component in cinnamon, responsible for its distinct flavor and most of its health-related effects. These compounds work synergistically, offering a comprehensive approach to wellness.

The Individual Benefits of Cloves and Cinnamon

The Role of Cloves in Health

High in Antioxidants: Cloves are one of the richest sources of antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress is linked to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease, and the high antioxidant capacity of cloves helps protect cells from damage.
Antimicrobial and Antifungal Action: The eugenol in clove oil has been shown to kill various bacteria and fungi, making it effective against infections. It has traditional uses in dental care for its antiseptic properties, helping to combat oral bacteria and freshen breath.
Supports Digestive Health: Cloves can stimulate digestive enzymes, which may help alleviate bloating, gas, and nausea. Some research suggests that eugenol may even help protect against stomach ulcers by enhancing the stomach lining's mucus production.
May Promote Bone Health: Cloves are rich in manganese, a mineral vital for bone formation and density. The eugenol content may also contribute to bone health.

The Role of Cinnamon in Health

Blood Sugar Regulation: Cinnamon is well-regarded for its ability to lower blood sugar levels. It works by increasing insulin sensitivity, making the hormone more efficient at moving glucose from the bloodstream into cells. It also slows the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: The antioxidants in cinnamon possess anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic disease.
Protects Heart Health: Several studies link cinnamon consumption to reduced risk factors for heart disease. It can help reduce levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Contains Antibiotic Properties: The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon oil has shown antibiotic effects against various bacteria and fungi, including some strains of E. coli and Salmonella. This may also contribute to better oral health and fresh breath.

The Synergistic Effects of Combining Cloves and Cinnamon

Combining cloves and cinnamon can offer enhanced health benefits, as their bioactive compounds complement each other. Many traditional remedies and modern infusions combine these spices for an intensified effect. A warm tea made from both spices is a popular way to harness their power, especially for boosting immunity, soothing a sore throat, and aiding digestion.

A Simple Recipe for Clove and Cinnamon Tea

Bring 1-2 cups of water to a boil.
Add 1 small cinnamon stick and 3-4 whole cloves to the boiling water.
Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to infuse.
Strain and serve warm. Add honey or lemon to taste.

Comparison of Key Actions: Cloves vs. Cinnamon


Feature	Cloves	Cinnamon
Key Active Compound	Eugenol	Cinnamaldehyde, Coumarin (higher in Cassia)
Top Validated Effect	Powerful antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.	Modest improvements in fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity in some studies.
Primary Health Focus	Oral health, pain relief, and digestive support.	Blood sugar regulation and cardiovascular health.
Safety Consideration	Concentrated clove oil can be toxic to the liver if abused.	High doses of Cassia cinnamon (due to coumarin) can cause liver damage. Ceylon cinnamon is safer for regular use.
Flavor Profile	Warm, pungent, and intense.	Warm, sweet, and aromatic.

Potential Precautions and Safe Use

While culinary amounts of cloves and cinnamon are generally safe, it is crucial to be aware of potential risks, especially with concentrated forms or high doses. High coumarin content in Cassia cinnamon, the most common supermarket variety, can be harmful to the liver if consumed in excessive amounts. Ceylon, or 'true,' cinnamon contains much less coumarin and is generally considered safer for regular consumption. Similarly, concentrated clove oil should be used with caution, as high doses can also stress the liver. Those with pre-existing liver conditions, people on blood-thinning medications, or diabetics should consult a healthcare provider before using these spices therapeutically due to potential drug interactions and blood sugar effects. Always opt for culinary use in moderation as part of a balanced diet rather than relying solely on supplements.

Conclusion

In summary, both cloves and cinnamon have been shown to offer a wide array of health benefits to the body, primarily driven by their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. From regulating blood sugar and cholesterol to fighting microbes and soothing digestive issues, these kitchen staples pack a significant wellness punch. When used judiciously and in moderation, they are a delicious and effective way to enhance overall health. However, it's vital to choose the right type of cinnamon and to be aware of the risks associated with high-dose supplements. Used wisely, cloves and cinnamon can be much more than just a flavor enhancer; they can be a valuable part of a balanced, health-conscious diet.

: https://www.echemi.com/cms/1634128.html

: https://www.medicinenet.com/the_11_health_benefits_of_eating_cloves_daily/article.htm

: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon

: https://www.ndtv.com/health/too-much-cinnamon-can-reduce-the-effectiveness-of-your-medicines-reveals-study-how-to-use-safely-8287519

Frequently Asked Questions

While cloves and cinnamon may boost metabolism and help regulate blood sugar, which can aid in weight management, they are not a magical solution for weight loss. Successful, sustainable weight loss requires a combination of a balanced diet and regular exercise.

For most people, sprinkling about 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon per day on food is considered safe. However, those consuming Cassia cinnamon, which contains higher coumarin, should limit intake to avoid potential liver toxicity.

Cassia cinnamon is the most common and affordable variety and contains a high amount of coumarin, a compound that can be harmful to the liver in large doses. Ceylon, or 'true' cinnamon, is less common, more expensive, and contains significantly less coumarin, making it a safer option for frequent or high-dose consumption.

Excessive intake, particularly of concentrated forms like essential oils or supplements, can cause side effects. For cinnamon, this includes liver damage from high coumarin levels (in Cassia) and potential interactions with blood-thinning or diabetes medications. Clove essential oil can also be toxic to the liver in high amounts.

Yes. Large doses of cinnamon can interact with diabetes and heart medications, as well as blood-thinning drugs. If you take any prescription medication, especially for chronic conditions, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before taking supplements or consuming large amounts of these spices.

Clove oil's eugenol component has antimicrobial and analgesic properties that make it effective for treating toothaches and combating oral bacteria. However, it should not be consumed in concentrated form, and only small, diluted amounts should be used for topical dental applications.

The safest and most beneficial way is through culinary use. Add small amounts of ground spices to oatmeal, baked goods, smoothies, or savory dishes like stews and curries. Brewing a mild tea with whole cloves and cinnamon sticks is another excellent method.