Can I Boil Cloves and Cinnamon Together in the Morning?

November 25, 2025 •

3 min read

Over centuries, traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda have utilized the potent properties of spices. The answer is yes, you can boil cloves and cinnamon together in the morning to create a comforting and healthy herbal infusion. This combination offers numerous benefits, from aiding digestion to boosting immunity, making it a popular morning ritual for many people.

Quick Summary

This guide explains how to prepare a safe and beneficial morning infusion using cloves and cinnamon, detailing the potential health benefits, proper preparation methods, and important safety considerations for daily consumption.

Key Points

Boiling cloves and cinnamon is safe: In moderation, boiling these two spices together to make an herbal tea is generally considered safe and beneficial for most people.
Boosts digestive health: The drink can aid digestion by reducing bloating and calming the stomach due to the warming properties of the spices.
Supports immunity: The tea is rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds that help strengthen the immune system and fight infections.
Helps regulate blood sugar: Cinnamon, particularly Ceylon, can improve insulin sensitivity and help manage blood sugar levels.
Choose Ceylon cinnamon: For frequent use, select Ceylon cinnamon over Cassia cinnamon to minimize the intake of coumarin, which can be toxic to the liver in large amounts.
Observe moderation: Consuming excessive quantities, especially daily, can cause side effects. Whole spices are generally safer than concentrated extracts.

Understanding the Benefits of Cloves and Cinnamon

Boiling cloves and cinnamon in water creates a flavorful and aromatic beverage packed with beneficial compounds. Each spice brings its own unique set of health-promoting properties, which, when combined, offer a synergistic effect. Drinking this warm infusion in the morning can be a gentle way to awaken your digestive system and prepare your body for the day ahead.

Digestive Health Support

A well-known benefit of a clove and cinnamon drink is its positive impact on digestion. Both spices have been used to soothe digestive discomfort, with cloves stimulating enzymes and cinnamon potentially reducing bloating and calming the gastrointestinal tract. Consumed warm, it can aid in flushing out toxins and easing morning indigestion.

Immunity-Boosting Properties

The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in both cloves and cinnamon contribute to this morning drink's ability to boost immunity. Cloves contain eugenol, a potent antioxidant, and cinnamon also offers numerous antioxidants, helping the body fight off infections. Regular moderate intake can offer support, particularly during cold and flu season.

Regulating Blood Sugar

Cinnamon is particularly noted for its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels. Its active compound, cinnamaldehyde, may improve insulin sensitivity, aiding glucose processing. This can be a beneficial addition for those managing blood sugar, when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Both cloves and cinnamon are recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties. Compounds like eugenol in cloves and cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon have strong anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce inflammation in the body and potentially alleviate related discomfort.

How to Prepare a Morning Clove and Cinnamon Infusion

Preparing this drink is simple. For one cup, gather:

1 cup of water
1 small cinnamon stick or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2-3 whole cloves

Instructions:

Boil the water in a small saucepan.
Add the spices and simmer for 5–10 minutes to infuse.
Strain into a mug.
Optionally, add honey or lemon.
Enjoy your warm tea.

Potential Risks and How to Consume Safely

While beneficial, consuming clove and cinnamon tea requires caution, especially with daily intake.

Moderation is key. Excessive amounts, particularly of Cassia cinnamon due to its high coumarin content, can be problematic. Ceylon cinnamon is safer for frequent consumption due to lower coumarin levels.

Health conditions. Individuals with certain conditions or on medications should be careful. Cinnamon can lower blood sugar and may interact with diabetes medication. Eugenol in cloves can affect blood clotting and may pose a risk for those on blood thinners. Always consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying health concerns or take medications.


Feature	Cassia Cinnamon (Common)	Ceylon Cinnamon (True)
Coumarin Content	High; potential liver toxicity in large doses.	Trace amounts; generally safer for frequent use.
Flavor Profile	Strong, pungent flavor.	Milder, sweeter, and more delicate.
Best for	Occasional baking and general culinary use.	Frequent use, daily teas, and medicinal purposes.
Safety Note	Use in moderation; avoid prolonged, high-dose use.	Lower risk of liver issues; best for regular consumption.

Conclusion: A Warming and Beneficial Morning Ritual

Boiling cloves and cinnamon in the morning can be a safe and beneficial practice when done moderately and with awareness of potential risks. This tea can support immunity, digestion, and blood sugar regulation. Choosing Ceylon cinnamon and consulting a healthcare provider if needed allows you to enjoy this ancient remedy as part of a healthy routine.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

For optimal safety and enjoyment:

Select Ceylon Cinnamon: This type has lower coumarin levels, making it safer for daily consumption.
Use Whole Spices: Whole cloves and cinnamon sticks provide a more balanced infusion than powders.
Listen to Your Body: Reduce spice amounts or consult a professional if you experience discomfort.
Consult a Professional: Speak with a doctor before adding new herbal remedies to your routine, especially with existing health issues or during pregnancy.

This simple tea can be a flavorful way to support wellness, using ingredients readily available in your kitchen. For more information on cinnamon's effects, consult the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health(https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cinnamon).

Frequently Asked Questions

Boiling cloves and cinnamon together offers numerous benefits, including boosting immunity, aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and potentially helping to regulate blood sugar levels.

Yes, it is generally safe to drink a moderate amount of clove and cinnamon tea every morning. However, you should use Ceylon cinnamon and monitor your body's reaction, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Ceylon cinnamon is the best type for regular consumption as it contains only trace amounts of coumarin, a compound that can be harmful to the liver in large doses. Cassia cinnamon has much higher levels.

To make a simple tea, simmer 2-3 whole cloves and 1 small cinnamon stick in 1 cup of water for 5–10 minutes. Strain the liquid into a cup and enjoy warm.

Yes, cloves and cinnamon both possess properties that can aid digestion. This tea can help reduce bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort when consumed regularly in moderation.

Potential side effects, especially with high or prolonged consumption of Cassia cinnamon, include liver toxicity and allergic reactions. Individuals on blood thinners or diabetes medication should be cautious.

While cloves and cinnamon can support metabolism and regulate blood sugar, contributing indirectly to weight management, the tea is not a magic solution. It should be combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise for meaningful results.