Can I put clove in my drinking water? A guide to safety and benefits

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking, cloves are now a popular home remedy for infusing water. However, the crucial question remains: can I put clove in my drinking water safely, and what are the true benefits and potential drawbacks of this herbal practice?

Quick Summary

Infusing cloves in water is generally safe in moderation for healthy adults, offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive benefits. Excessive intake and interactions with certain medications pose risks, so caution and consulting a doctor are advised.

Key Points

Generally Safe in Moderation: For healthy adults, infusing a few whole cloves in water is safe; avoid high concentrations and essential oil.
Digestive Aid: Clove water can stimulate digestive enzymes, helping to reduce bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Immunity and Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants and antimicrobials, cloves can help strengthen the immune system and protect against oxidative stress.
Watch for Interactions: The eugenol in cloves can interact with blood thinners and diabetes medication, increasing risk of bleeding or hypoglycemia.
Preparation is Key: Use a cold steep overnight or a warm simmer for 5-10 minutes with just a few cloves to create a safe infusion.
Not a 'Magic Fix': Clove water provides a mild boost but is not a replacement for a healthy diet, exercise, or medical treatment for health conditions.
Consult a Professional: Individuals with underlying health issues, or those on medication, should consult a doctor before consuming clove water regularly.

Is it Safe to Put Clove in Drinking Water?

Yes, it is generally considered safe for healthy adults to put whole cloves in their drinking water, provided it is done in moderation. The key is to distinguish between infusing whole cloves in water and consuming concentrated clove essential oil. Clove water contains a diluted amount of the beneficial compound eugenol, while the essential oil is highly potent and can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. By steeping just a few whole cloves in water, you can safely extract some of their compounds without the risk associated with over-concentration.

Potential Health Benefits of Clove Water

Adding cloves to your water offers several potential health advantages, many of which are linked to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Improves Digestion

Clove water can help stimulate digestive enzyme production, which aids in the efficient breakdown of food. This can help alleviate common digestive issues like bloating, gas, and indigestion. Its carminative properties also help relax the gastrointestinal tract.

Boosts Immunity

Rich in antioxidants, cloves help protect the body from free radical damage and oxidative stress. Clove water's antimicrobial properties may also help the body fight off infections, strengthening the immune system against seasonal illnesses.

Supports Blood Sugar Regulation

Some research suggests that compounds in cloves may help regulate blood sugar levels, though these studies often use more concentrated extracts. It's believed that cloves can aid the body's natural insulin function and glucose metabolism.

Enhances Oral Health

Eugenol, a primary compound in cloves, possesses antibacterial properties that can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Drinking clove water can aid in combating bad breath and soothing gum inflammation.

Provides Anti-inflammatory Effects

The eugenol in cloves has significant anti-inflammatory effects. Regular, moderate consumption of clove water may help reduce chronic inflammation throughout the body, providing relief from issues like joint and muscle discomfort.

Risks and Considerations Before Drinking Clove Water

Despite its benefits, clove water is not suitable for everyone, and excessive consumption can lead to complications.

Blood Thinning Effects

Eugenol has blood-thinning properties, which can increase the risk of bleeding. Individuals on anticoagulant medications like warfarin or aspirin, or those with bleeding disorders, should avoid clove water. It is also recommended to stop using it at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.

Drug Interactions

Cloves can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and diabetes medications. For diabetic patients, cloves could cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, potentially leading to hypoglycemia.

Liver Toxicity

High doses of eugenol, particularly from concentrated sources, can potentially cause liver damage. While this is unlikely with a mild infusion, excessive daily consumption over a long period could pose a risk.

Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, such as skin irritation, respiratory issues, or digestive problems like heartburn and diarrhea.

How to Make Clove Water Safely

To safely prepare clove-infused water, you can use either a cold-steep or warm-simmer method. This ensures a gentle infusion of flavor and compounds, avoiding the potency of concentrated oils.

Overnight Cold Steep Method:

Take a glass jar or pitcher.
Add 2-3 whole cloves per cup of water.
Pour in filtered water.
Cover and let it steep overnight (8-12 hours) in the refrigerator.
Strain out the cloves and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Warm Simmer Method:

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan.
Add 2-3 whole cloves and reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it cool for another 5 minutes.
Strain the cloves and drink the water warm.

Comparison: Clove Water vs. Other Infused Waters


Feature	Clove Water	Lemon Water	Cucumber Water
Taste Profile	Warm, spicy, aromatic, slightly sweet	Zesty, citrusy, tangy	Fresh, mild, cooling, and subtly herbaceous
Key Benefits	Aids digestion, boosts immunity, anti-inflammatory	Enhances hydration, Vitamin C source, digestive aid	Hydrating, skin health, anti-inflammatory
Main Compounds	Eugenol, antioxidants	Vitamin C, citric acid	Cucurbitacins, flavonoids
Preparation	Steeping whole cloves (cold or warm)	Squeezing fresh lemon juice or adding slices	Slicing fresh cucumber and soaking
Precautions	High doses pose risks, interacts with blood thinners	Can be acidic to teeth enamel	Generally very safe; no major precautions
Best Time	Morning on an empty stomach for digestion	Morning for detoxification	Throughout the day for hydration

How Often Can You Drink Clove Water?

For most healthy adults, drinking a glass of clove water once per day is considered a safe and moderate intake. However, it is essential to start with a smaller amount to see how your body reacts. The compound eugenol is potent, and consistency is more important than quantity. You should not consume highly concentrated versions or increase the amount without consulting a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health issues or are on medication.

Conclusion: Is Clove Water Right for You?

Adding a moderate amount of whole cloves to your drinking water can be a simple way to reap potential benefits like improved digestion, a stronger immune system, and reduced inflammation. However, it is not a 'magic fix' and should not replace proper medical care or a balanced diet. The concentration of compounds in clove water is much lower than in clove extracts used in studies, so dramatic effects are not expected. Caution is crucial for those with bleeding disorders, diabetes, liver issues, or individuals taking certain medications due to the potential side effects of eugenol. Always consult a healthcare provider before introducing a new remedy into your routine, and remember that whole foods like berries and leafy greens offer proven, substantial health benefits backed by research.

For more detailed information on clove benefits and risks, you can visit the Cleveland Clinic's resource on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can drink clove water daily, but it is important to consume it in moderation. A standard recommendation is one glass per day. Excessive intake can lead to digestive issues and other side effects due to the concentrated eugenol.

Clove water is not a magic solution for weight loss, but it may aid the process by boosting metabolism and improving digestion. For best results, it should be combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Some studies suggest that cloves may help regulate blood sugar levels, but this research often uses concentrated extracts. If you have diabetes and are on medication, you should monitor your blood sugar closely and consult a doctor, as cloves can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.

Excessive consumption can lead to side effects such as digestive upset (heartburn, nausea, diarrhea), potential liver toxicity, and interference with blood clotting due to the compound eugenol. Those on blood thinners should be particularly cautious.

It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women to consume clove water, as there is insufficient safety data for these groups. Similarly, children should avoid clove essential oil entirely, and caution is advised for any form of concentrated clove products.

For a safe and mild infusion, it is recommended to use only 2-3 whole cloves per cup of water. Using more can increase the concentration of compounds like eugenol, potentially leading to side effects.

Clove water is a mild infusion made by steeping whole cloves, containing a diluted amount of beneficial compounds. Clove essential oil is a highly concentrated extract of these compounds and is unsafe to ingest in its pure form. Using clove oil for internal consumption can lead to liver damage and other severe side effects.