Can You Boil Cloves and Drink the Water for Health Benefits?

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

Scientific studies have indicated that cloves, derived from the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, are a rich source of antioxidants like eugenol. This has led many to wonder: can you boil cloves and drink the water to harness these health benefits?

Quick Summary

Boiling cloves and drinking the water is a common practice for creating a herbal tea. This infusion is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding digestion and immunity. It's crucial to consume in moderation and be aware of potential side effects, particularly for those on certain medications.

Key Points

Boiling Releases Nutrients: Boiling cloves extracts beneficial compounds like eugenol, creating a flavorful and potentially therapeutic infusion.
Supports Digestion: Clove water can aid digestion by stimulating enzymes, which helps alleviate issues like bloating and indigestion.
Boosts Immune Function: The high antioxidant content, especially eugenol, helps strengthen the immune system and protect against oxidative stress.
Acts as Anti-Inflammatory: Eugenol gives clove water powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce pain and inflammation.
Caution with Medication: Clove water may interfere with blood-thinning and diabetes medications, so caution and medical consultation are necessary.
Avoid Excessive Intake: High concentrations or excessive intake can cause side effects like digestive upset or liver strain.
Not for Everyone: Pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with bleeding disorders, and young children should avoid concentrated clove water.

What Happens When You Boil Cloves?

When you boil whole cloves, their active compounds, oils, and nutrients are released and infused into the water. The resulting liquid, commonly known as clove tea or clove water, contains beneficial substances, most notably eugenol. Eugenol is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that contribute to many of cloves' traditional medicinal uses. The process of simmering ensures a potent extraction of these compounds, which are then easily consumed in liquid form.

Potential Health Benefits of Clove Water

Drinking water boiled with cloves has been associated with several wellness benefits, though many claims are based on traditional use or studies conducted on concentrated extracts rather than simple infusions.

Supports Digestive Health: Clove water can stimulate digestive enzyme secretion, which helps with the efficient breakdown of food. This may reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Boosts Immunity: Cloves are packed with antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and support the immune system. This can improve the body's ability to fend off infections and seasonal illnesses.
Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Relief: The eugenol in cloves has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Drinking clove water may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain from conditions like arthritis, joint pain, or headaches.
Regulates Blood Sugar: Some research suggests that compounds in cloves may help manage blood glucose levels by improving insulin function. A pilot study found that clove extract lowered post-meal blood sugar levels in volunteers.
Improves Oral Health: Clove's antibacterial properties are well-known in dentistry. Drinking clove water can help reduce oral bacteria, freshen breath, and soothe sore throats.

How to Prepare Clove Water

Creating clove water is a simple process. Here are two popular methods:

Hot Infusion (Clove Tea)

Ingredients: 1 cup of water, 3-5 whole cloves. Optional additions: honey or a squeeze of lemon for flavor.
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a small pot.
2. Add the whole cloves and reduce the heat to a simmer for 5-10 minutes.
3. Strain the liquid into a mug, let it cool slightly, and add any optional ingredients.

Overnight Cold Steep

Ingredients: 1 cup of water, 2-3 whole cloves.
Instructions:
1. Soak the whole cloves in a glass of water overnight.
2. Strain and drink the water on an empty stomach the next morning for maximum absorption.

Potential Risks and Who Should Avoid Clove Water

Despite the benefits, boiling and drinking cloves comes with risks, especially when consumed in high concentrations or large quantities. Moderation is key. Individuals should always consult a healthcare provider before adding new herbal remedies to their routine, particularly if they have underlying health conditions or are on medication.

Comparison of Clove Water Consumption Methods


Feature	Hot Infusion (Clove Tea)	Cold Steep (Overnight Water)
Potency	Stronger, quicker extraction of compounds due to heat.	Milder extraction; gentler on digestion.
Preparation Time	Fast (10-15 minutes).	Slower (8-12 hours).
Primary Use Case	Soothing warm beverage for cold symptoms, digestion aid.	Gentle morning health tonic on an empty stomach.
Flavor Profile	Intense and spicy.	More subtle, less concentrated flavor.
Eugenol Concentration	Higher concentration due to boiling.	Lower concentration, reduced risk of irritation.

Conclusion

Yes, you can boil cloves and drink the water, a practice that produces clove tea known for its potential digestive, immune-boosting, and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, moderation is critical. While it can be a soothing natural remedy, it is not a substitute for medical treatment and carries risks for certain individuals. People who are pregnant, on blood-thinning medication, or have diabetes should be especially cautious and consult a doctor before consumption. The best approach is to enjoy clove water as a supplement to a healthy lifestyle, not as a miracle cure.

For more detailed information on herbal remedies, visit reputable health resources. For instance, the Cleveland Clinic offers excellent insight on clove benefits and risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can drink clove water daily, but only in moderation. Excessive consumption can lead to side effects like digestive irritation, and it is best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Clove water may support weight management by boosting metabolism and aiding digestion. However, it is not a magic solution and should be combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise for effective results.

Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood-thinning or diabetes medication, or have liver disease or bleeding disorders should avoid drinking clove water.

Yes, adding ingredients like honey, lemon, or ginger is a common practice to enhance both the flavor and therapeutic effects of clove water, particularly for cold and flu symptoms.

The antioxidants in clove water can improve skin health by combating oxidative stress and promoting a clearer complexion. It may also support scalp health and stimulate hair growth when consumed regularly.

A standard recipe suggests using 3 to 5 whole cloves for a single cup of water. It's recommended to start with a smaller amount to gauge your tolerance.

Yes, the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of cloves can help soothe a sore throat and reduce cough symptoms. Gargling with the cooled water may also provide relief.