Do Cloves Improve Blood Circulation? A Comprehensive Guide

November 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, participants who consumed clove supplements experienced improved lipid profiles, a key factor in cardiovascular function. This and other studies raise the question: do cloves improve blood circulation through their powerful bioactive compounds and anti-inflammatory properties?

Quick Summary

This article examines the scientific basis behind the potential circulatory benefits of cloves, focusing on the roles of eugenol and potent antioxidants. It delves into how these compounds may support vascular health and improve blood flow, referencing traditional uses and modern research findings.

Key Points

Indirect Circulatory Improvement: Cloves do not directly improve blood circulation instantly but support it by addressing underlying causes like inflammation and oxidative stress.
Eugenol's Benefits: The main compound in cloves, eugenol, has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that protect blood vessels from damage.
Vascular Health: Studies suggest that eugenol can promote vasorelaxation, helping to widen blood vessels and improve blood flow, which may lead to lower blood pressure.
Cholesterol Management: Research indicates that clove supplements can help improve cholesterol levels by lowering LDL and increasing HDL, which prevents arterial plaque buildup.
Moderate Consumption: While beneficial, cloves should be consumed in moderation, and individuals on blood-thinning medication should use caution.
Complementary Role: Cloves are best viewed as a complementary part of a healthy lifestyle rather than a primary treatment for circulatory problems.

Understanding the Link Between Cloves and Blood Flow

Cloves, the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their therapeutic properties. The primary active compound, eugenol, is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that has been the focus of modern scientific inquiry. While direct human clinical trials on cloves specifically for peripheral blood circulation are limited, a body of evidence from animal studies and research on cardiovascular health suggests a promising link. The potential for improved blood flow is often tied to cloves' ability to address underlying conditions that can impede healthy circulation, such as inflammation and high cholesterol.

The Role of Eugenol and Antioxidants

Eugenol and other phenolic compounds in cloves are powerful antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, a process that damages cells and contributes to heart disease. By neutralizing free radicals, cloves can help protect the delicate lining of blood vessels, known as the endothelium, from damage. A healthy endothelium is crucial for proper vascular function, including vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels to improve blood flow. Research indicates that eugenol can induce vasorelaxation, potentially contributing to lower blood pressure and enhanced circulation.

In addition to its antioxidant effects, eugenol exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in arteries that restricts blood flow. By helping to reduce systemic inflammation, cloves can support overall cardiovascular health and, indirectly, improve circulation. Studies on hyperlipidemia have also shown that clove supplementation can lead to a significant reduction in LDL ('bad') cholesterol and an increase in HDL ('good') cholesterol. A healthier lipid profile is essential for preventing plaque formation and maintaining clear, free-flowing arteries.

Comparison of Clove Benefits for Circulation vs. Other Foods


Feature	Cloves	Ginger	Garlic	Oily Fish	Beetroot
Primary Active Compound	Eugenol, flavonoids	Gingerol	Allicin	Omega-3s	Nitrates
Mechanism	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxant properties	Increases circulation, anti-inflammatory	Increases nitric oxide, relaxes blood vessels	Reduces inflammation, lowers triglycerides	Boosts nitric oxide production
Circulatory Benefit	May improve blood flow by reducing inflammation and protecting blood vessels	Warming effect enhances blood flow	Relaxes blood vessels, lowers blood pressure	Supports cardiovascular system, reduces plaque	Promotes vasodilation, lowers blood pressure
Key Supporting Evidence	Human and animal studies on antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects	Traditional use, some studies	Well-documented in multiple studies	Extensive research	Strong athletic performance and blood pressure data

Incorporating Cloves into Your Diet

There are several simple ways to add cloves to your daily routine to potentially benefit your blood circulation. A popular method is to make clove tea by steeping one or two whole cloves in hot water for 5–10 minutes. This aromatic beverage can be enjoyed daily. Ground cloves can also be incorporated into your cooking, such as in soups, curries, and baked goods. For those with more focused needs, clove water is another option; soaking two cloves in a glass of water overnight and drinking it in the morning on an empty stomach is a traditional practice. However, it is essential to use cloves in moderation, as excessive consumption, particularly of highly concentrated clove oil, can be toxic and should be used with caution.

Who Should Be Cautious?

While cloves are generally safe in food quantities, certain individuals should exercise caution or consult a healthcare professional before increasing their intake or using clove oil.

Bleeding Disorders: As cloves can slow blood clotting, individuals on anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin) should be monitored closely for increased bleeding risk.
Upcoming Surgery: It is recommended to stop consuming cloves at least two weeks before any elective surgery to minimize the risk of bleeding complications.
Liver Disease: Due to the risk of hepatotoxicity with high concentrations, those with pre-existing liver issues should avoid excessive clove consumption.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is insufficient data to determine safe medicinal doses for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

A Broader Approach to Vascular Health

Improving blood circulation is not a one-ingredient solution. While cloves can be a beneficial part of a heart-healthy diet, it is most effective when combined with other positive lifestyle choices. A diet rich in a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is foundational. Regular physical activity, such as walking or yoga, helps to stimulate blood flow directly. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking are also critical for optimizing cardiovascular function.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cloves do improve blood circulation through several indirect but scientifically plausible mechanisms. The powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of eugenol protect blood vessels from damage and reduce systemic inflammation, both of which are common inhibitors of healthy blood flow. Additionally, evidence suggests that cloves can positively affect cholesterol levels and induce vasorelaxation, further supporting cardiovascular health. However, it is important to remember that cloves are a complementary remedy, not a replacement for medical treatment for circulatory issues. Incorporating them in moderation as part of a comprehensive, heart-healthy lifestyle is the best way to leverage their potential benefits. Always consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications that could interact with cloves.

Source on healthy diet: Choose Heart-Healthy Foods | NHLBI, NIH

Frequently Asked Questions

Cloves, particularly their active compound eugenol, can have a vasodilatory effect, meaning they help relax and widen blood vessels. This, in turn, can promote better blood flow and potentially help lower blood pressure.

While traditional use suggests a warming effect that helps with cold extremities, direct scientific evidence from human clinical trials is limited. The potential benefit is more likely indirect, stemming from cloves' overall vascular and anti-inflammatory effects.

You can use cloves by making a tea, adding ground cloves to your food, or soaking whole cloves in water overnight. Using cloves in moderation as part of a balanced diet is the recommended approach for general health benefits.

Yes, cloves have properties that can slow blood clotting. Individuals taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before significantly increasing clove intake or using concentrated clove oil.

The primary bioactive compound responsible for many of cloves' therapeutic effects is eugenol. It is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agent that protects cells and blood vessels from damage.

Yes, some studies on hyperlipidemic subjects suggest that clove supplements can significantly reduce total cholesterol and LDL ('bad') cholesterol, while potentially increasing HDL ('good') cholesterol. This is a key factor in preventing cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis.

Clove oil is highly concentrated and can be toxic if consumed in high doses, potentially causing seizures or liver damage. It is safer to use whole or ground cloves in culinary amounts for internal benefits. Topical use of diluted clove oil should be tested for skin sensitivity first.

There is no set timeline, as any potential improvements are indirect and depend on individual health and consistency. Positive effects would likely occur gradually over time as underlying issues like inflammation and high cholesterol are addressed.