Nutrition Diet: When should you not take cloves?

October 16, 2025 •

4 min read

While clove spice is a cherished culinary ingredient, its concentrated form, clove essential oil, can be toxic if ingested, with even small amounts causing severe side effects, especially in children. Understanding when should you not take cloves is critical, particularly for vulnerable populations and those with certain medical conditions.

Quick Summary

Concentrated clove products pose risks for individuals with bleeding disorders, diabetes, or liver disease, and should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women and children due to the potent eugenol compound.

Key Points

Avoid Concentrated Forms: Never ingest clove essential oil, as it contains extremely high, toxic levels of the compound eugenol.
Watch for Drug Interactions: Cloves can interact with blood thinners and antidiabetic medications, increasing the risk of bleeding or dangerously low blood sugar.
Stop Before Surgery: Due to its blood-thinning effects, stop consuming cloves at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Protect Vulnerable Groups: Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children should avoid clove supplements and oil due to safety concerns and toxicity risks.
Consider Liver Conditions: High doses of eugenol can be toxic to the liver, so individuals with existing liver problems should avoid high clove intake.
Practice Moderation with Spice: The small amounts of cloves used in cooking are generally safe and don't carry the same risks as supplements or essential oil.

Understanding the Potency of Cloves

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), derived from the dried flower buds of a tree native to Indonesia, are a staple spice used in cuisines worldwide. They are celebrated for their distinctive flavor and aroma, as well as their potential health benefits, which stem largely from the active compound eugenol. However, the form and concentration in which cloves are consumed are critical determinants of their safety. While culinary use of ground or whole cloves is generally safe, the potent, highly concentrated eugenol found in clove essential oil and supplements poses significant health risks for certain individuals and in high doses.

The Dangers of Concentrated Eugenol

Eugenol makes up a high percentage of clove oil, sometimes ranging from 70% to 90%. While this compound is responsible for many of clove's therapeutic properties, its high concentration in essential oils can be dangerous if ingested.

Ingesting concentrated clove oil can lead to serious health problems, including:

Liver damage: Eugenol is a known cytotoxic agent in high doses, meaning it can damage liver cells. Several cases of severe acute liver and kidney injury have been reported following accidental overdose, especially in children.
Seizures and CNS depression: High doses of clove oil can cause central nervous system issues, leading to agitation, decreased consciousness, and even seizures.
Bleeding issues: Eugenol has blood-thinning properties that can interfere with blood clotting. This significantly increases the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Severe hypoglycemia: For individuals on diabetes medication, the blood sugar-lowering effect of cloves can cause blood glucose levels to drop dangerously low.

Populations Who Should Avoid Cloves

Several groups of people need to be cautious with or completely avoid consuming cloves, especially in medicinal amounts or concentrated forms.

Individuals with Bleeding Disorders: Due to eugenol's blood-thinning effect, people with bleeding disorders like hemophilia or those on anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin, aspirin, ibuprofen) should avoid clove supplements and oils.
Diabetic Patients on Medication: While some studies suggest cloves may help regulate blood sugar, taking high-dose supplements with antidiabetes drugs could cause a dangerous drop in blood glucose (hypoglycemia). Blood sugar should be monitored closely if consuming cloves in significant amounts.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: There is insufficient reliable information about the safety of taking medicinal doses of cloves during pregnancy or breastfeeding. While culinary use is generally considered safe, supplements and oils should be avoided to prevent potential harm to the baby.
Children: Clove oil is considered unsafe for oral consumption by children. Even small amounts can cause liver damage, seizures, and fluid imbalances. Topical application should also be done with extreme caution.
Individuals with Liver Disease: Those with pre-existing liver conditions should avoid high doses of cloves or clove oil, as the concentration of eugenol can exacerbate liver damage.

Clove Intake Comparison: Spice vs. Supplements

The form of cloves is a critical factor in determining safety. A comparative table highlights the differences in potency and risk.


Feature	Culinary Clove (Whole/Ground Spice)	Clove Supplements (Capsules)	Clove Essential Oil (Oral/Topical)
Eugenol Concentration	Low, part of a complex matrix of compounds.	High, standardized extracts concentrate eugenol.	Extremely high (70-90%), a potent concentrate.
Typical Dosage	Small amounts used for flavor in cooking.	Medicinal doses, often higher than typical dietary intake.	Very small, usually diluted amounts for specific uses.
Safety Profile	Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food.	Safety and dosage for humans are not well-established.	Unsafe for internal consumption due to high toxicity potential.
Primary Use Case	Adding flavor to dishes like curries, stews, and baked goods.	For targeted medicinal effects, though with limited human research.	Topical (diluted) for pain relief or aromatherapy, not ingestion.
Risk of Side Effects	Low risk of side effects when used in moderation.	Higher risk of interactions and side effects due to increased potency.	High risk of severe side effects, especially if ingested.

Drug Interactions with Cloves

Beyond specific conditions, cloves can interact with several types of medications, particularly when taken in concentrated supplement form.

Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Drugs: Cloves contain eugenol, which slows blood clotting. Combining clove supplements with drugs like warfarin or aspirin increases the risk of bleeding.
Diabetes Medications: As discussed, cloves can lower blood sugar. Using them alongside antidiabetes drugs could lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Liver Metabolized Medications: The liver metabolizes certain medications using specific enzymes (e.g., Cytochrome P450 pathways). Clove can affect how quickly the liver breaks down these drugs, altering their effectiveness and side effects.

Clove Use Before Surgery

Given its blood-thinning properties, anyone scheduled for surgery, including dental procedures, must stop taking cloves. It is recommended to cease all clove consumption at least two weeks before a planned procedure to prevent excessive bleeding during or after the operation. Medical staff should be informed of any regular clove intake to ensure proper precautions are taken.

Conclusion

While whole cloves are a safe and flavorful spice for daily cooking, the higher concentrations of eugenol in supplements and essential oils can pose significant health risks. Individuals with bleeding disorders, diabetes, liver disease, and those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing young children should exercise extreme caution or avoid concentrated clove products altogether. A consultation with a healthcare provider is essential before using any form of clove medicinally, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications. The difference between using a small amount of a spice for flavor and consuming a potent herbal supplement is vast, and understanding this distinction is key to safe dietary choices. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-cloves

Frequently Asked Questions

While clove oil is a traditional remedy for toothaches, direct application can cause irritation, burning, and gum damage. It is safer to use over-the-counter products with controlled concentrations and consult a dentist for the underlying issue.

Using cloves as a spice in food is generally considered safe during pregnancy when consumed in small amounts. However, supplements or clove essential oil should be avoided, as there is insufficient safety data for these concentrated forms.

Children should not ingest clove essential oil, as even small amounts can cause serious side effects like seizures and liver damage. Clove spice is safe in food amounts, but consult a pediatrician before any medicinal use.

Yes, cloves contain eugenol, which has blood-thinning properties. People with bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinners should avoid concentrated clove products to prevent an increased risk of bleeding.

Cloves can have a blood sugar-lowering effect. If you have diabetes and are on medication, taking high-dose clove supplements could cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), so it should be avoided or monitored closely.

You should stop using cloves at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery, including dental work. This is due to its effect on blood clotting, which can cause excessive bleeding.

While some animal studies suggest low doses of clove extract may benefit liver health, high doses of concentrated eugenol from supplements or oil are toxic and can cause severe liver damage. Consult a doctor if you have liver issues.