Tag: Swallowing cloves

With a rich history in both cuisine and traditional medicine, cloves contain the potent compound eugenol. However, unlike herbs that are easily ingested, the hard texture of a whole clove raises questions about its consumption. Can I swallow a whole clove and expect it to be digested safely, or are there risks involved?

Used for centuries in traditional and culinary applications, the clove is generally considered safe when consumed in small food amounts. However, accidentally swallowing clove, especially multiple buds or concentrated oil, can lead to adverse effects, including digestive upset and more severe systemic issues.