Understanding the Safety: Can I put a whole clove in my mouth?

October 16, 2025 •

5 min read

With more than 4 million views on TikTok for #clovesbenefits, the aromatic spice is gaining popularity as a natural remedy. But before you join the trend, a common question arises: Can I put a whole clove in my mouth? The answer is yes, in moderation, and it is a practice with a long history in traditional medicine for oral and digestive health.

Quick Summary

It is generally safe to place a whole clove in your mouth for benefits like freshening breath and easing minor pain, but moderation is key. This practice is distinct from using concentrated clove oil, which is toxic if ingested. Potential benefits include antimicrobial effects and antioxidant support, though excessive use can lead to adverse side effects. Always prioritize proper dental care with your dentist.

Key Points

Moderate consumption is safe: Placing one or two whole cloves in your mouth is generally safe and a traditional practice for oral and digestive health.
Avoid swallowing concentrated oil: Ingesting clove essential oil is toxic and can cause serious side effects like liver damage and seizures.
Distinguish between sucking and chewing: Sucking on a clove provides a gradual, gentle release of compounds, while light chewing offers a more intense but quicker effect; spitting out the debris is recommended.
Offers oral health benefits: Cloves contain eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antibacterial agent that can freshen breath and temporarily relieve toothaches and gum irritation.
Rich in antioxidants: Whole cloves contain powerful antioxidants that help fight cellular damage and reduce oxidative stress.
Caution for certain individuals: People on blood thinners, with diabetes, pregnant women, and young children should use caution and consult a healthcare provider before using cloves for medicinal purposes.

The Tradition and Science Behind Cloves

Cloves, the dried flower buds of the evergreen Syzygium aromaticum tree, are far more than just a kitchen spice. For centuries, various cultures have used them for their potent medicinal properties. This tradition often involves the simple act of putting a whole clove in one's mouth to harness its therapeutic compounds directly.

The most notable compound in cloves is eugenol, a natural analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent. In concentrated clove oil, eugenol is highly potent and toxic if swallowed, but in the low concentrations released from a whole bud, it can be beneficial. This traditional wisdom of moderate, direct application for minor ailments is now being explored by modern science, validating some of these long-held beliefs.

How to Safely Put a Whole Clove in Your Mouth

While the practice is common, it's crucial to understand the proper and safe technique. For minor oral complaints or as a breath freshener, using one or two whole cloves is sufficient. Never use excessive amounts, as the potent nature of the eugenol can cause irritation or other issues.

Chewing vs. Sucking: A Key Difference

When using whole cloves, there are two primary methods:

Sucking: This is the safest and most recommended method for most purposes. By simply holding a clove between your cheek and gum and letting the flavor and eugenol release slowly, you get a gradual and controlled dose. This is ideal for soothing a sore throat or freshening breath over an extended period. The compound eugenol is released slowly, providing a gentle numbing effect for dental pain.
Chewing: Lightly crushing a clove between your molars can release a more immediate burst of flavor and essential oils. Some use this method for quicker relief from dental pain or to invigorate digestion after a meal. The key is to crush it gently rather than aggressively chew and swallow. Afterward, spit out the remaining pieces. Crushing releases a higher concentration of eugenol, so it's a more intense and less controlled experience.

Moderation is Essential

Regardless of the method, moderation is paramount. According to experts, consuming one to two whole cloves after a meal is a common and safe practice. Excessive consumption can overwhelm the body, potentially leading to gastrointestinal discomfort, liver issues, and dangerously low blood sugar levels in susceptible individuals.

The Potential Benefits of a Clove a Day

The benefits of putting a whole clove in your mouth are primarily linked to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Oral Health and Fresh Breath: Cloves' natural antibacterial substances help combat mouth bacteria responsible for bad breath and plaque buildup. Sucking on a clove acts as a natural, long-lasting breath freshener. For toothache, the eugenol provides a temporary numbing effect, offering relief until you can see a dentist.
Digestive and Antioxidant Support: Chewing or sucking on cloves after a meal can aid digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes and soothing gastric irritation. The potent antioxidants, particularly eugenol, also help fight cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Soothing a Sore Throat: The anti-inflammatory properties of cloves can help soothe an irritated or sore throat. The slow release of compounds while sucking on a clove can provide a gentle, calming effect. For a more immediate remedy, clove tea can be made by steeping a few cloves in hot water.

Whole Cloves vs. Clove Oil: A Critical Comparison

Understanding the key differences between using a whole clove and its essential oil is vital for safety.


Feature	Whole Cloves (Buds)	Clove Essential Oil
Safety for Ingestion	Generally safe in small, culinary amounts; low risk of toxicity.	Toxic if ingested, especially for children; contains highly concentrated eugenol.
Eugenol Concentration	Low and released gradually.	Extremely high and potent.
Application	Sucking, chewing gently, or steeping in tea.	Topical application only (diluted) or aromatherapy; not for internal use.
Dental Use	Can be placed against gums for temporary numbing.	Must be diluted and applied carefully to avoid irritation or burning of gum tissue.
Side Effects (Excess)	Gastrointestinal upset, liver stress.	Severe side effects including seizures, liver damage, and fluid imbalances.
Drug Interactions	Lower risk; still a concern for those on blood thinners.	Higher risk of interaction with medications affecting blood clotting or sugar levels.

Who Should Exercise Caution with Cloves?

While generally safe, some individuals should avoid or limit clove use:

Bleeding Disorders or Blood Thinners: Eugenol can slow blood clotting. If you take medications like warfarin or have a bleeding disorder, avoid cloves.
Pre-Surgery: Stop using cloves at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery due to potential effects on blood clotting.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Stick to food-level amounts. There isn't enough safety data on medicinal doses during these periods.
Children: Clove oil is particularly dangerous for children. The use of whole cloves should also be limited and supervised.
Diabetes: Excess cloves can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, especially when combined with insulin medication.

How to Prepare and Use Whole Cloves

As a breath freshener: Simply place one or two whole cloves in your mouth and let them release their flavor. You can hold them between your teeth and cheek for extended freshness.
For toothache relief: Place a single whole clove directly on the affected tooth or gum and suck on it gently for temporary numbing.
For sore throat: Suck on a single clove slowly. You can also make a simple tea by steeping a few cloves in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
As a digestive aid: Chew a single clove gently after a meal to stimulate digestive enzymes.

For a delicious and healthful way to enjoy cloves, consider a soothing clove tea. Steeping a few buds in boiling water for about 10 minutes creates a warm, aromatic drink packed with antioxidants that is excellent for digestion and overall wellness.

Conclusion: Mindful Use is Key

Putting a whole clove in your mouth is a safe and traditional practice when done correctly and in moderation. It can offer natural benefits for oral hygiene, minor pain relief, and digestion. However, it is not a substitute for professional dental care. Being mindful of the risks, especially concerning drug interactions and excessive intake, is crucial. For concentrated benefits, clove essential oil is the more potent, yet more dangerous, option and should never be ingested. By using whole cloves with care, you can safely enjoy this ancient herbal remedy. For more information on complementary and alternative medicine, consult trusted health resources like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

While swallowing a single clove accidentally is unlikely to cause harm, it is not recommended. The safest way to use whole cloves is by sucking on them or chewing them and then spitting out the fibrous remnants.

For safety and to avoid potential side effects, it is recommended to limit your intake to one or two whole cloves per day, particularly after meals.

Yes, cloves can offer temporary relief for toothache. Their key compound, eugenol, is a natural anesthetic that numbs the pain. Place a whole clove on or near the affected area for relief.

Using too many cloves can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea and upset stomach. Excessive use, particularly with concentrated clove oil, can cause liver damage and issues with blood clotting.

No. Clove oil is highly concentrated and can cause irritation or burns to the gums if applied undiluted. In contrast, a whole clove releases its compounds more gradually and at a much lower concentration, making it a safer option for direct oral application.

You should exercise caution if you are on blood-thinning medication. Eugenol in cloves can slow blood clotting. Consult a doctor before use.

Some compounds in cloves may help regulate blood sugar, but in large amounts, they can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, especially for those with diabetes or on insulin. Moderate use is advised.