Unlocking the Spice Chest: What is the health benefit of cloves?

November 1, 2025 •

2 min read

With an antioxidant capacity that can outperform many fruits and vegetables, the aromatic clove is far more than just a seasonal flavor enhancer. But what is the health benefit of cloves beyond their rich aroma and powerful taste? This small spice packs a powerful punch of medicinal properties, from fighting inflammation to supporting blood sugar control and improving dental health.

Quick Summary

This article explores the numerous health benefits of cloves, detailing their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, their positive impact on digestive and oral health, and their potential role in supporting blood sugar regulation and liver function.

Key Points

Powerful Antioxidant: Cloves are exceptionally rich in antioxidants, particularly eugenol, which helps combat cellular damage from free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
Natural Anti-inflammatory: Eugenol's anti-inflammatory properties can help manage chronic inflammation, potentially benefiting conditions like arthritis.
Aids Digestion: Cloves stimulate digestive enzymes, alleviate gas and bloating, and may help protect the stomach lining from ulcers.
Supports Blood Sugar Control: Research suggests cloves can help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels, although caution is advised for diabetics and further human studies are needed.
Promotes Oral Health: Thanks to eugenol, cloves act as a natural anesthetic and antibacterial agent, making them effective for soothing toothaches and freshening breath.
Supports Liver Function: The antioxidants in cloves, such as eugenol, may help protect the liver from inflammation and oxidative damage.

Cloves are the unopened pink flower buds of the evergreen tree Syzygium aromaticum, native to Indonesia. Used for centuries in global cuisines and traditional medicine, cloves get many of their health benefits from eugenol, a compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

The Potent Antioxidant Powerhouse

Cloves are a significant source of antioxidants, including eugenol, which help neutralize free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases. Including cloves in your diet can increase your intake of these protective compounds.

Combating Inflammation Naturally

The anti-inflammatory properties of cloves, mainly due to eugenol, are beneficial for reducing the body's inflammatory response and may help manage conditions like arthritis.

Aiding Digestive Health

Traditionally used for digestive issues, cloves can stimulate digestive enzymes, alleviate gas and bloating, and may help protect the stomach lining.

Supporting Metabolic and Blood Sugar Regulation

Cloves may offer benefits for metabolic health by potentially improving insulin function and lowering blood glucose levels. While some studies show promise, more human research is needed, and individuals with diabetes should consult a healthcare provider.

Comparison of Cloves with Other Common Spices

To illustrate the nutritional value of cloves, here is a comparison based on a one-teaspoon (approximately 2g) serving:


Nutrient	Cloves (approx. 2g)	Cinnamon (approx. 2g)	Ginger (ground, approx. 2g)
Calories	6 kcal	5.2 kcal	6 kcal
Manganese	1.3 mg (approx. 55% DV)	0.4 mg (approx. 18% DV)	0.04 mg (approx. 2% DV)
Fiber	1 g	1.3 g	0.2 g
Antioxidant Content	Exceptionally High (ORAC > 1,000,000)	Very High	High
Key Active Compound	Eugenol	Cinnamaldehyde	Gingerol

Beyond Digestion: Broader Health Impacts

Oral Health

The eugenol in clove oil is known for its natural anesthetic and antibacterial properties, traditionally used to soothe toothaches and gum pain and combat bad breath.

Liver Health

Clove antioxidants may help protect the liver from inflammation and oxidative stress, with some studies suggesting a potential role in reducing signs of liver conditions, though more human research is required.

Antimicrobial Action

Eugenol is effective against various bacteria and fungi, making cloves a useful natural preservative and aid in fighting infections.

Incorporating Cloves into Your Routine

Add cloves to your diet through clove tea, by adding ground cloves to savory or sweet dishes, or by making clove-infused water or mouthwash.

Safety and Precautions

Cloves are generally safe in food amounts. However, concentrated clove oil should be used cautiously due to its potency and potential to cause liver damage, especially in children. Eugenol can also affect blood clotting, so those on blood-thinning medication should consult their doctor.

Conclusion

Cloves, with their high levels of antioxidants and compounds like eugenol, offer significant health benefits, including fighting inflammation, aiding digestion, and supporting blood sugar regulation and oral health. Incorporating cloves in moderation can contribute to overall wellness.

Explore more natural remedies and their benefits with reliable sources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eugenol is the primary phenolic compound in cloves, making up a significant portion of clove oil. It is responsible for many of clove's medicinal properties, including its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.

Yes, chewing whole cloves can help combat bad breath. Cloves contain natural antimicrobial agents that kill the bacteria responsible for foul odors in the mouth, acting as a potent and natural breath freshener.

Consuming large amounts of cloves, especially concentrated clove oil, can lead to side effects such as digestive irritation, liver damage, and allergic reactions. It is important to use cloves in moderation and avoid high doses of clove oil.

Some studies indicate that compounds in cloves may improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels. However, this should not replace standard medical treatment, and individuals with diabetes should consult a doctor before using cloves medicinally.

You can easily incorporate cloves by adding ground cloves to curries and baked goods, brewing clove tea by steeping whole cloves in hot water, or infusing water with cloves for a refreshing drink.

Clove oil has been traditionally used to relieve toothache due to its analgesic properties, but it should be used cautiously. The FDA does not officially rate eugenol as effective for toothache pain, and frequent application can cause tissue damage. It is best to consult a dentist for persistent pain.

Yes, cloves contain eugenol, which can slow blood clotting. Individuals taking blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, should be cautious and consult their doctor before consuming cloves medicinally.

Some animal studies suggest clove extracts may help reduce fat accumulation and improve metabolism. While there's a trend suggesting clove water for weight loss, solid human evidence is limited, and it should be part of a balanced diet rather than a standalone remedy.