Unpacking the Benefits: Is Clove Tea Good for You?

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Cloves have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, with a rich history rooted in Indonesian culture. In modern times, as people seek natural remedies, the question arises: is clove tea good for you, and what scientific evidence supports its claims? This ancient remedy offers several surprising health benefits, but it is important to understand its potential risks and consume it in moderation.

Quick Summary

Clove tea, infused with the antioxidant-rich compound eugenol, offers potential health benefits including improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and better oral hygiene. It may also aid in regulating blood sugar and supporting liver and bone health. However, it should be consumed in moderation due to potential side effects and interactions with certain medications.

Key Points

Antioxidant Power: Clove tea is rich in the powerful antioxidant eugenol, which combats oxidative stress and may lower the risk of chronic disease.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Eugenol provides strong anti-inflammatory effects that can help manage symptoms of arthritis, soothe sore throats, and reduce overall inflammation.
Digestive Aid: Clove tea can stimulate digestive enzymes, reduce gas and bloating, and may increase protective gastric mucus to help with stomach ulcers.
Oral Health Benefits: Its natural anesthetic and antimicrobial properties make clove tea effective for relieving toothaches, fighting oral bacteria, and freshening breath.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Compounds in cloves may mimic insulin and improve blood sugar control, which is particularly relevant for those managing diabetes.
Potential Risks: Excessive consumption can be toxic due to high eugenol levels and may cause hypoglycemia or interfere with blood-thinning medication.
Moderation is Key: For safety and to reap the benefits, limit consumption to one to two cups of clove tea per day.

The Many Health Benefits of Clove Tea

Rich in Antioxidants

Cloves are exceptionally high in antioxidants, which are compounds that help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. This process can help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. The primary antioxidant in cloves, eugenol, has shown remarkable potency, proving to be five times more effective than vitamin E at combating oxidative damage in lab studies. A warm cup of clove tea is an excellent way to incorporate these powerful protective compounds into your daily routine.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Eugenol also provides strong anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a natural bodily response, but chronic inflammation is linked to various health issues, including arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Clove tea's anti-inflammatory potential can help reduce the body's inflammatory response, which may provide relief from pain and swelling. Gargling with warm clove tea has been traditionally used to soothe sore throats and relieve gum inflammation.

Supports Digestive Health

Clove tea is a long-standing remedy for various digestive complaints.

Relieves Gas and Bloating: The compounds in cloves, including eugenol, help to relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, which can alleviate gas and bloating, particularly after a heavy meal.
Aids Indigestion: By stimulating the production of digestive enzymes, a cup of clove tea can help food break down more efficiently, promoting smoother digestion.
May Soothe Ulcers: Some research suggests that clove compounds may help increase gastric mucus production, which protects the stomach lining and could help treat stomach ulcers.

Promotes Oral Health

Cloves are well-known for their benefits to oral health, thanks to their antimicrobial and pain-relieving properties. Eugenol acts as a natural anesthetic, which is why clove oil is often used in dentistry to relieve toothaches and numb sore gums. Brewing clove tea and using it as a gargle can help combat oral bacteria, reduce plaque, and freshen breath.

May Help Regulate Blood Sugar

Compounds found in cloves may play a role in blood sugar management. Studies on clove extract and a compound called nigricin have shown potential in increasing the uptake of sugar from the blood into cells, improving insulin secretion, and enhancing insulin-producing cell function. This effect could be particularly beneficial for individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, though more human research is needed.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While clove tea offers many advantages, it is important to be aware of the potential risks, especially with high or excessive consumption.

Hypoglycemia

Because cloves can lower blood sugar levels, individuals with diabetes should be cautious. Excessive consumption, particularly when combined with diabetes medication, could lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), so monitoring blood sugar is crucial.

Drug Interactions

The eugenol in cloves can have blood-thinning properties and may interfere with anticoagulant medications. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before regularly consuming clove tea if you are taking blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder. Additionally, clove may interact with other medications metabolized by the liver, so professional medical advice is recommended.

Dosage and Toxicity

Moderation is key when drinking clove tea. While 1-2 cups per day is generally considered safe for most adults, high doses of concentrated clove oil or excessive consumption can be toxic. High levels of eugenol can cause liver damage. Excessive consumption may also lead to gastrointestinal distress, including nausea or bloating.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to exercise caution and consult a doctor before incorporating clove tea into their diet. While moderate amounts used in cooking are generally safe, high therapeutic doses found in tea or supplements should be approached with caution due to limited research.

Clove Tea vs. Other Herbal Teas: A Comparison


Feature	Clove Tea	Ginger Tea	Cinnamon Tea
Primary Bioactive Compound	Eugenol	Gingerol, shogaol, zingerone	Cinnamaldehyde
Anti-Inflammatory	Strong, due to eugenol	Strong, helps with colds and flu	Moderate, supports insulin sensitivity
Digestive Aid	Excellent for gas, bloating, and enzyme stimulation	Excellent for nausea and digestive upset	Moderate, can help with bloating
Blood Sugar Regulation	Studies show potential to increase insulin secretion	Helps boost metabolism and fat burning	Known for improving insulin sensitivity
Oral Health	Excellent for numbing pain and killing bacteria	Improves breath	May fight oral bacteria
Potential Interaction	Blood thinners, liver meds	Anticoagulants	Blood thinners

How to Prepare a Safe and Delicious Clove Tea

Making clove tea is a simple process that allows you to enjoy its benefits easily. You can prepare it using whole or ground cloves.

Simple Clove Tea Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of whole cloves (or ground, if preferred)
- 1 cup of water
- Optional: honey, lemon, or ginger for flavor
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan.
2. Add the cloves to the boiling water.
3. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavor to infuse.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the tea into a cup.
5. Add honey, lemon, or ginger to taste, if desired, and enjoy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question, is clove tea good for you?, is met with a positive, albeit cautious, answer. The tea, derived from the buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, is packed with beneficial compounds like eugenol, offering significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. From aiding digestion and managing blood sugar to promoting oral and bone health, its potential benefits are numerous. However, as with any potent herbal remedy, the key lies in moderation. By enjoying one to two cups per day and being mindful of potential interactions with medications, clove tea can be a safe and flavorful addition to a healthy diet. Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

For more information on the wide-ranging health properties of cloves, you can refer to authoritative sources such as Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is generally safe to drink clove tea in moderation, with a recommended amount of one to two cups per day. Excessive consumption is not advised due to the potent compounds it contains.

Yes, cloves contain eugenol, which acts as a natural anesthetic and has been used for centuries to relieve toothaches and soothe sore gums.

While cloves may help regulate blood sugar, individuals with diabetes should be cautious. Clove tea can lower blood sugar levels, and excessive consumption, especially with medication, could lead to hypoglycemia.

Excessive consumption of clove tea can cause gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea or bloating. High doses of eugenol, especially from concentrated clove oil, can be toxic and may lead to liver damage.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be cautious with clove tea and consult a healthcare provider. While small amounts in food are safe, higher concentrations in tea should be approached with care due to limited research on their effects.

Yes, the eugenol in clove tea can act as a blood thinner and may interact with anticoagulant medications. It can also interfere with medications metabolized by the liver, so a doctor's consultation is recommended.

To make clove tea, simply simmer one teaspoon of whole cloves in a cup of boiling water for 5–10 minutes, then strain and serve. You can add honey, lemon, or ginger for extra flavor.