What are the cons of drinking clove tea?

January 6, 2026 •

2 min read

While celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, excessive intake of clove tea poses several significant health risks, primarily due to its high concentration of the compound eugenol. Understanding what are the cons of drinking clove tea is crucial for safe herbal consumption.

Quick Summary

Drinking clove tea in excessive amounts can cause serious side effects, including liver damage, an increased risk of bleeding, and dangerously low blood sugar, especially for individuals with certain health conditions.

Key Points

Liver Damage: High concentrations of eugenol can be toxic to the liver.
Increased Bleeding Risk: Eugenol has natural blood-thinning properties.
Hypoglycemia Risk: Clove tea can lower blood sugar levels.
Drug Interactions: Eugenol in cloves can interfere with certain medications.
Gastrointestinal Irritation: Excessive intake can cause digestive upset.
Allergic Reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions.

High Concentrations of Eugenol Can Be Toxic

Cloves contain eugenol, a potent compound. While beneficial in small amounts, high concentrations of eugenol found in excessive clove tea consumption can be toxic, potentially causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fluid imbalances, liver and kidney disorders, and seizures, especially in children.

Increased Risk of Bleeding and Drug Interactions

Eugenol has blood-thinning properties. While typically safe for healthy individuals, this can be risky for those on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. It is recommended to stop clove consumption at least two weeks before surgery to minimize bleeding risk.

Hypoglycemia and Diabetes Management

Research suggests cloves may help lower blood sugar. This effect can be hazardous for individuals with diabetes, particularly those taking medications like insulin, potentially leading to dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Those with diabetes should consult a healthcare provider before using clove tea.

Gastrointestinal and Allergic Reactions

Clove tea can cause digestive discomfort or allergic reactions in some individuals. High eugenol concentrations can irritate the stomach, leading to nausea, heartburn, or diarrhea. Allergic reactions can range from mild skin irritation to severe symptoms.

Comparison of Moderate vs. Excessive Clove Tea Consumption


Feature	Moderate Consumption (1-2 cups/day)	Excessive Consumption (>2 cups/day)
Effect on Health	Generally safe for most healthy adults; potential benefits.	Potential for increased risk of liver damage, bleeding, and hypoglycemia.
Digestive Impact	May aid digestion.	Can irritate the stomach, causing nausea and heartburn.
Interaction Risk	Minimal for healthy individuals, but caution is advised with some medications.	High risk with blood thinners, diabetes medication, and other drugs.
Recommended for	General wellness, digestion support.	Not recommended, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions.

Special Population Risks

Certain groups should limit or avoid clove tea due to higher risk:

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Safety data for concentrated clove extract in tea is insufficient.
Children: Clove oil is unsafe for children, and excessive clove tea should be avoided due to liver damage and seizure risk.
Individuals with Liver Disease: These individuals are at higher risk of eugenol-induced liver damage from excessive clove intake.

Conclusion

While moderate clove tea consumption can be beneficial, the downsides of excessive intake, primarily due to high eugenol concentration, include potential liver toxicity, bleeding issues, and dangerous blood sugar drops. To safely enjoy clove tea, consume it in moderation and consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have health conditions, are on medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. For further information on eugenol effects, refer to resources like {Link: NIH LiverTox database https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551727/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, excessive consumption, particularly in concentrated forms, can cause liver damage due to high levels of eugenol. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions are especially at risk.

Yes, clove tea can interact with certain medications. Its blood-thinning properties can interfere with anticoagulants, and its effect on blood sugar can be problematic for those taking diabetes medication.

Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, children, those with liver disease, people with bleeding disorders, and anyone taking blood-thinning or diabetes medication should avoid excessive consumption.

Symptoms of excessive intake can include gastrointestinal issues, increased bleeding, dangerously low blood sugar, and in rare cases, liver damage, and seizures.

While cloves as a spice are generally safe, concentrated forms like clove tea lack sufficient safety data for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is best to stick to culinary amounts.

Yes, high concentrations of cloves can irritate the digestive tract and may cause stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea in some people.

Yes, stop drinking clove tea at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery due to its blood-thinning properties which could increase bleeding risk.