What Does Clove Do on an Empty Stomach?

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, chewing or consuming cloves on an empty stomach is believed to amplify their medicinal properties. This potent spice, derived from the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, contains powerful compounds like eugenol, which offers a range of health benefits from better digestion to enhanced immunity.

Quick Summary

Consuming a small amount of cloves on an empty stomach is said to stimulate digestive enzymes and improve gut health. This practice may also help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and aid in oral hygiene. The effects are largely attributed to the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of eugenol found in cloves.

Key Points

Boosts Digestion: Cloves stimulate digestive enzymes, reducing bloating, gas, and indigestion when consumed on an empty stomach.
Regulates Blood Sugar: The compound eugenol in cloves can help manage blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity, particularly when taken on an empty stomach.
Enhances Immunity: Loaded with antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, cloves strengthen the immune system and help fight off infections.
Fights Inflammation: Cloves possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate general bodily aches, joint pain, and reduce chronic inflammation.
Improves Oral Health: Chewing cloves in the morning can combat bad breath and soothe gum discomfort due to their antiseptic effects.
Supports Liver Function: Rich in antioxidants, cloves can protect the liver from oxidative stress and aid in detoxification processes.

Digestive Health Boost

One of the most widely reported benefits of consuming cloves on an empty stomach is its effect on the digestive system. Starting your day with clove water or by chewing a couple of cloves can set a healthy tone for the gut, preparing it for the day's meals. Cloves are carminative in nature, meaning they help to prevent and relieve gas and bloating.

Stimulates digestive enzymes: The compounds in cloves trigger the secretion of digestive enzymes, which can help your body break down food more efficiently and improve nutrient absorption.
Reduces bloating and gas: Cloves' natural warmth can calm the stomach, reducing heaviness and discomfort often felt in the morning.
Alleviates nausea: The antiseptic and anesthetic properties of cloves can help soothe morning sickness and general nausea.

Regulation of Blood Sugar

Consuming cloves on an empty stomach has been linked to better blood sugar management, which is particularly beneficial for those with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. The compound eugenol has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and support the function of the pancreas. By helping to slow down the rate at which sugar enters the bloodstream, cloves can prevent the energy crashes that can occur after consuming breakfast.

Enhanced Immunity and Antioxidant Power

Cloves are exceptionally rich in antioxidants, especially eugenol, which fight off free radicals that can cause cellular damage. Oxidative stress can weaken the immune system and lead to various chronic diseases. By starting your day with a dose of these antioxidants, you can help fortify your body's defenses.

Boosts the immune system: The antibacterial and antiviral properties of cloves help the body fight infections, making you less susceptible to illnesses, particularly during cold and flu season.
Reduces inflammation: Eugenol is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce general bodily aches, joint pain, and other inflammatory conditions.

Oral Health Improvements

For centuries, cloves have been a staple in dental care due to their natural antiseptic and analgesic properties. Chewing cloves or drinking clove water on an empty stomach can help improve overall oral hygiene.

Combats bad breath: Cloves' antibacterial properties are effective at fighting the bacteria that cause halitosis, leaving your breath fresher from the inside out.
Soothes tooth and gum pain: For those with sensitive gums or early-stage toothaches, chewing a clove can offer a mild, natural numbing and anti-inflammatory effect.

Comparison: Clove Water vs. Chewing Whole Cloves


Feature	Chewing Whole Cloves	Drinking Clove Water (Overnight Soak)
Preparation	No preparation needed; just chew 1-2 cloves.	Requires overnight soaking of cloves in water.
Potency	Offers a concentrated dose of flavor and compounds like eugenol directly.	Provides a more diluted, gentler infusion of clove's compounds.
Absorption Speed	Quicker absorption of beneficial compounds as they mix with saliva.	Slower, more gradual absorption over the course of the morning.
Effect on Digestive Enzymes	The chewing process physically stimulates saliva and digestive enzyme production.	Stimulates digestive enzymes through the gentle warmth and compound infusion.
Oral Health Impact	Direct contact with teeth and gums provides immediate antimicrobial benefits.	Cleanses the mouth internally but with less direct, concentrated effect.
Taste Experience	Very strong, potent flavor that can be overwhelming for some.	Milder, more palatable flavor profile, similar to a spiced tea.

How to incorporate cloves into your morning routine

For those new to the practice, a good way to start is by soaking 2-3 whole cloves in a glass of water overnight. Drink this infused water first thing in the morning. If you are comfortable with a more intense flavor, chewing one or two whole cloves is another effective method. Consistency is key to experiencing the full range of benefits.

Potential Risks and Precautions

While consuming a small amount of cloves on an empty stomach is generally considered safe for most adults, caution is advised. High doses of clove, particularly concentrated clove oil, can be harmful. The key compound, eugenol, has blood-thinning properties and could interact with medications.

Blood-thinning medications: Individuals on blood thinners like warfarin should avoid medicinal amounts of cloves due to the risk of excessive bleeding.
Hypoglycemia: While cloves can help regulate blood sugar, excessive consumption, especially for diabetics, could lead to a dangerous drop in blood glucose levels.
Stomach irritation: The potent compounds in cloves can cause digestive upset, heartburn, or nausea if consumed in large quantities.
Pregnancy and children: Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as children, should avoid medicinal doses of clove and consult a healthcare professional before use.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new dietary supplement or natural remedy.

Conclusion

Consuming a single or a few cloves on an empty stomach, whether by chewing or in a glass of infused water, has been shown to offer a variety of health benefits rooted in its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. From kick-starting your digestive system and boosting metabolism to regulating blood sugar and strengthening immunity, this simple morning ritual can contribute positively to overall wellness. However, moderation is essential, and those with pre-existing conditions or on specific medications should consult a healthcare professional. By approaching this practice with awareness and caution, you can safely explore the potential of this potent spice.

The Takeaway

The daily habit of taking a small, safe amount of cloves on an empty stomach has a long-standing tradition for its potential to improve digestive function, enhance immunity, and support metabolic health. The power lies in consistency and moderation.

Visit a medical professional for personalized advice on dietary changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in small, medicinal amounts (1-2 cloves or clove-infused water) it is generally considered safe for most healthy adults. However, excessive consumption, especially of concentrated clove oil, can be harmful and cause stomach irritation.

Cloves have properties that can help lower blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for managing diabetes. However, for individuals on blood sugar-regulating medication, consuming too many cloves can cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

You can either chew one to two whole cloves directly or prepare clove water by soaking 2-3 cloves in a glass of water overnight and drinking the water in the morning. Soaking provides a milder flavor and effect.

No, concentrated clove oil is highly potent and should never be ingested directly, especially on an empty stomach. It can cause severe side effects, including seizures and liver damage, and should only be used in diluted, controlled amounts under professional guidance.

Yes. The eugenol in cloves acts as a blood thinner. Therefore, if you are taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin, you should avoid consuming cloves in medicinal doses to prevent excessive bleeding.

Clove water can support weight loss efforts by boosting metabolism, improving digestion, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels, which can curb cravings. It is not a magic solution but can be a beneficial addition to a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

The effects of consuming cloves on an empty stomach can vary. While some benefits like fresher breath and better digestion might be noticeable quickly, others like improved immunity or regulated blood sugar may take several weeks of consistent, moderate consumption to become apparent.