What happens if you swallow a little bit of clove oil?

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Ontario Poison Centre, clove oil is one of the essential oils with a high toxicity risk, and swallowing it can cause serious symptoms. This is because it contains a powerful compound called eugenol, and even a little bit of clove oil can be dangerous, especially for children.

Quick Summary

Ingesting even a small amount of clove oil can cause irritation of the mouth, throat, and stomach. Serious symptoms, including liver damage, seizures, or coma, are a risk, particularly in children.

Key Points

High Toxicity: Clove oil contains eugenol, a potent compound that is toxic in high concentrations.
Immediate Symptoms: Swallowing can cause a burning sensation, nausea, and gastrointestinal distress.
Serious Risks: Ingestion can lead to severe liver damage, seizures, and coma, especially in young children.
Do NOT Induce Vomiting: This can cause the oil to enter the lungs, leading to a dangerous condition called aspiration pneumonia.
Call Poison Control Immediately: In case of ingestion, contact a poison control center immediately for guidance.
Not for Internal Use: Clove oil is not safe to be ingested, and its use is typically limited to diluted topical applications or aromatherapy.

The Dangers of Ingesting Concentrated Clove Oil

While a tiny amount of clove oil is used in food flavoring, concentrated essential oils are a different matter entirely. The primary active compound in clove oil, eugenol, is highly potent and toxic in large doses, especially to children. When you swallow even a 'little bit,' the concentrated nature of the oil can lead to immediate and delayed health issues. The severity of the reaction depends on the amount ingested, the concentration of the oil, and the person's age and weight.

Immediate Side Effects of Swallowing Clove Oil

Immediately after swallowing clove oil, you may experience a number of distressing symptoms.

Burning Sensation: Clove oil can cause a burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and esophagus due to its irritant properties.
Gastrointestinal Distress: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are common as the oil irritates the stomach and digestive tract.
Respiratory Irritation: The oil can be easily aspirated into the lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Aspiration can cause aspiration pneumonia, a serious lung infection.
Central Nervous System Effects: Dizziness, agitation, or a decreased level of consciousness can occur.

Serious Complications from Clove Oil Ingestion

Even what seems like a small amount can lead to life-threatening complications, particularly in vulnerable populations like infants and toddlers.

Liver Damage: High doses of eugenol are directly toxic to the liver. Overdoses have been reported to cause severe liver injury, with elevated liver enzyme levels, jaundice, and rapid onset of hepatic failure.
Seizures and Coma: Clove oil ingestion, especially in children, can cause seizures, coma, and central nervous system depression.
Coagulopathy: Eugenol can interfere with blood clotting, leading to bleeding disorders and coagulation abnormalities.
Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances: Overdose can cause severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), metabolic acidosis, and other critical fluid imbalances.

What to Do Immediately After Accidental Ingestion

If you or someone you know has swallowed clove oil, immediate action is crucial. The response should be quick and decisive to minimize harm.

Do NOT Induce Vomiting: Forcing vomiting can cause the oil to be aspirated into the lungs, leading to severe respiratory complications.
Call a Poison Control Center: Contact your local poison control center immediately. In the US, the hotline is 1-800-222-1222. Provide the product name, estimated amount ingested, and the person's age and weight.
Give Sips of Water: If the person is conscious and not experiencing difficulty swallowing, they can drink small sips of water to help rinse the mouth and dilute the oil in the stomach. Do not give water if they are drowsy or unconscious.
Seek Medical Attention: Depending on the severity and advice from poison control, go to an emergency room or call emergency services. Bring the clove oil bottle with you to help medical staff assess the situation.

Comparison Table: Ingesting Clove Oil vs. Food Spices

To highlight the difference in toxicity, here's a comparison between ingesting concentrated clove oil and small amounts of the spice in food.


Feature	Concentrated Clove Oil	Clove Spice in Food
Eugenol Concentration	Very High (70-90%)	Low
Dosage	Even 'a little bit' is a toxic dose	Very small, culinary amount
Safety Status	High toxicity risk, especially in children	Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by FDA in food levels
Primary Risk	Acute poisoning, liver damage, seizures	None, unless allergic or very large quantities are consumed over time
Recommended Use	Topical (diluted) or aromatherapy ONLY; NOT for ingestion	Culinary flavoring

Conclusion

While a common household essential oil, the ingestion of concentrated clove oil is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. The compound eugenol, while providing beneficial properties in minuscule doses, is a potent cytotoxin at higher concentrations and can lead to severe organ damage, seizures, or coma. It is crucial to use clove oil safely, keep it out of reach of children, and never ingest it. In the event of accidental swallowing, prioritize calling poison control and seeking immediate medical help rather than relying on home remedies. National Institutes of Health (NIH) LiverTox entry for Eugenol offers further technical details on its toxicity.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not safe to swallow concentrated clove essential oil. While tiny amounts of clove are used in food flavoring, concentrated clove oil contains high levels of eugenol, which is toxic when ingested and can cause severe health complications.

If you swallow clove oil, do not induce vomiting. Immediately call your local poison control center for guidance. If the person is conscious, they can take small sips of water to rinse their mouth and dilute the substance.

Children are more vulnerable to clove oil's toxicity due to their smaller body size and developing organs. Even a small amount of the concentrated oil can lead to life-threatening side effects like seizures and liver damage in infants and toddlers.

Yes, high doses of clove oil are known to be hepatotoxic, meaning they can cause severe liver injury. Overdoses have been documented to cause acute liver failure and related symptoms.

Clove oil has anesthetic properties and has traditionally been used for temporary toothache relief, but dental professionals often advise caution. It should always be diluted, applied topically with a cotton swab, and never swallowed. It is a temporary fix, not a cure.

Symptoms of clove oil poisoning include burning in the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, agitation, drowsiness, shallow breathing, and in severe cases, seizures, jaundice, or coma.

The primary poisonous component in clove oil is eugenol, which makes up a high percentage of the essential oil. This powerful compound is responsible for both the oil's beneficial and harmful effects, depending on the concentration and dosage.

Food-grade clove oil or extracts used in food flavoring are much more diluted than essential oils and are considered safe in very small, culinary amounts. The danger lies with concentrated essential oil, which is not meant for internal consumption.