You’ve likely sprinkled cloves into your holiday mulled wine, stirred them into a pot of chai, or used them to stud an orange for a fragrant pomander.
But did you know this small, nail-shaped spice is one of the most powerful medicinal plants in your kitchen?
Cloves aren’t just for flavor — they’re a natural powerhouse of healing, backed by centuries of traditional medicine and growing scientific research.
From easing toothaches to supporting blood sugar control, cloves offer remarkable health benefits — all packed into a tiny, aromatic bud.
Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to cloves — where they come from, how they work, their top health benefits, and how to use them safely every day.
How Cloves Grow: A Spice Born in the Tropics
Cloves are the unopened flower buds of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), an evergreen native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia — once known as the “Spice Islands.”
Today, they’re also grown in:
Madagascar
Zanzibar (Tanzania)
Sri Lanka
India
Jamaica
The trees grow up to 30 feet tall and produce clusters of crimson flower buds that are hand-harvested before they bloom.
After picking, the buds are sun-dried for 4–7 days until they turn their signature deep reddish-brown and become the hard, aromatic cloves we know.
Because of their labor-intensive harvest and rich history, cloves were once more valuable than gold.
The Secret Ingredient: Eugenol — Nature’s Pain Reliever
The magic of cloves lies in a compound called eugenol — a natural oil that makes up 70–90% of clove essential oil.
Eugenol is responsible for cloves’:
Antibacterial properties
Anti-inflammatory effects
Analgesic (pain-relieving) power
Antioxidant strength
This potent compound is why cloves have been used for generations in:
Ayurvedic medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Dental care (even in modern dentistry)
And while more clinical research is underway, the evidence so far is highly promising.
Top 7 Health Benefits of Cloves
1. Eases Dental Pain & Prevents Gum Disease
Clove oil has been used for centuries to relieve toothaches — and modern dentistry confirms why.
Eugenol:
Numbs pain
Kills harmful oral bacteria
Reduces inflammation in gums
✅ How to use:
Dab a drop of diluted clove oil on a cotton ball and apply to the affected tooth
Chew a whole clove (gently) to release its numbing oils
Use clove-infused mouthwash for fresh breath and gum health
2. May Help Lower Blood Sugar
For those with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, cloves may offer natural support.
Studies show that eugenol improves insulin sensitivity, helping the body use glucose more efficiently.
One animal study found that clove extract reduced blood sugar levels by up to 30%.
While human trials are still limited, the results suggest cloves could be a valuable dietary addition for blood sugar control.
✅ Best way to use:
Add ground cloves to oatmeal, smoothies, or tea — but always consult your doctor if you’re on diabetes medication.
3. Supports Liver Health
The antioxidants in cloves — especially eugenol — help protect the liver from oxidative stress and toxin damage.
Research shows clove extract can:
Reduce liver inflammation
Improve liver function markers
Help reverse fatty liver disease in animal studies
While more human studies are needed, the liver-protective effects are promising.
4. Natural Antimicrobial & Antifungal Power
Cloves are one of the most potent natural antimicrobials known.
They’ve been shown to fight:
E. coli and Salmonella (foodborne bacteria)
Candida albicans (yeast infections)
Oral pathogens that cause plaque and cavities
This makes cloves a great natural preservative and immune booster.
5. May Help Lower Blood Pressure
Emerging research suggests cloves may help relax blood vessels and improve circulation.
The potassium and eugenol in cloves work together to:
Reduce arterial stiffness
Support healthy blood flow
Lower systolic blood pressure (in animal studies)
While not a replacement for medication, cloves can be a heart-healthy addition to your diet.
6. Rich in Antioxidants
Cloves have one of the highest antioxidant levels of any food — even more than many fruits and vegetables.
Their ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score is off the charts, meaning they’re excellent at:
Neutralizing free radicals
Slowing cellular aging
Reducing the risk of chronic diseases
Just one teaspoon of ground cloves delivers a massive antioxidant boost.
7. Aids Digestion & Soothes the Gut
In traditional medicine, cloves are used to:
Relieve bloating and gas
Stimulate digestive enzyme production
Calm nausea and motion sickness
They also help kill harmful gut bacteria while supporting healthy digestion.
