# Clove Benefits: Traditional Uses and Safety

> Learn about clove's traditional uses for digestion, how to prepare and store it, its properties, potential benefits, contraindications, and safety precautions.

- URL: https://celitel.online/en/blog/gvozdika-zubnaya-bol/
- Author: Dr. Boris Wydoff — https://celitel.online/en/about/
- Published: 2026-11-07
- Language: en

Clove is an aromatic spice used in cooking and traditional herbal medicine. According to herbal reference books, its use is primarily associated with digestion. In particular, clove is mentioned among the spices traditionally used for diarrhea and certain liver conditions. However, this spice does not replace medical care or prescribed treatment.

## What Is Clove and What Does It Look Like?

The clove discussed in this article is a plant-derived spice known by its botanical name, Syzygium aromaticum. It is important to distinguish it from other plants that are also called pinks or carnations.

Botanical reference books describe several completely different plants that share similar common names. For example, the variable pink is a perennial herb that grows 30–60 centimeters tall. It has four-angled stems, linear leaves, and pink-red flowers. This is not the spice commonly added to tea or used in cooking.

There is also maiden pink. Its characteristics are important when identifying wild plants during harvesting. Mistakes when gathering medicinal herbs can result in using an entirely different plant.

That is why I advise you not to rely on the name alone. If you are looking for the spice Syzygium aromaticum, choose food-grade clove specifically rather than gathering wild plants with similar names.

In cooking, clove is used as a standalone aromatic seasoning. It is added to dishes and drinks when a distinctive spicy aroma is desired. But using it as a food ingredient and using it in medicinal amounts are two different things.

## What Are the Benefits of This Spice?

When discussing the properties of clove, it is important to distinguish traditional uses from proven therapeutic effects.

According to herbal reference books, culinary spices are used for more than just their flavor. Their aromatic compounds consist of complex mixtures of fragrant substances. Some of these substances have bactericidal properties.

Clove is also mentioned in reference literature as a spice traditionally believed to have certain effects on the digestive system. Let's look at the main areas of its traditional use.

### For the Digestive System

In the reference book by Sokolov and Zamotaev, clove is listed among the spices traditionally used for diarrhea. This is a historical description of herbal medicine practices. It does not mean that consuming the spice can eliminate the underlying cause of diarrhea.

Diarrhea can occur for many different reasons. Sometimes it is accompanied by dehydration and requires medical attention. Particular care is needed when symptoms persist, or when there is a fever, severe weakness, or abdominal pain.

For this reason, information about the traditional use of clove should not be treated as a standalone treatment plan.

### For the Liver

Herbal reference books also mention the traditional use of clove for certain liver conditions. This describes a folk medicine practice, not evidence that the spice can restore the liver or cure diseases affecting this organ.

When dealing with liver conditions, it is especially important to consider the safety of any concentrated herbal products. Clove essential oil, in particular, poses a separate risk. Taking it internally can cause toxic effects and liver damage.

If you already have a liver condition, you should discuss using clove in medicinal amounts with your doctor.

### Aromatic Properties

Clove is a popular culinary spice. It is used for its strong aroma and distinctive flavor. Reference books note that the aromatic components of spices form complex mixtures of fragrant substances. Some of these have bactericidal properties. However, this does not mean that the same property automatically applies to every homemade infusion or that adding clove to a drink disinfects the body. The nutritional value of a spice and its traditional medicinal uses are two different matters. Clove should not be credited with therapeutic abilities that are not supported by descriptions of traditional herbal medicine practices.

## What Is Found in Its Fruit?

The composition of plant material is important for understanding its properties and safety.

When it comes to clove as a spice, remember that concentrated products are different from ordinary culinary seasoning. This is particularly important when using essential oil and other concentrated preparations.

Modern safety information specifically mentions eugenol, a component associated with a possible effect on blood clotting. For this reason, people taking medications that affect blood clotting should discuss the use of concentrated clove products with their doctor beforehand. Do not assume that all forms of the spice have the same effects. Whole buds, extracts, supplements, and essential oil have different concentrations.

For home use, it is essential not to confuse food-grade seasoning with concentrated herbal preparations.

## What Is Clove Used For?

In traditional herbal medicine, clove is considered primarily an aromatic spice with historically documented medicinal uses as well. The reference book by Sokolov and Zamotaev mentions it in connection with digestive disorders and liver conditions. In everyday life, clove is more commonly used as a seasoning. It is suitable for flavoring food and drinks. However, it is important to distinguish between three situations:

- Adding a small amount of food-grade spice to a dish.
- Using clove in homemade herbal drinks.
- Using concentrated extracts, supplements, and essential oil.

The last two options require greater caution, especially when concentrated products are involved.

I do not recommend increasing the amount of spice on your own in the hope of achieving a stronger effect. The absence of an exact dosage in traditional descriptions does not mean you can experiment with the amount.

If you use clove in connection with a health condition, you need to take your diagnosis, medications, and individual health characteristics into account.

### Can You Use Clove If You Have Diabetes?

With diabetes, it is important to consider possible interactions between herbal products and medications.

Modern safety information indicates that eugenol may affect blood glucose levels. For this reason, combining concentrated clove products with insulin or blood sugar-lowering medications requires caution.

If you are considering using clove in medicinal amounts, discuss it with your doctor beforehand and talk about monitoring your blood glucose levels.

Food seasoning should not be considered a treatment for diabetes. Any additional herbal remedies should only be used alongside prescribed treatment after consulting your doctor. Do not stop taking prescribed medications.

### What Does Clove Do to Blood Pressure?

Clove should not be considered a standalone remedy for changing blood pressure. The traditional uses described in reference books concern other areas, primarily digestion and liver conditions. Do not try to regulate your blood pressure with homemade infusions or by increasing the amount of spice you consume. If you take medication for hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions, discuss using clove in medicinal amounts with your doctor.

Before adding herbal remedies to your prescribed treatment, consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking prescribed medications.

## How to Properly Brew These Aromatic Buds

The search query "how to brew clove" is common among people who want to prepare a homemade drink. However, it is important to understand the difference between an ordinary flavored drink and a medicinal infusion. You cannot automatically use recipes intended for other plants when preparing clove. Nor should you apply proportions from recipes involving other types of plants called pinks or carnations to Syzygium aromaticum. That is why I advise against prescribing medicinal doses for yourself.

If you use food-grade spice to flavor a drink, treat it as a food ingredient, not as medicine.

### How Should You Drink Clove?

Homemade drinks containing spices do not replace treatment for digestive or liver conditions. People with chronic illnesses and those who take medications regularly should be especially careful. Do not make your drink more concentrated, increase how often you consume it, or combine several herbal products without understanding how they may interact. You should also avoid switching from culinary use to medicinal doses on your own.

### Should You Take Clove in the Morning or Evening?

The timing depends on why you are using clove. If you are using it as a food seasoning, there is no need to establish a special medicinal schedule. If you are considering a concentrated herbal product, the timing and amount should be determined based on the specific product and your health condition. There is no reason to prescribe morning or evening clove consumption for treating medical conditions on your own.

## How to Harvest and Store This Product

When harvesting medicinal plants, the first priority is to identify the correct species. Botanical reference books describe different plants called pinks or carnations. For example, the variable pink is a perennial herb with pink-red flowers. Maiden pink also has its own distinguishing characteristics.

Literature on plant harvesting specifically warns about the possibility of misidentifying maiden pink. This is an important reminder that similar names do not guarantee that a plant belongs to the species you need.

To obtain the culinary spice Syzygium aromaticum, choose ready-made material specifically intended for food use. I do not recommend gathering wild plants yourself based only on their name or aroma. When buying clove, check that the packaging is intact and follow the storage instructions provided by the manufacturer. The product should be protected from moisture and foreign odors. Do not mix food-grade spice with other plant materials if their origin and species are unknown.

Store essential oils and concentrated products separately. They are not intended for uncontrolled consumption and should be kept out of children's reach.

## How to Find Clove Abroad

When traveling or living abroad, the easiest way to find clove is to search by its local name or Latin name, *Syzygium aromaticum*. The names vary from country to country:

- **USA:** Clove or Clove bud.
- **Germany:** Gewürznelke, Nelken, or Gewürznelken.
- **France:** Clou de girofle or girofle.
- **Latin name:** *Syzygium aromaticum*. The older name *Eugenia caryophyllata* is also used.

**Forms in which it is sold:**
- Whole dried buds — a common spice and ingredient for infusions.
- Ground clove — powder sold in jars or loose.
- Tea blends and infusions.
- Liquid extracts and tinctures.
- Capsules and tablets.
- Essential oil — a separate product that is significantly more concentrated.

**Where to look:** In the USA, check supermarket spice sections, natural food stores, and herbal shops; in Germany, look in supermarkets, Reformhaus stores, herbal shops, and pharmacies (Apotheke); in France, check supermarkets, spice shops, herbal shops, and pharmacies (pharmacie).

**What to check on the packaging:** The Latin name, the plant part (dried flower buds should be specified), and the amount of the substance per capsule or serving of extract. For organic products, look for USDA Organic in the USA or the Bio / EU Organic label in Europe. Do not confuse essential oil with ordinary spice or tea.

**Important:** In the USA, supplements are regulated as food products. In Germany, medicinal herbal tea (Arzneitee) is classified as a medicinal product, while in France, dietary supplements and medicines are subject to different sales regulations.

## Contraindications and Precautions

Despite being a familiar kitchen spice, clove is not suitable for everyone. It is especially important to distinguish ordinary culinary use from the use of concentrated preparations. Modern safety information identifies the following precautions.

**Allergies.** People with individual sensitivity to clove or eugenol may experience allergic reactions. These can include rashes, hives, swelling, and breathing difficulties.

**Blood clotting disorders.** Eugenol may affect the body's ability to stop bleeding. For this reason, people with clotting disorders or a tendency to bleed need to take particular care.

**Taking medications that affect blood clotting.** Combining concentrated clove products with warfarin, heparin, enoxaparin, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, clopidogrel, and similar medications may increase the risk of bleeding.

**Liver conditions.** Taking clove essential oil internally is associated with a risk of liver damage. If you already have a liver condition, consult your doctor before using concentrated products.

**Diabetes.** Eugenol may affect blood glucose levels. Combining it with insulin or blood sugar-lowering medications may cause blood sugar to drop too low.

**Pregnancy and breastfeeding.** Ordinary culinary use of the spice is different from taking medicinal doses, extracts, or essential oil. The safety of these latter options has not been adequately studied. Discuss their use with your doctor.

**Children.** Children should not be given concentrated clove essential oil or supplements. Even a small amount of swallowed essential oil can cause serious toxic effects, including seizures and liver damage.

**Topical use.** Contact with concentrated products can cause irritation, burning, redness, and contact dermatitis when they come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes.

**Surgical and dental procedures.** Before surgery or a dental procedure, always tell your doctor about any herbal supplements you use. Possible effects on blood clotting and blood glucose require special attention.

It is especially important to remember that essential oil is different from ordinary spice. It must not be taken internally. Swallowing a concentrated product can cause severe toxic reactions, including nervous system disturbances, seizures, and liver damage.

If nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, severe drowsiness, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, or yellowing of the skin develops after using such a product, seek medical attention immediately.

Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, wheezing, and a feeling of not getting enough air require emergency medical attention.

The main rule is simple: ordinary culinary seasoning and concentrated clove products are not the same thing. You cannot apply what you know about the safety of a small amount of spice to essential oil, extracts, or high-dose supplements.

## When to See a Doctor

Using herbal remedies on your own is not always safe. Even familiar food products can matter when you have certain health conditions or take medications. Consult a doctor if:

- You develop a rash, swelling, or other signs of an allergic reaction after consuming clove.
- You experience prolonged diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, fever, or signs of dehydration.
- You take blood thinners or medications that affect blood glucose levels.
- You have chronic liver disease, blood clotting disorders, or other serious medical conditions.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and are considering using clove in medicinal amounts.
- You are considering using the spice or its concentrated products for a child.
- You are scheduled for surgery or a dental procedure.

Drug interactions deserve particular attention. In addition to medications that affect blood clotting and blood glucose, modern safety information notes that clove may interfere with measurements of phenytoin concentrations.

For this reason, if you take anticonvulsant medications, always tell your doctor about any herbal supplements you use.

If you use clove as a culinary spice, you do not need to automatically treat it as equivalent to taking a concentrated extract. However, it is also wrong to assume that a product is safe simply because it is natural.

With any medical condition, the first step is to understand its underlying cause. Herbal remedies can only be considered as additions to prescribed treatment. Never change medication dosages or stop treatment on your own.

## From the Editorial Team

This article was prepared using herbal medicine reference books and modern information on the safety of clove. It is intended for informational purposes, does not establish a diagnosis, and does not replace an individual consultation with a doctor.

## FAQ

**Q: What are the benefits of this spice?**
A: Reference books describe its traditional use for diarrhea and certain liver conditions.

**Q: What conditions can it help with?**
A: In folk medicine, clove was traditionally used for certain digestive disorders, but this does not replace medical treatment.

**Q: What does it contain, and what vitamins does it provide?**
A: Modern safety information specifically mentions eugenol, which is associated with a possible effect on blood clotting.

**Q: How should you brew it properly?**
A: It is important to distinguish a food-grade flavored drink from a medicinal infusion. You should not prescribe medicinal doses for yourself.

**Q: When is the best time to drink it — morning or evening?**
A: There is no need to establish a special medicinal schedule for using it on your own.

**Q: How does it affect blood pressure?**
A: There is no basis for considering clove a remedy for normalizing blood pressure.

**Q: What are its benefits and potential harms to the body?**
A: Caution is necessary if you have allergies, blood clotting disorders, liver conditions, are pregnant, or take certain medications.

**Q: Can you drink clove every day?**
A: The safety of regular use in medicinal amounts has not been established. Concentrated products should only be used after consulting a doctor.


_Educational content; it does not replace medical advice._