Clove

Overview

Clove is a plant grown in parts of Asia and South America. People use the oils, dried flower buds, leaves, and stems to make medicine.

Clove is most commonly applied directly to the gums for toothache, pain control during dental work, and other dental-related issues. But there is limited scientific research to support these and other uses.

In foods and beverages, clove is used as a flavoring.

In manufacturing, clove is used in toothpaste, soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, and cigarettes. Clove cigarettes, also called kreteks, generally contain 60% to 80% tobacco and 20% to 40% ground clove.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Plant native to Asia and South America

Primary Functions:

Toothache

Also Known As:

Bourgeon Floral de Clou de Girofle, Bouton Floral de Clou de Girofle

How Does It Work?

Clove oil contains a chemical called eugenol that may help to decrease pain and fight infections, but more research is needed.

Uses

  • Small tears in the lining of the anus (anal fissures). Early research shows that applying a clove oil cream to anal tears for 6 weeks improves healing compared to using stool softeners and applying lidocaine cream.
  • Tooth plaque. Early research shows that using a toothpaste or mouth rinse containing clove and other ingredients helps to reduce plaque on the teeth.
  • Hangover. Early research shows that taking an extract from clove flower buds right before drinking alcohol improves hangover symptoms in some people.
  • Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). Early research shows that applying clove oil to the palms for 2 weeks helps reduce excessive sweating of the palms.
  • Mosquito repellent. Early research shows that applying clove oil or clove oil gel directly to the skin can repel mosquitos for up to 5 hours.
  • Pain. Early research shows that applying a gel containing ground cloves for 5 minutes before being stuck with a needle can reduce needle stick pain.
  • Prediabetes. Early research in people with prediabetes shows that taking an extract from clove flower buds seems to lower blood sugar levels before and after a meal. However, this study didn't include a control group, so the true effects of clove on blood sugar are not clear.
  • Itching. Early research shows that putting a solution containing clove oil gel on the skin can help with severe itching.
  • Toothache. Clove oil and eugenol, one of the chemicals it contains, have long been applied to the teeth and gums for toothache, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reclassified eugenol, downgrading its effectiveness rating. The FDA now believes there is not enough evidence to rate eugenol as effective for toothache pain.
  • A mild form of gum disease (gingivitis).
  • Bad breath.
  • Cough.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Dry socket (alveolar osteitis).
  • Gas (flatulence).
  • Early orgasm in men (premature ejaculation).
  • Indigestion (dyspepsia).
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Swelling (inflammation) and sores inside the mouth (oral mucositis).
  • Other conditions.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of clove depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for clove. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Clove Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is clove supplement for?

Clove is used for upset stomach and as an expectorant. Expectorants make it easier to cough up phlegm. Clove oil is used for diarrhea, hernia, and bad breath. Clove and clove oil are used for intestinal gas, nausea, and vomiting.

What cloves are good for?

Cloves are also enriched with antiseptic, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. The anti-inflammatory compounds help heal sore throats, cold and cough and headache. The eugenol present in clove helps ease digestion; healthy digestion is key to effective weight loss. Clove also helps rev up metabolism naturally.

What are the side effects of cloves?

Common side effects of topically applied clove may include:

  • erection problems;
  • trouble having an orgasm (delayed ejaculation);
  • itching, rash;
  • mild skin irritation; or.
  • sore gums, mouth irritation, bleeding or swollen gums, or tooth changes after using cloveinside the mouth.

Are cloves antiviral?

Spices as clove, oregano, mint, thyme and cinnamon, have been employed for centuries as food preservatives and as medicinal plants mainly due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Nowadays, many reports confirm the antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anticarcinogenic properties of spice plants.

Is Clove good for sperm count?

Swallow cloves of garlic

Garlic intake has proven to boost the immune system because of its high levels of Vitamin B6 and C. This can also prevent damage to the sperm and promote a healthy reproductive system.

What happens if we eat cloves daily?

Cloves have many potential health benefits, including keeping blood sugar in check and helping block the growth of bacteria. As with many healthy foods, they're most effective when included as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Do cloves help you sleep?

One of the most trusted remedies to induce sleep is the clove oil remedy. Mix four drops of clove oil with salt and apply it on your forehead and you would feel instant relief from any discomfort, enabling you to sleep better.

Is Clove good for Virgina?

A fresh garlic clove inserted into the vagina for one or two nights will also, most likely, reduce the colonization of the vagina with GBS, with no known side effects, besides garlic breath.

How many cloves per day is safe?

It is advised that you can consume not more than 2 to 3 cloves a day. Excessive consumption of cloves can cause fluid imbalances and liver damage.

Does cloves reduce belly fat?

The eugenol present in clove helps ease digestion; healthy digestion is key to effective weight loss. Clove also helps rev up metabolism naturally. By fighting free radical activity, cloves may also help give you a beautiful skin. The winter spice may also help regulate blood sugar levels.

Can I eat cloves daily?

Cloves have many potential health benefits, including keeping blood sugar in check and helping block the growth of bacteria. As with many healthy foods, they're most effective when included as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Try integrating a few servings of cloves per week into your meals.

Does clove increase blood pressure?

Lowers High-blood Pressure

Another cloves' compound called acetyl eugenol has been identified with impressive circulatory benefits. Clove oil is known to act as a natural blood thinner and may be used as possible treatment for such conditions in the future.

Is there a cure for cloves syndrome?

There is no cure for CLOVES syndrome, but experienced vascular anomaly specialists can manage or prevent symptoms with the right medical and surgical care.

Can clove oil make you sick?

Using dried cloves inside of the mouth can cause sensitivity and irritation, as well as damage the dental tissues. Consuming clove oil can be dangerous for children and may lead to seizures, liver damage, and fluid imbalances.

Do cloves help acid reflux?

How Does Clove Help Soothe Acidity? Cloves also improve saliva production, aids digestion and reduce peristalsis (muscle contractions in the digestive tract). Chewing on clove is recommended as siddha or ayurvedic remedy for heartburn.

Is chewing cloves good for teeth?

Good for your teeth

Due it its strong germicidal properties and a compound called Eugenol, clove oil fights dental pain, toothaches, sore gums and mouth ulcers very effectively. Due to its strong aromatic properties, gargling with clove oil and warm water can help you fight bad breath.

Is it safe to drink clove tea?

Cloves have many potential health benefits, including keeping blood sugar in check and helping block the growth of bacteria. You can also simmer whole cloves in boiling water for 5–10 minutes to make a soothing cup of clove tea. Cloves are delicious and may provide many important health benefits.

What is the benefit of drinking clove water?

The eugenol present in clove helps ease digestion; healthy digestion is key to effective weight loss. Clove also helps rev up metabolism naturally. By fighting free radical activity, cloves may also help give you a beautiful skin. The winter spice may also help regulate blood sugar levels.

Can I boil cloves and drink?

You can easily incorporate ground cloves into many dishes. They'll bring a warm, distinctive flavor to desserts, curries, or chutneys. You can also simmer whole cloves in boiling water for 5–10 minutes to make a soothing cup of clove tea. Cloves are delicious and may provide many important health benefits.

What happens if you eat too much cloves?

It can cause severe side effects such as seizures, liver damage, and fluid imbalances. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Clove is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in food. ... There is a concern that taking clove oil might cause bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Clinical Studies