Discover the potential benefits of chewing cloves, how to use them safely, possible side effects, and why this aromatic spice isn’t a cure-all. Cloves are tiny, but they’re packed with powerful plant compounds. Used for centuries as a culinary spice and in traditional medicine, cloves contain eugenol, an aromatic compound that has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Some people chew whole cloves as a traditional habit, particularly after meals. While cloves may offer certain health benefits, it’s important to distinguish traditional use from proven medical effects.
Here are some potential benefits—and what you should know before making chewing cloves a daily habit.
1. May Support Oral Freshness
Cloves have a strong aromatic flavor that can temporarily freshen the breath.
Eugenol also has antimicrobial properties and has been studied in dental and oral-health applications.
However, chewing cloves is not a substitute for brushing, flossing, flossing between teeth, or professional dental care.
2. Contains Antioxidant Compounds
Cloves are particularly rich in plant compounds with antioxidant activity.
Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress. Adding spices such as cloves to a varied diet can contribute to overall intake of beneficial plant compounds.
You don’t need to chew large amounts to obtain these compounds.
3. May Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Eugenol and other compounds in cloves have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory research.
This is one reason cloves have attracted scientific interest. However, laboratory findings don’t prove that chewing a few cloves can treat inflammatory diseases in humans.
4. May Support Digestive Comfort
Cloves have traditionally been consumed after meals and used in herbal preparations for digestive complaints.
Some people find the warming flavor soothing, although strong clinical evidence for chewing cloves as a treatment for digestive disorders is limited.
If cloves cause heartburn, stomach irritation, or discomfort, stop using them.
5. May Help With Occasional Tooth Discomfort
Eugenol has a long history of use in dentistry and can have a numbing effect.
However, using whole cloves to treat tooth pain isn’t a substitute for seeing a dentist. Toothache can be caused by decay, infection, a damaged tooth, or gum disease and may require treatment.
Don’t place concentrated clove oil directly on your gums or swallow it.
6. Provides a Concentrated Source of Plant Compounds
Cloves contain eugenol, flavonoids, and other naturally occurring compounds.
Because the spice is concentrated, a small amount provides considerable flavor without needing large quantities.
This is one reason cloves work well as a culinary spice.
How to Chew Cloves
If you enjoy cloves and tolerate them well, you can use a small amount rather than consuming large quantities.
Place one whole clove in your mouth and chew it gently. Its flavor can be intense and slightly numbing. You can spit it out after chewing rather than swallowing the whole spice.
There is no scientifically established requirement to chew cloves every day, so there’s no need to force the habit.
What About Clove Water?
Another popular practice is soaking or boiling cloves in water and drinking the resulting beverage.
Clove-infused water can be a flavorful drink, but claims that it “detoxes the body,” melts fat, balances hormones, or cures disease aren’t supported by strong evidence.
Your liver and kidneys already perform the body’s primary detoxification functions.
Important: Don’t Confuse Cloves With Clove Oil
This distinction is extremely important.
Whole cloves and concentrated clove oil are not equivalent.
Clove oil contains highly concentrated eugenol. Large amounts can be toxic and may cause serious problems if swallowed.
Avoid drinking concentrated clove oil or using excessive amounts as a home remedy.
Who Should Be Careful With Cloves?
Talk to a healthcare professional before regularly consuming large amounts of cloves or concentrated clove preparations if you:
- Take blood-thinning or antiplatelet medication
- Have a bleeding disorder
- Have liver disease
- Are preparing for surgery
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a medical condition requiring medication
Cloves may also cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
Can Chewing Cloves Cure Disease?
No.
Cloves are a nutritious culinary spice with interesting biological properties, but they aren’t a universal medicine.
They shouldn’t be used instead of prescribed medication or professional treatment for diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, dental problems, or other medical conditions.
Final Thoughts
Chewing a whole clove occasionally can be a pleasant traditional habit, and cloves provide antioxidant and other plant compounds. Their strong flavor may also temporarily freshen the mouth.
But more isn’t necessarily better. There is no established need to chew cloves every day, and concentrated clove oil can be harmful in excessive amounts.
Enjoy cloves primarily as a spice, use them in moderation, and rely on evidence-based medical care when you have a health problem that needs treatment.