You’ve likely walked past them a hundred times in the grocery store. They sit there in the spice aisle, humble and brown, looking like tiny, dried nails. Perhaps you only reach for them when a pumpkin pie recipe calls for a pinch, or when the holidays roll around and mulled wine is on the menu.

But if you knew what was locked inside those dried flower buds, you wouldn’t look at them as just a flavor enhancer. You would view them as medicine.

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are not merely aromatic; they are a dense nutritional arsenal. Historically, they were so valuable that wars were fought over the Spice Islands that produced them. Today, modern science is finally catching up to ancient wisdom, validating what traditional healers have known for centuries: this pungent spice is a biological powerhouse.

It’s time to dust off that jar in your pantry. Here is a deep dive into the 15 scientifically backed reasons why cloves might just be the most underrated superfood in your kitchen.

The Secret Weapon: Eugenol

Before we list the benefits, we have to understand why cloves work. The magic lies in a compound called Eugenol.

While many spices contain antioxidants, cloves are in a league of their own. Eugenol is the primary bioactive ingredient, functioning as a natural anesthetic, an antiseptic, and a ferocious warrior against oxidative stress. When paired with the incredibly high manganese content found in cloves, you have a recipe for systemic healing.

Here is what the research says about what cloves can do for your body.

1. The Ultimate Toothache Remedy

Let’s start with the most famous use. If you’ve ever had a dry socket or a throbbing toothache, a dentist may have used a paste that smelled distinctly like Christmas. That’s eugenol.

The American Dental Association has long recognized clove oil as an effective dental anesthetic. But it’s not just about numbing pain. Research suggests that the germicidal properties of cloves actively fight the oral bacteria responsible for gum disease and plaque. It doesn’t just mask the issue; it helps clean up the environment in your mouth.

2. The King of Antioxidants

We are constantly told to eat blueberries for antioxidants. But if we look at the ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), cloves blow berries out of the water.

Cloves have one of the highest antioxidant counts of any food source on the planet. Oxidative stress is the rust that ages our bodies and damages our DNA. By consuming cloves, you are essentially introducing a rust-remover to your system, helping to neutralize free radicals before they can cause chronic disease.

3. Regulating Blood Sugar

For those managing pre-diabetes or diabetes, cloves offer a fascinating promise. Research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food highlighted that cloves contain a compound called nigericin.

For a complete list of other herbs scientifically shown to help with blood sugar, check out my article on 12 Herbs That Help Lower Blood Sugar. It includes cinnamon, fenugreek, aloe vera, and more.

Nigericin appears to improve the function of cells that produce insulin and increase the amount of insulin your body releases. Essentially, it helps your body manage sugar more efficiently, keeping those spikes and crashes in check.

4. A Shield for the Liver

Your liver is your body’s filter, and it takes a beating from processed foods and environmental toxins. Studies involving eugenol have shown that it can help reverse signs of liver cirrhosis and reduce inflammation in the organ. It acts as a hepatoprotective agent—a bodyguard for your liver cells.

5. Building Better Bones

As we age, bone density becomes a critical concern, especially regarding osteoporosis. This is where the mineral content of cloves shines. A single teaspoon of ground cloves contains a massive amount of manganese—over 30% of your daily recommended intake. Manganese is essential for the formation of bone and connective tissue. Without it, calcium cannot do its job effectively.

6. Healing Stomach Ulcers

Gastric ulcers are painful sores formed in the lining of the stomach, often caused by a thinning of the protective mucus layer. Animal studies have indicated that clove essential oil increases the production of gastric mucus. Think of this as thickening the shield that protects your stomach lining from its own digestive acids.

7. Fighting Food-Borne Bacteria

We live in an era of antibiotic resistance, so natural antimicrobials are becoming vital. Cloves have been shown specifically to inhibit the growth of major bacterial strains, including E. coli and Salmonella. In traditional cultures, cloves weren’t just used for flavor, they were used to preserve food and keep it safe from pathogens.

8. Potential Anti-Cancer Properties

While we must be careful not to call any food a “cure,” the research here is compelling. In test-tube studies, concentrated amounts of clove extract were found to promote apoptosis in cancer cells.

Apoptosis is essentially “programmed cell death.” Cancer cells grow because they forget how to die. Clove extract appears to remind them, checking the growth of tumors.

9. Systemic Inflammation Reduction

Inflammation is the root cause of almost every modern disease, from arthritis to heart disease. Eugenol is a potent anti-inflammatory. By inhibiting specific inflammatory enzymes in the body (similar to how ibuprofen works), cloves can help lower the overall inflammatory load on your system.

10. Respiratory Relief

There is a reason cloves are often found in cough drops and chest rubs. They act as an expectorant, helping to loosen phlegm in the throat and esophagus. If you are battling a cold, chewing on a clove can help open up the airways and soothe the irritation causing the cough.

11. Digestive Enzyme Stimulation

If you struggle with bloating or indigestion, cloves can be a digestive aid. They stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, which helps your body break down food more efficiently. This reduces the fermentation in the gut that leads to gas and discomfort.

12. Clearing Acne from Within

Because of its high antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity, clove extract is a potent enemy of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria often linked to acne. While applying undiluted clove oil to the skin can be burning and dangerous, using diluted formulations or consuming it helps fight the bacteria systemically.

13. Tension Headache Relief

The cooling and pain-relieving effects of cloves aren’t limited to toothaches. The aroma of cloves alone can impact the nervous system. When crushed cloves or clove oil is inhaled or applied (diluted) to the temples, the anti-inflammatory properties can help relax blood vessels, easing the throbbing of a tension headache.

14. Boosting Circulation

Cloves have a warming effect on the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, they are used to get “Qi” moving. Scientifically, this translates to improved blood circulation. Better circulation means better oxygenation of your organs and skin, leading to a healthier glow and higher energy levels.

15. Stress and Mental Fatigue

We often overlook the link between scent and the brain. Eugenol has been observed to regulate neurotransmitters. The spicy, warm scent of cloves acts as a mental stimulant that can reduce fatigue and mental exhaustion, while simultaneously lowering cortisol levels to combat stress.

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How to Use Cloves Daily (Simple & Safe Methods)

Using cloves doesn’t have to be complicated — a little goes a long way. Below are the safest, easiest, and most effective ways to add cloves to your daily routine.

1. Chew 1–2 Whole Cloves

This is the fastest way to enjoy:

• Fresh breath
• Better digestion
• The natural warming effect of eugenol

How to use:
Chew the cloves for 5–10 minutes, then spit out the remaining fibrous shell if the taste becomes too strong.

2. Make Clove Tea

A soothing daily remedy for cough, bloating, or stress relief.

How to prepare:

• Steep 3–4 whole cloves in hot water for 10 minutes
• Optional add-ins: ginger or lemon for extra digestive and immune support

3. Add Ground Cloves to Food

A small pinch (about ⅛ teaspoon) is enough.

Great additions include:

• Oatmeal
• Smoothies
• Soups
• Baked goods

This gives you a boost of antioxidants without overpowering the flavor.

4. Use Diluted Clove Oil (Never Apply Undiluted)

Mix 1 drop of clove oil with 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil (coconut, olive, etc.).

Use it for:

• Toothache relief
• Chest rub for congestion
• Warm compress for headaches

⚠ Never apply clove oil directly to the skin without dilution. It’s too strong.

5. Boil Cloves to Freshen Your Home

Boil a handful of whole cloves in water to naturally:

• Kill odor-causing bacteria in the air
• Freshen the room
• Repel insects

This is a simple, non-toxic way to make your home smell warm and clean.

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What to Know Before Buying Cloves (Avoid Weak or Fake Products)

Not all cloves are created equal. To experience the true medicinal effects, you need high-quality cloves. Here’s what to look for:

1. Choose Whole Cloves, Not Pulverized Dust

Ground cloves lose potency quickly.
Whole cloves retain eugenol longer and smell noticeably stronger.

2. Look for Buds With a Strong Aroma

Good cloves should have:

• A sharp, warm, spicy scent
• A slightly oily surface
• A fresh, reddish-brown color

If the cloves are dull, powdery, or have no smell, they are old.

3. The “Float Test”

A simple test of quality:
Drop a clove in water.

High-quality: sinks or stands upright
Low-quality: floats and shows no oil release

(Eugenol-rich cloves are heavier.)

4. Buy Organic or Non-Irradiated When Possible

Radiation destroys some of the antioxidants and essential oils.
Organic cloves are typically stronger and more medicinal.

5. For Clove Oil: Ensure It’s 100% Pure

Many oils labeled “clove oil” are mixed with cheap fillers.

Look for:

• 100% Syzygium aromaticum essential oil
• Steam-distilled
• No added perfume or carrier oils

Pure clove oil smells extremely strong — that’s how you know it’s real.

6. Avoid Sweetened or Flavored Clove Products

Some marketed “clove teas” are diluted with artificial flavorings.
Always choose raw cloves or pure extracts.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Why are cloves so powerful?

Cloves derive their power from concentration. They are dried flower buds that have condensed their nutrients. The primary compound, eugenol, is one of the most potent natural antioxidants and antiseptics found in nature, giving cloves a medicinal strength that surpasses most leafy greens or fruits.

What is the scientific use of cloves?

Scientifically, cloves are used for extraction of eugenol, which is utilized in dentistry (as an analgesic), in pharmaceuticals (as an antiseptic), and in agricultural science (as a natural pesticide). Researchers are currently studying its application in cancer therapy and diabetic management.

What happens to your body when you take cloves every day?

If taken in moderation (e.g., 2-3 cloves chewed or used in tea), you may notice improved digestion, fresher breath, reduced joint pain due to lower inflammation, and more stable blood sugar levels. However, consistency is key—natural remedies work through accumulation over time.

Are cloves beneficial to your health, or are there risks?

Yes, they are highly beneficial, but dosage matters. Cloves are potent. Consuming massive amounts (especially clove oil) can be toxic and cause liver damage or fluid imbalances. They also slow blood clotting, so they should be avoided two weeks before surgery or if you are on blood thinners.

What are the secret uses of cloves?

Beyond health, cloves are an excellent household tool. They act as a natural ant repellent (insects hate the smell of eugenol). They can also be placed in shoes or gym bags to kill odor-causing bacteria rather than just masking the smell.

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Final Thoughts

It is rare to find a single ingredient that can numb a toothache, fight free radicals, and stabilize blood sugar all at once. Cloves are a testament to the complexity of nature—a tiny bud packed with enough chemical compounds to rival a small pharmacy.

However, like all potent things, they demand respect. You don’t need to consume a handful; a sprinkle, a tea, or chewing a single bud is often enough to unlock these benefits.

Next time you pass that spice aisle, will you see a pie ingredient, or will you see a powerful tool for your longevity?