Clove

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Clove is the dried, unopened flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum (Myrtaceae family), a tropical evergreen tree native to the Maluku Islands. Its principal active constituent is eugenol , a phenylpropanoid that typically makes up 70-90% of clove essential oil and is responsible for most of the spice's pharmacological activity, including its local anesthetic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects.

Evidence for 3 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Dental analgesia (eugenol)

Good Evidence

Eugenol from clove oil has been used in dentistry for over a century as a topical analgesic for pulpitis and dry socket, and small randomized trials have shown clove gel comparable to benzocaine for needle-stick pain relief. The mechanism involves blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels and TRPV1 modulation, providing a short-acting local anesthetic effect.

Antimicrobial activity (in vitro)

Limited Evidence

Clove oil and eugenol show broad in vitro activity against oral bacteria (including Streptococcus mutans ), Candida species, and several food-borne pathogens, supporting its traditional use in mouthwashes and as a food preservative. Human clinical evidence for treating infections is limited, and oral or systemic antimicrobial use is not established.

Digestive discomfort (traditional use)

Mixed Evidence

Clove has a long history of traditional use for nausea, flatulence, and dyspepsia across Ayurvedic, Chinese, and European herbal traditions, but controlled human trials for these indications are essentially absent. Any benefit is presumed to come from carminative and mild prokinetic effects of the volatile oil.

How it works

Clove contains a mixture of plant compounds, and the exact mechanism behind any effects depends on the specific preparation, the part of the plant used, and how it is extracted. Concentrations of active constituents can vary substantially between products. Most botanical effects are studied as a whole-plant or extract effect rather than tied to a single isolated molecule. Without strong human trial data, claims about how Clove works should be treated cautiously.

Dosage

There is no established RDA for clove. Typical supplement doses of ground clove or extract range from roughly 50-500 mg per day, while clove essential oil is generally used topically at 1-5% dilution in a carrier oil rather than taken internally. For dental use, dentists historically apply small amounts of eugenol-containing preparations directly to the affected tooth or gum. Undiluted clove oil should not be swallowed or applied to mucous membranes.

When and how to take it

There is no widely agreed best time to take Clove. Many people take botanicals with food to reduce the chance of stomach upset. Follow the directions on the product label.

3 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Whole herb powder

Dried, ground plant material in capsules or loose form.

Contains the full spectrum of plant compounds; potency varies by source.

Standardized extract

Often more concentrated than whole-herb powder and used in clinical research.

Concentrated and standardized to a marker compound for more consistent potency.

Liquid tincture

Easy to adjust dose by drops.

Alcohol or glycerin extraction; absorbed quickly when taken sublingually.

Safety

Eugenol can cause dose-dependent hepatotoxicity , particularly with ingestion of concentrated clove oil; pediatric ingestions of as little as 5-10 mL have caused acute liver injury, seizures, and coagulopathy. Eugenol has antiplatelet activity and may increase bleeding risk when combined with warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, NSAIDs, or other anticoagulants, and it should be discontinued before surgery. Topical clove oil commonly causes contact dermatitis and can produce severe local irritation, mucosal burns, or pulpal damage when undiluted oil contacts gums, oral mucosa, or dental pulp. Avoid during pregnancy in medicinal doses, and use cautiously in those with bleeding disorders or liver disease.

Who should be cautious

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should generally avoid Clove unless a healthcare provider has cleared it, because safety data in these groups is limited. Anyone with a chronic medical condition, scheduled surgery, or who takes prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider first.

Interactions

Possible interactions between Clove and prescription medications have not been comprehensively studied. Botanicals can affect liver enzymes, blood clotting, blood pressure, or blood sugar in some cases. If you take prescription medications, check with a pharmacist before starting.

Frequently asked questions

What is Clove used for?⌄

Clove is used traditionally for various supportive purposes. Human evidence for specific health claims is generally limited, so it is best treated as a complementary option rather than a treatment.

Is Clove safe?⌄

Clove is generally well tolerated at typical doses, but quality varies between products. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medications, or managing a medical condition should check with a healthcare provider first.

How long does it take to work?⌄

Effects of botanical supplements often take several weeks of consistent use, if they appear at all. Reassess after 8-12 weeks of regular use.

References

Clove on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Clove (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.