Clove is a common household spice, but did you know that it also has an extensive history of medicinal significance worldwide? It’s famous for its deep and pungent aroma and has a warming and soothing effect when consumed as tea or used to flavour braised meats. If you are unfamiliar with clove, consider combining it with herbs that share similar flavour profiles—like cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, ginger, or nutmeg—in your next dinner recipe to reap more health benefits from your meal.

A clove is a flowering bud harvested from the pyramid-shaped clove tree. Clove trees can grow to 49 feet (15 metres) and have broad, dark green leaves that look leathery; they’re identifiable by their strong aroma. Full, oily red-brown buds are considered best for herbal usage.

The mighty spice originates from the Philippines and the Molucca Islands. At the dawn of the Silk Road trading era, which spanned several continents, it did not take long before the herb entered the Chinese and Egyptian empires. Europe became well-acquainted with clove by the 8th century AD, as its distinguished flavours and aromas—and its antiseptic and analgesic properties—were in high demand. To this day, clove is a go-to remedy in Chinese herbal medicine and is known as Ding Xiang; it is also well-documented as an Ayurvedic remedy. Some of the best quality clove is sourced from Tanzania and Madagascar, where it is extensively grown for use in ground spice-blends and essential oils.

Medicinal Properties of Cloves

Nervous System
Due mainly to clove’s eugenol content, this herb is great for local numbing effects on the gums and can be added to herbal formulas to alleviate nerve pain. Another substance found in cloves, acetyl eugenol, is antispasmodic and has a dual action on the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. In Eastern herbal traditions, clove is a tonic and—given that it can influence blood circulation in targeted organs such as the stomach and intestines—could potentially influence the production of neurotransmitters and chemical messengers that are generated in the gut to alleviate certain depressive states, and improve memory and mental clarity. It’s also considered to be a mild aphrodisiac.

Musculoskeletal System
Clove is antispasmodic, analgesic, antirheumatic, and anti-inflammatory. For these reasons, it’s useful for muscle aches and pain, treating arthritis, rheumatism, bursitis, and other joint-related ailments; this is why clove oil is commonly added to external liniments and massage oils.

Digestive System
When clove is consumed, it may alleviate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms relating to spasms and urgency. It’s also used in Chinese herbal medicine to treat digestive discomfort, bloating, colic, and gas.

Immune System
Clove essential oils and extracts are sometimes added to air diffusers and cleaning products to kill airborne pathogens and contaminated household surfaces; many of the active constituents, such as carvacrol, are effective at treating viral and bacterial infections. It has also proven useful in the treatment of parasites such as scabies. Cloves have often been used to treat malaria, cholera, and tuberculosis in certain parts of Asia.

Contraindications and Precautions for Cloves

• Essential oils are concentrated and are not suitable to drink or eat.
• Concentrated oils can cause contact dermatitis when used externally.
• It is advisable to avoid sunlight exposure if you use essential oils externally, as it may cause photosensitivity.
• Oils may cause a burning sensation if you are sensitive or allergic to the product.
• Avoid external application of concentrated oils when sweating and the pores are open.

Clove is contraindicated in cases of pregnancy, lactation and breastfeeding, gastritis, and peptic ulcers.

It’s safe to use within the range of recommended dosages; however, excessive intake may cause:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Taking clove extracts that are far beyond the therapeutic dosage may also cause changes to liver function, dyspnea, loss of consciousness, or death in severe but rare cases.

Cloves for Toothache

Chew on one to two cloves, or crush into a powder and apply when brushing your teeth with your regular toothpaste. 

You may apply a drop of pure clove essential oil to a cotton swab and then swab the gum lining around the affected tooth for its numbing and painkilling effects.3 Do not ingest the oil that is remaining if you have a sensitive stomach; instead, wash your mouth out with water for one to two minutes after application.

If you’re interested in making a tincture for toothaches, simply follow the same directions for “Clove Tincture for Flatulence” in a 1:5 ratio using spirit alcohol, such as brandy or vodka, in place of vinegar. You can apply one singular drop to the affected tooth.

Clove Tea Recipe

Tea infusions of clove are a great remedy for colic.

Ingredients

• 2 cloves
• 150–250 ml of water
• Honey (optional)

Directions

1. Boil water to 212°F (100°C).
2. Add water and 2 cloves in a teacup.
3. Allow 5–10 minutes for cloves to steep before removing with a spoon.
4. Add honey, if desired.

You may enjoy this beverage 2–3 times per day, daily.

NOTE: Tinctures are stronger and more concentrated than infusions, so use with discernment.

Clove Tincture for Flatulence

Ingredients

• Cloves
• Vinegar solution (3% for cooking)
• Wine press
• Muslin or nylon mesh bags

Directions

1. For your desired yield, calculate a 1:5 ratio of one-part herbs to five-parts vinegar (substitute: alcoholic spirits).
2. Dispense clove and vinegar into a sterile glass jar and shake for 1–2 minutes once sealed.
3. Place in a dark, cool area and store for 10–14 days.
4. Shake jar every 1–2 days.
5. Using a wine press, place a muslin or nylon mesh bag securely inside.
6. Pour in the mixture and collect the liquid by pressing the composite slowly.
7. Discard the mesh bag and herbs once all liquids are extracted.
8. Pour tincture into clean, dark glass bottles using a funnel and keep it stored away from sunlight. Make sure that corks or screw caps are sterile to avoid contamination as well.
9. Always label your tinctures and write the date they were created (can last up to 1 year).