Clove, known as laung or lavang, is a dried flower bud with one of the most well-documented profiles among Ayurvedic spices. 

The clove health benefits span immune support, gut balance, oral care, blood sugar regulation, skin and hair health, bone strength, and liver function. This guide breaks down what the research actually shows and how to use cloves safely in your everyday meals.

Image Credits: Magnific

Clove has been used in traditional medicine and nutrition for centuries. 

The dried flower buds of the clove tree originate in Indonesia, and over time their fragrance and healing properties made them a popular culinary spice worldwide. 

Let’s look at what makes this small spice so powerful, and how to bring it into your daily routine.

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Understanding Clove Health Benefits: The Science Behind the Spice

Most of the clove health benefits trace back to one compound: eugenol. This natural phenolic compound makes up a large share of clove essential oil and is responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial actions.

A  review on eugenol’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory profile found that the compound plays a measurable role in reducing oxidative stress markers and supporting the body’s inflammatory response pathways. 

• Alongside eugenol, cloves also contain manganese, vitamin K, flavonoids, and gallic acid, which together contribute to the spice’s wide-ranging effects on the body.

Clove Nutrient Snapshot (per teaspoon, approx. 2g)

• Manganese: Supports bone metabolism and enzyme function
• Eugenol: Primary antioxidant and antimicrobial compound
• Vitamin K: Supports blood clotting and bone health
• Flavonoids and gallic acid: Contribute to free radical defense

Clove Benefits for Cancer Support and Cell Health

Among the more researched clove health benefits is its role in supporting healthy cell turnover. Laboratory studies show that eugenol can reduce tumor size and limit the spread of cancer cells by triggering apoptosis, the process where damaged or infected cells self-destruct.

In many cancer patients, this natural apoptosis process stops functioning properly because the immune system is compromised. When that happens, the body’s ability to regulate abnormal cell growth is disrupted. A review on the anticancer properties of eugenol examined over a decade of research on this exact mechanism.

Source: Zari, A. T., Zari, T. A., & Hakeem, K. R. (2021). Anticancer Properties of Eugenol: A Review. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(23), 7407. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26237407

To be clear: eating cloves will not cure or reverse cancer. But exploring clove as part of a broader, medically supervised approach to cell health and cancer prevention makes use of its anti-carcinogenic compounds in a meaningful way.

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Clove Benefits for Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Support

One of the most consistent clove health benefits is its anti-inflammatory action, which plays a direct role in reducing the risk of lifestyle-related disease. Free radicals drive inflammation, and while short-term inflammation is a normal immune response, chronic and uncontrolled inflammation raises the risk of:

• Cardiovascular issues
• Type 2 diabetes
• Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
• Autoimmune disorders
• Certain cancers

Foods rich in antioxidants help neutralize free radicals and bring inflammation back under control. 

Research on clove essential oil found that it effectively neutralized free radicals in laboratory testing, with antioxidant activity comparable to other well-studied plant compounds, according to a study on eugenol and clove essential oil.

Being antioxidant-rich also makes cloves useful for supporting healthy aging and reducing the formation of ulcers. Many people also describe clove as a natural stress-smoother that promotes a sense of calm, though this effect is more traditional than clinically documented.

Clove Benefits for Gut and Digestive Health

Clove is naturally antibacterial, which helps it break down and manage unwanted bacteria in the gut. Roughly one in three people deal with gut issues connected to an imbalanced microbiome.

When harmful gut bacteria outnumber beneficial ones, it opens the door to bloating, acidity, indigestion, and flatulence. This is one reason antibiotics, while necessary at times, are often paired with a probiotic or B-complex: they clear out bad bacteria but can also wipe out the good bacteria your gut needs.

These clove health benefits are why the spice has long been used in traditional remedies to help rebalance gut flora. One underrated benefit is its role in supporting oral-to-gut microbial balance, especially when used consistently after meals.

Read our full guide to natural home remedy options for gut health tips.

Clove Benefits for Oral Health: Why Chewing Cloves Works

Eugenol is a common extract in toothpaste for good reason. Cloves have strong antiseptic and antibacterial properties, two qualities essential to good oral hygiene.

Chewing Cloves Benefits

Chewing cloves after meals is a traditional practice in many villages, and it reflects real, functional benefits:

• Supports management of bacteria buildup in the mouth
• Naturally freshens breath
• Helps prevent plaque formation

To try it, hold one or two cloves between your teeth, or suck on them slowly. The taste is bitter at first, but most people adjust quickly.

Benefits of Keeping Clove in Mouth

Holding a clove between the molars is a traditional remedy for toothaches, and it works because eugenol acts as a mild, natural pain reliever when sucked rather than chewed. The released compounds also help manage the bacteria responsible for bad breath and, by extension, support the respiratory tract by keeping bacteria from settling deeper in the throat and lungs.

Clove Benefits for Blood Sugar Regulation

Cloves after meals may help support healthy blood sugar levels, a benefit backed by more than tradition. A  study published tested a polyphenol-rich clove extract on 13 volunteers over 30 days.

• The results showed measurable reductions in pre-meal glucose levels among participants with slightly elevated readings, along with improved glucose uptake in cell-based testing. 
• The researchers noted that clove’s essential oils, eugenol and acetyl eugenol, appear to influence pathways connected to glucose metabolism.

This is one of the lesser-known clove health benefits, and it’s a strong reason chewing a clove or two after a meal has remained a traditional practice across generations.

Important note: if you take medication for diabetes or blood clotting, talk to your doctor before adding concentrated clove extract to your routine, since it can interact with these medications.

Clove Benefits for Skin and Hair

The antibacterial properties of clove also make it useful against acne. 

• If you’re dealing with frequent breakouts, incorporating laung into your meals is a simple, kitchen-accessible option.
• For hair, clove’s antifungal properties may support scalp circulation. 

Some people chew on clove or use diluted clove oil on the scalp to help manage hair thinning, though this use works best alongside a broader approach to hair health rather than as a standalone fix.

Clove Benefits for Bone Health

Laung is a natural mineral carrier. Its manganese content, combined with flavonoids and eugenol, supports enzyme function related to bone repair and hormone regulation.

One lesser-known benefit of chewing cloves is that it releases compounds like manganese and eugenol directly into the saliva, which may aid nutrient absorption. Manganese also plays a supporting role in blood sugar regulation, tying several clove health benefits together.

Image Credits: Magnific

Clove Benefits for Liver Health

Several studies point to clove’s role in supporting liver function. 

• A polyphenol-rich clove extract has been shown to benefit liver function and redox status, as referenced in the same pilot study on blood glucose noted above. 
• Separately, animal research has shown that eugenol may help reduce markers associated with liver cirrhosis and fatty liver.

Caution: This benefit applies to whole cloves or food-level use, not concentrated clove oil. Overuse of clove oil or extract can be toxic to the liver. If you have an existing liver condition, consult your doctor before using any concentrated clove product.

How to Use Cloves: A Practical Daily Guide

Getting the clove health benefits into your routine doesn’t require anything complicated. Here’s how to start:

1. Source quality cloves. Choose ethically grown, good-quality whole cloves. 
2. Grind into powder. Add ground clove to rice, pulao, sabzis, and curries, both sweet and savory dishes.
3. Add to beverages. A couple of whole cloves in tea, chai, or coffee works well. A dash of ground clove in green tea is an easy daily habit.
4. Chew after meals. One or two cloves after eating supports oral hygiene and digestion.
5. Make a mouth rinse. Combine clove with basil for a homemade rinse that supports gum health.
6. Keep cloves handy for coughs. Sucking on a whole clove can help calm an irritated throat.
7. Use clove oil cautiously. Only under guidance, and never on broken skin or gums without dilution.

Explore more natural remedies for seasonal immunity support.

Safety, Side Effects, and Precautions

While the clove health benefits are well documented, cloves are still a potent, bioactive spice, and moderation matters:

• Clove oil in concentrated form can be toxic to the liver if overused.
• People on blood thinners or diabetes medication should consult a doctor, since eugenol can affect blood clotting and glucose levels.
• Undiluted clove oil should never be applied directly to gums or skin, as it can cause irritation or burns.
• Pregnant individuals should avoid concentrated clove oil or supplements.
• Children should never consume concentrated clove oil.

The Last Word

The clove health benefits are genuinely wide-ranging: supporting gut balance, oral hygiene, blood sugar regulation, skin clarity, bone strength, and liver function, all backed by a mix of traditional use and modern research. 

The key is using cloves the right way: whole, in food, or occasionally chewed, rather than relying on concentrated oils without guidance.

Start small. Add a pinch of ground clove to your next meal or tea, and build the habit from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to chew cloves every day?

For most healthy adults, chewing one or two whole cloves after meals is generally considered safe as part of a balanced eating routine. Concentrated clove oil is a different matter and should be used with more caution.

What are the benefits of keeping clove in your mouth overnight?

There isn’t strong research specifically on overnight use. The traditional benefit of keeping clove in the mouth comes from slow, steady release of eugenol during the day, which supports oral bacteria management and breath freshness.

Can cloves help with weight management?

There’s limited direct evidence connecting clove to weight change. Its documented benefits are more closely tied to gut health, blood sugar regulation, and antioxidant support, which can indirectly support a healthier eating routine.

Do cloves interact with any medications?

Yes. Cloves may interact with blood thinners, diabetes medications, and NSAIDs due to eugenol’s effect on blood clotting and glucose levels. Speak with your doctor if you’re on any of these medications.

How many cloves is too many in a day?

There’s no universally established upper limit for whole cloves used in cooking or chewed occasionally. Concentrated extracts and oils carry a much lower safe threshold and should only be used under professional guidance.

Can clove water replace my morning tea or coffee?

Clove water can be a caffeine-free addition to your routine, but there isn’t strong research confirming unique benefits from drinking clove-infused water specifically, compared to eating whole cloves.

Are the benefits of clove oil the same as eating whole cloves?

No. Clove oil is far more concentrated and carries a higher risk of toxicity, particularly to the liver. Whole cloves used in food are the safer, better-studied way to access clove health benefits.

What’s the best time to consume cloves for digestion?

Traditionally, cloves are chewed right after a meal, which is when their antibacterial and digestive-supporting properties are most useful.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your medications or lifestyle.

About the Author:

Team Luke | Luke Coutinho Holistic Healing Systems

For over 14 years, Luke Coutinho and Team Luke have worked with thousands of people across conditions, ages, and life stages. Team Luke is a collective of highly trained nutritionists, clinical dietitians, doctors, yoga and fitness experts, life coaches, and emotional counselors, all working under one philosophy and one standard of care. At the heart of everything we do is Foundational Medicine, a science-backed framework built on six pillars: Food Science & Nutrient Synergy, Adequate Holistic Movement, Deep Sleep, Emotional Wellness & Mental Health, Nature (Your Internal & External Environment), and Spirit & Breathwork. Every piece of content published on this platform is rooted in that same belief: that the body thrives best when its foundations are strong. Our mission is simple and clear: to address root causes of illness and make wellness accessible, practical, and sustainable for all.

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