Cloves Benefits: Powerful Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Uses

You've probably seen those little brown nail-shaped things stuck in a holiday ham. Or maybe you've noticed "clove oil" on your toothpaste label. But here's what most people don't know: cloves pack more antioxidants than almost any other spice you can buy.

We're not talking about vague "wellness" claims. There's actual research on specific compounds in cloves that help reduce inflammation and protect your cells. So what makes this tiny flower bud so special? And should you care about the clove extract showing up in supplements?

What are cloves?

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, a plant native to Indonesia but now grown in countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. Each bud is harvested before it blooms, which is why it keeps that distinct “nail” shape.

While most people know cloves as a baking spice or holiday flavor, traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine have used them for centuries, mainly for tooth pain, digestive issues, and infections.

Modern supplement companies use concentrated extracts, not the kitchen spice, because the active compound eugenol is most potent in oil form, not ground powder.

The antioxidant power in cloves (and why it matters)

Think of antioxidants as your body's cleanup crew. Every day, your cells produce waste products called free radicals.

They come from normal stuff like:

• Breaking down food for energy
• Breathing in pollution
• Exercise (yes, even healthy activities create them)
• Stress and poor sleep

Free radicals damage cells if they stick around too long. Antioxidants neutralize them before they cause problems.

Scientists measure antioxidant strength using something called an ORAC score. Here's how cloves compare:

That gap is huge. Even a small amount of cloves delivers serious antioxidant action.

The main player here is eugenol, a compound that makes up 70-90% of clove oil. But eugenol doesn't just clean up free radicals. It also tells your body to calm down inflammation at the source.

What eugenol actually does (in plain English)

Eugenol is the reason cloves work for so many things. Here's what happens when it gets into your system:

For pain relief:

• Blocks pain signals by interacting with nerve endings
• Creates a numbing sensation (which is why dentists have used it for decades)
• Works differently than regular painkillers like ibuprofen, but gets similar results

For inflammation:

• Blocks an enzyme called COX-2 (the same target as drugs like Advil)
• Reduces inflammatory signals your immune system sends out
• Helps break the cycle of chronic, low-level inflammation

For fighting bacteria:

• Damages bacterial cell walls
• Works against strains that cause mouth infections and digestive issues
• This is why you see it in natural toothpaste and mouthwash

One thing to know: Most studies use concentrated forms of eugenol. Sprinkling a pinch of ground cloves on your food is great for general health, but won't give you therapeutic doses.

That's where supplements come in.

Get your personalized vitamin recommendations in less than 3 minutes.

Take the Health Quiz

Different forms of cloves (and how to use them)

Not all clove products are created equal. Here's what you'll find:

1. Whole or ground cloves (from the spice aisle)

• Best for: Cooking and general antioxidant benefits
• Eugenol content: Low to moderate
• How to use: Add to recipes, teas, or coffee
• Reality check: You'd need several tablespoons daily to hit therapeutic levels (which would taste awful)

2. Clove essential oil

• Best for: Topical use (diluted) or specific dental products
• Eugenol content: Very high (70-90%)
• How to use: ALWAYS dilute before using. Never swallow it straight
• Safety note: Pure essential oil can burn your mouth or skin

3. Clove extract (in capsules)

• Best for: Consistent daily dosing for anti-inflammatory support
• Eugenol content: Usually standardized to 15-85%
• How to use: Follow bottle directions, typically 50-200mg daily
• What to look for: Third-party testing (NSF, USP, or ConsumerLab seals)

4. Clove in combination supplements

• Best for: People using multiple natural anti-inflammatories
• Common pairings: Turmeric, ginger, black pepper extract
• Why combined: Different compounds work through different pathways

Real ways people use cloves (backed by research)

Oral health and dental pain

• The claim: Cloves numb toothaches and fight mouth bacteria
• The science: A 2012 study found clove gel worked as well as benzocaine (the stuff in Orajel)

Practical uses:

• Temporary relief for toothaches (until you see a dentist)
• Mouthwashes that reduce plaque buildup
• Natural ingredient in toothpaste for antimicrobial action

Blood sugar support

• The claim: Eugenol helps cells respond better to insulin
• The science: Several animal studies and a few small human trials show promise

What we know:

• May improve how your body processes glucose
• Reduces inflammation that interferes with insulin
• Still early research, but diabetic supplement brands are interested

Digestive comfort

• The claim: Cloves help with bloating, gas, and nausea
• The science: Traditional use is strong, modern research is limited

Possible mechanisms:

• Relaxes intestinal muscles
• Antimicrobial effects might balance gut bacteria
• Not as well-studied as ginger or peppermint, but mechanically sound

Joint and muscle discomfort

• The claim: Anti-inflammatory properties help with aches and arthritis
• The science: Small trials with topical clove formulations show modest benefits

How it might work:

• COX-2 inhibition (like NSAIDs, but natural)
• Reduces inflammatory chemical signals
• More research needed, but the basic science checks out

Who should be careful with clove supplements

Cloves in food are safe for almost everyone. But concentrated supplements need caution in these situations:

Blood thinners or upcoming surgery:

• Eugenol affects blood clotting
• Could increase bleeding risk when combined with medications like warfarin
• Stop taking supplements at least 2 weeks before any surgery

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

• Cooking amounts are fine
• High-dose supplements haven't been tested for safety
• Some traditional medicine used it to induce labor (which is why doctors say avoid supplements)

Liver conditions:

• Very high doses over long periods affected liver function in animal studies
• Stick to recommended ranges
• If you have existing liver issues, check with your doctor first

Allergies:

• If clove oil irritates your skin, be careful with internal use
• Allergic reactions are rare but possible

How cloves compare to other natural anti-inflammatories

Each one works differently in your body. That's why you'll see combination supplements with several of these together. They cover more bases than any single ingredient could.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about cloves.

Final thoughts

Cloves are pretty amazing, offering a powerful combo of food and medicine with noticeable effects and a good safety record. Modern science is really backing up what people have used them for traditionally, and it's showing us how they actually work.

Your body deals with inflammation and cell damage constantly as part of being alive. Sometimes you need serious medical help, other times you want gentler tools that support your body's natural balance, and cloves can be one of those tools.

Cooking with cloves is effective, but supplements offer concentrated effects. Understand your choices, as true health comes from consistent good decisions.

Sources and references

• An Overview on the Anti-inflammatory Potential and Antioxidant Profile of Eugenol - PMC
• Analgesic effect of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of clove - PMC
• Oxygen radical absorbance capacity - Wikipedia