Everything You Need to Know About

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Botanical family: Myrtaceae
Parts used: Dried Flower Buds
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
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Overview & Health Benefits

The pungent, spicy aroma of clove instantly evokes warmth and comfort, conjuring images of festive treats and cosy winter evenings. Yet, beyond its culinary appeal, clove (Syzygium aromaticum) boasts a rich history of medicinal applications across diverse cultures and traditions, from ancient remedies to modern research (Cortés-Rojas et al., 2014; Kaur & Kaushal, 2019; Mittal et al., 2014). From ancient Chinese courts, where it served as a breath freshener (Ptak, 1993), to medieval Japanese battlefields, where it treated wounds (Goble, 2005), clove has been revered for its potent therapeutic properties. Modern science has confirmed many of these traditional uses, demonstrating clove's contributions to easing various health concerns (Chaieb et al., 2007). Whether soothing a toothache, easing digestive discomfort, or bolstering the body's natural defences, clove's versatility and effectiveness make it a cornerstone of both traditional and contemporary herbal practices.

Key Benefits

  • Dental pain relief
  • Antimicrobial activity
  • Digestive warming
  • Respiratory support
  • Inflammation modulation

Oral Health: Clove's potent analgesic and antimicrobial effects are particularly valuable for oral health (Kaur & Kaushal, 2019). Eugenol, a major component of clove, provides effective pain relief for toothaches, while clove's antiseptic properties combat infections and freshen breath (Chaieb et al., 2007). 

Digestive Support: Clove's warming and carminative properties can stimulate digestion, easing symptoms like gas, bloating, nausea, and indigestion (Pole, 2006; Stansbury, 2018a). It increases digestive secretions, improves nutrient absorption, and relieves stagnation (Tierra & Tierra, 1998). Its antimicrobial actions can also help address gut infections and imbalances (Chaieb et al., 2007).

Respiratory Relief: Clove's warming, drying, and expectorant actions make it beneficial for respiratory ailments like coughs, colds, and congestion (McBride, 2010). It helps clear excess mucus, while its antispasmodic effects can relieve asthma and bronchitis (Pole, 2006). Clove oil, rich in eugenol, has demonstrated effectiveness in treating acute external otitis (Panahi et al., 2014). It is also a soothing remedy for sore throats and laryngitis (Stansbury, 2018b).

Antioxidant Protection: Clove is a rich source of antioxidants, especially eugenol, which helps protect cells from oxidative damage (Cortés-Rojas et al., 2014). Oxidative stress is implicated in various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders (Fujisawa & Murakami, 2016).

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Clove has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, potentially reducing inflammation throughout the body (Mittal et al., 2014). This action is attributed to its ability to modulate inflammatory pathways and inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Preliminary research suggests that clove may help regulate blood sugar levels (Chaudhry et al., 2013). More research is needed to fully understand this potential benefit and its mechanisms.

Safety Profile

Clove is safe in typical culinary amounts. Medicinal dosing — especially essential oil — requires caution. Eugenol-rich clove oil can irritate mucous membranes and has been associated with serious toxicity when ingested inappropriately, including hepatic injury (Janes et al., 2005; Kamatou et al., 2012). Always dilute for topical use and avoid internal use of essential oil unless professionally prescribed. Use caution with anticoagulants/antiplatelet medicines and before surgery due to potential effects on bleeding risk. Avoid medicinal doses in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited safety data. Discontinue if irritation or allergic reaction occurs (Kamatou et al., 2012).

References

Banerjee, S., Panda, C. K., & Das, S. (2006). Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.), a potential chemopreventive agent for lung cancer. Carcinogenesis, 27(8), 1645–1654. https://doi.org/10.1093/carcin/bgi372 

Chaieb, K., Hajlaoui, H., Zmantar, T., Kahla-Nakbi, A. B., Rouabhia, M., Mahdouani, K., & Bakhrouf, A. (2007). The chemical composition and biological activity of clove essential oil, Eugenia caryophyllata (Syzigium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae): A short review. Phytotherapy Research, 21(6), 501–506. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2124 

Chaudhry, Z. R., Chaudhry, S. R., Naseer, A., & Chaudhry, F. R. (2013). Effect of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) extract on blood glucose level in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Pakistan Armed Forces Medical Journal, 63(3), 323–328. https://pafmj.org/PAFMJ/article/view/2191 

Cortés-Rojas, D.F., de Souza, C.R.F., & Oliveira, W.P. (2014). Clove (Syzygium aromaticum): A precious spice. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 4(2), 90-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(14)60215-X 

Fujisawa, S., & Murakami, Y. (2016). Eugenol and its role in chronic diseases. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 929, 45–66. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41342-6_3 

Goble, A. (2005). War and injury: The emergence of wound medicine in medieval Japan. Monumenta Nipponica, 60(3), 297-338. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25066385 

Janes, S. E., Price, C. S. G., & Thomas, D. (2005). Essential oil poisoning: N-acetylcysteine for eugenol-induced hepatic failure and analysis of a national database. European Journal of Pediatrics, 164(9), 520–522. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-005-1692-1

Jirovetz, L., Buchbauer, G., Stoilova, I., Stoyanova, A., Krastanov, A., & Schmidt, E. (2006). Chemical composition and antioxidant properties of clove leaf essential oil. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 54(17), 6303–6307. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf060608c 

Kamatou, G. P. P., Vermaak, I., & Viljoen, A. M. (2012). Eugenol—From the remote Maluku Islands to the international market place: A review of a remarkable and versatile molecule. Molecules, 17(6), 6953–6981. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules17066953 

Kaur, K., & Kaushal, S. (2019). Phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects of Syzygium aromaticum: A review. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 8(1), 398-406. https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2019.v8.i1.6762/phytochemistry-and-pharmacological-aspects-of-ltemgtsyzygium-aromaticumltemgt-a-review 

McBride, K. (2010). The herbal kitchen. Conari Press.

Mammen, R. R., Mulakal, J. N., Mohanan, R., Maliakel, B., & Madhavamenon, K. I. (2018). Clove bud polyphenols alleviate alterations in inflammation and oxidative stress markers associated with binge drinking: A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled crossover study. Journal of Medicinal Food, 21(11), 1188–1196. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2017.4177 

Mittal, M., Gupta, N., Parashar, P., Mehra, V., & Khatri, M. (2014). Phytochemical evaluation and pharmacological activity of Syzygium aromaticum: A comprehensive review. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 6(8), 67-72. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282368692_Phytochemical_evaluation_and_pharmacological_activity_of_syzygium_aromaticum_A_comprehensive_review 

Panahi, Y., Akhavan, A., Sahebkar, A., Hosseini, S.M., Taghizadeh, M., Akbari, H., … Imani, S. (2014). Investigation of the effectiveness of Syzygium aromaticum, Lavandula angustifolia and Geranium robertianum essential oils in the treatment of acute external otitis: A comparative trial with ciprofloxacin. Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection, 47(3), 211–216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmii.2012.10.002 

Pole, S. (2006). Ayurvedic medicine: Principles of traditional practice. Churchill Livingston.

Prashar, A., Locke, I. C., & Evans, C. S. (2006). Cytotoxicity of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) oil and its major components to human skin cells. Cell Proliferation, 39(3), 241–248. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2184.2006.00384.x 

Ptak, R. (1993). China and the trade in cloves, circa 960-1435. Journal of the American Oriental Society, 113(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.2307/604192 

Saeed, T. A., Osman, O. A., Amin, A. E., & El Badwi, S. M. A. (2017). Safety assessment and potential anti-inflammatory effect of ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum in albino rats. Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology, 8(11), 411–420. https://doi.org/10.4236/abb.2017.811030 

Stansbury, J. (2018a). Herbal formularies for health professionals, Volume 1: Digestion and elimination. Chelsea Green Publishing.

Stansbury, J. (2018b). Herbal formularies for health professionals, Volume 2: Circulation and respiration. Chelsea Green Publishing.

Tierra, M., & Tierra, L. (1998). Chinese traditional herbal medicine, Volume II: Materia medica and herbal resource. Lotus Press.