The Benefits and Uses of Cloves in Modern Medicine

Dried cloves and clove oil used for pain relief, dental health, and natural medicine.

Cloves and clove oil are natural remedies for pain relief and oral health. / Freepik

Cloves, the dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, are spices you’ve probably smelled in cooking or smelled in holiday treats. But beyond their scent and flavor, they have a surprising history of use in medicine. Their most studied component, eugenol, gives cloves their strong aroma and many of their health properties.

What Are Cloves and Eugenol?

Cloves are the unopened flower buds from the clove tree, native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia, but also cultivated in other tropical areas. The buds are harvested, dried, and used whole, ground, or as essential oil. Their key active chemical is eugenol, a phenolic compound that makes up a large proportion of clove essential oil. Eugenol is responsible for many of the medicinal effects attributed to cloves: analgesic (pain-reducing), anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, etc. Studies have also identified flavonoids, tannins, and other phytochemicals in cloves that contribute to biological activity.

Mechanisms of Action

Here are some of the ways cloves (especially eugenol) are thought to work in the body:

Pain relief / anesthetic effect: Eugenol can block nerve signals and has been used in dentistry and folk medicine to numb pain.
Anti-inflammatory activity: It can reduce inflammation by inhibiting certain enzymes (like cyclooxygenases) and lowering levels of inflammatory markers.
Antimicrobial and antifungal effects: Clove essential oil and extracts inhibit growth of bacteria and fungi, including oral bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.
Antioxidant effects: Cloves contain compounds that neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative stress.
Other possible mechanisms: There is preliminary evidence for effects on blood sugar regulation, gastric protection, cardiovascular risk factors, and possibly anticancer activity.

Medical Uses of Cloves and Eugenol

Dental and Oral Health

One of the most established uses is for dental pain relief. Clove oil has been used topically to relieve toothache, reduce gum inflammation, and as part of materials like zinc oxide-eugenol cements. It is often used in folk medicine until one can see a dentist. Clinical studies have shown clove oil and its extracts may be as effective as some topical anesthetic agents in numbing dental pain.

Inflammation, Pain, and Joint Health

Because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, cloves have been investigated for relieving muscle pain, inflammatory disorders, arthritis, and other conditions involving inflammation or pain. The evidence is stronger in animal studies, but human data is growing.

Antimicrobial / Antifungal Uses

Clove extracts can inhibit bacterial growth (especially in oral health) and fungal infections. Some studies also explore the use of clove oil in food preservation and in coatings to protect fresh produce.

Metabolic Health: Blood Sugar, Cardiovascular Risk, etc.

Early human studies suggest that clove extracts may help moderate blood sugar levels, particularly in people with prediabetes or other metabolic issues. Also, eugenol may help reduce markers of cardiovascular risk through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

Gastrointestinal Health & Others

Animal research indicates that cloves or eugenol may help protect the stomach lining, possibly reducing risk or severity of ulcers, and have digestive support effects. There is also interest in their potential in cancer prevention (cell culture and animal models), though these are early results.

How Cloves and Eugenol Are Used

Here are common ways people use cloves or their extracts in medical or remedial settings:

Whole cloves or ground spice: Eating small amounts as spice in foods, teas, or infusions.
Clove essential oil: Often diluted with carrier oils (e.g., coconut, olive) and used topically (gums, sore muscles) or in oral care. Not typically swallowed in full strength.
Extracts and tinctures: Alcoholic or aqueous extracts for experimental / herbal remedies.
Dental materials: Use of eugenol in compounds like zinc oxide eugenol for temporary fillings, root canal dressings, etc.
Supplement form: Powder or capsules of clove extract, though evidence, dose, quality vary. Use under professional advice.

Safety, Side Effects, and Precautions

While cloves and eugenol show promise, there are important safety considerations:

Potential toxicity in high doses: Clove oil, especially undiluted, can irritate tissues, burn gums, and cause adverse effects. Ingesting large amounts has been linked with liver or kidney damage, seizures, and acute toxicity, particularly in children.
Allergic reactions: Some people may experience contact dermatitis or other hypersensitivity. Always patch test if using topically.
Interaction with medical conditions: Persons with liver disease, bleeding disorders, or pregnant/nursing women should be cautious and seek medical advice before use.
Not a replacement for professional care: Clove or eugenol use can relieve symptoms temporarily but does not cure underlying disease (decay, infection, etc.). If dental pain persists or there is swelling, fever, or systemic symptoms, seek professional diagnosis and treatment.
Quality and purity: Supplement and essential oil products vary widely. Impure or adulterated oils may cause unexpected harm. Using therapeutic-grade, well-tested products is best.

Evidence Gaps and Areas for Future Research

Though many studies are promising, there are gaps. Here are areas needing more research:

Large randomized controlled trials in humans to confirm efficacy of clove or eugenol for pain, inflammation, metabolic conditions.
Standardization of dosing, formulation, purity of clove oil or extracts.
Long-term safety studies, especially in children, pregnant or breastfeeding people.
Better understanding of interactions with drugs and diseases (e.g. liver disease, bleeding disorders).

Cloves and their active component eugenol are among the more well-studied natural remedies. There is credible evidence that they can relieve pain (especially dental pain), reduce inflammation, and fight bacteria and fungi. They also hold promise for blood sugar control, cardiovascular benefits, digestive protection, and more. However, they are not without risks, especially in concentrated or poorly formulated forms. If you plan to use clove oil or supplements, do so with caution, under guidance, and as a complement to—not a substitute for—professional medical care.

FAQ

Are cloves and clove oil FDA-approved medicines?: No. While cloves, clove oil, and eugenol are used in many herbal, dental, and over-the-counter products, they are not formally approved by the FDA for most medicinal claims. Their use often falls under traditional, complementary, or natural remedy categories.
How quickly can I expect relief from dental pain using clove oil?: Many people report relief within a few minutes (5-10 minutes) after applying properly diluted clove oil to the affected area. However, the duration and degree of relief vary, and it depends on the severity of the issue.
Is it safe to swallow cloves or clove oil?: Small amounts of cloves (as spice or in food) are generally safe. But swallowing clove oil, especially in high or undiluted doses, can be dangerous. It can lead to liver or kidney damage, toxicity, especially in infants and children.
Can clove oil replace a trip to the dentist?: No. Clove oil can ease pain and discomfort temporarily, but it does not treat the underlying cause such as cavities, infections or abscesses. If symptoms are severe or persistent, you should see a dentist.
What about using cloves or clove oil if I’m pregnant, breastfeeding, or have medical conditions?: You should be cautious. There is limited evidence, and risk-benefit needs to be evaluated with a healthcare provider. Pregnant or nursing women, and those with liver disease or certain drug interactions, should get professional advice before use.

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