Here are 18 safe, evidence-informed ways clove tea may support wellness, without overstating its abilities. I’ve included how it works, how to prepare it, and when to avoid it.
18 Powerful Ways to Use Clove Tea to Boost Health Naturally
Clove tea is made by steeping whole cloves in hot water. Cloves contain eugenol, a compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties. While clove tea cannot cure diseases, it may support your health in many useful ways.
1. Supports Digestion
Clove tea may reduce gas, bloating, and indigestion by relaxing the digestive tract.
How to use:
Drink 1 cup after meals.
2. Relieves Nausea
The warming and aromatic compounds can settle an upset stomach.
3. Freshens Breath
Clove’s antibacterial properties can reduce odor-causing bacteria.
How to use:
Drink or use as a mouth rinse once cooled.
4. Natural Antioxidant Booster
Cloves have one of the highest antioxidant scores of common spices, helping reduce oxidative stress.
5. Helps Reduce Inflammation
Eugenol may help reduce minor inflammation in the body, especially in joints.
6. Supports Blood Sugar Control
Some studies show cloves may improve insulin function, helping stabilize blood sugar when combined with a healthy diet.
7. Eases Toothache Discomfort
Warm clove tea can soothe gums thanks to mild numbing properties.
Use:
Swish warm (not hot) tea around the mouth.
8. Supports Immune Health
Clove tea’s antioxidants and antimicrobial properties may help the body fight minor infections.
9. Helps Soothe Cold & Flu Symptoms
The warmth may ease congestion, sore throat, and coughing.
Add:
Ginger + honey for extra relief.
10. Acts as a Mild Pain Reliever
Eugenol provides gentle analgesic effects.
11. Supports Liver Health
Clove antioxidants may help protect the liver from oxidative stress.
12. Helps Fight Bacterial Overgrowth
Clove tea shows antimicrobial activity against some strains of bacteria.
13. May Help Reduce Yeast Overgrowth
Cloves can inhibit certain types of yeast in lab studies (but not a cure for infections).
14. Improves Circulation
The warm spice increases blood flow and may help reduce cold hands/feet.
15. Reduces Stress & Improves Mood
The aroma and warmth can have calming effects.
16. Aids Weight-Management Efforts
Cloves may slightly boost metabolism and reduce food cravings.
17. Helps Regulate Menstrual Discomfort
Its antispasmodic properties may ease cramps.
18. Supports Skin Health
Its antioxidants may help reduce inflammation from acne when used topically (cooled clove tea as a toner).
How to Make Clove Tea (Simple Recipe)
Ingredients:
-
4–5 whole cloves
-
1 cup (250 ml) hot water
-
Optional: ginger, cinnamon, lemon, or honey
Directions:
-
Boil water.
-
Add cloves.
-
Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
-
Strain and drink warm.
How Much to Drink?
-
1 cup daily is safe for most people
-
Up to 2 cups if needed
-
Start with small amounts if you have a sensitive stomach
Who Should Avoid or Limit Clove Tea?
-
Pregnant or breastfeeding women (use cautiously)
-
People taking blood thinners (like warfarin)
-
People with ulcers
-
Those with liver disease (large amounts not recommended)