Don’t Forget Cloves When You Restock Your Spice Rack
When you’re topping up your pantry, you likely focus on staples like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, turmeric, plus the essentials: salt and black pepper. One powerful spice often left off the list is cloves—and that’s a missed opportunity.
Cloves are nutrient-dense and have long been valued for their potential health-supporting properties.
What Are Cloves?
Cloves are the dried flower buds of a tropical evergreen tree originally native to Indonesia. They’ve been used for centuries in global cooking, and they’re also well-known in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. Much of their popularity comes from their traditional use for pain relief, inflammation support, and digestive soothing.
Clove Water: What It Is and Why People Drink It
Clove water is simply water infused with cloves. It’s often praised as a natural option for:
- Hydration support
- Easier digestion
- Reducing unwanted bacteria
- Immune support
- Potentially reducing gas and improving digestive comfort
Registered dietitian Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN (founder and director of Real Nutrition) notes that drinking clove water may offer benefits—especially for gut health.
Many people like it as a morning drink to help the body feel more “awake” and ready for the day.
Nutrition in Cloves (Per 1 Tablespoon Ground)
One tablespoon of ground cloves contains approximately:
- 18 calories
- 4 g carbohydrates
- 2.2 g fiber
- 0.15 g sugar
- 0.4 g protein
- 1.3 g fat
- 40.5 mg calcium
- 9 mcg vitamin K
- 1.9 mg manganese
How to Make Clove Water at Home
What you need
- A small handful of whole aromatic cloves
- 2 cups of water
Directions
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Add 10 whole cloves.
- Boil for 5–10 minutes, then turn off the heat.
- Let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain into a cup and drink warm.
5 Potential Health Benefits of Drinking Clove Water
1) Rich in Antioxidants
Cloves provide vitamins and minerals, but they’re especially known for their antioxidant content. Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to many chronic health conditions.
Cloves also contain eugenol, a compound recognized for its natural antioxidant activity. Adding clove water alongside other antioxidant-rich foods and drinks may support overall wellness.
2) May Help Fight Harmful Bacteria
Cloves are known for antimicrobial properties, which may help limit the growth of certain microorganisms. Research has shown that clove essential oil can inhibit multiple bacteria, including E. coli, a common cause of foodborne illness.
Because oral bacteria contribute to plaque and gum issues, cloves’ antibacterial potential may also support oral health, especially when paired with consistent brushing and good dental hygiene.
3) Supports Blood Sugar Balance
Compounds in cloves may help support healthy blood sugar levels. Studies suggest cloves may:
- Improve how sugar moves from the blood into cells
- Support insulin secretion
- Help insulin-producing cells function more effectively
Insulin is essential for transporting glucose into cells and maintaining stable blood sugar.
4) May Support Stronger Bones
Low bone mass affects millions of older adults and raises the risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and breaks. Some animal research suggests compounds in cloves may help preserve bone mass.
Clove extract—especially when high in eugenol—has been associated with improved markers related to osteoporosis and better bone density and strength in studies. Cloves are also a notable source of manganese, a mineral important for bone formation and ongoing bone health.
5) Potential Anti-Cancer Activity (Early Research)
Some studies indicate that certain clove compounds may have anti-cancer potential. In research settings, clove extract has been shown to slow tumor growth and promote cell death in cancer cells. Eugenol, in particular, has demonstrated anticancer activity in lab research, including effects on cervical cancer cells.
That said, eugenol can be toxic in high amounts. Overuse—especially of clove oil—may lead to serious side effects such as liver damage, with children being at higher risk. Use clove-based products cautiously and avoid excessive dosing.
A Quick Safety Note
Clove water made with whole cloves in typical culinary amounts is generally used as a gentle home remedy. However, concentrated clove oil is much stronger and should be handled carefully to avoid overdose.
