Cloves are beloved for their rich flavor, warming aroma, and potential medicinal benefits—but like many spices and supplements, health risks of too much cloves can emerge when consumed in excess.
I know this isnt waht you expected considering there is so many material and vidos on tiktok praising cloves as the magical spice to boost your health. Just like all other things good, too much of it becomes bad for its intended use.
In this post, we’ll explore how overconsumption of cloves or clove oil can negatively impact your liver, digestion, blood sugar, blood clotting, and more, while also sharing safe ways to enjoy them.
What Are Cloves and Why Do People Use Them?
Cloves are dried flower buds from the tree Syzygium aromaticum, native to Indonesia’s Maluku Islands (Facebook, Health). They’re packed with eugenol, a compound that gives cloves their potent aroma and some impressive health effects—including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties (Health, Dr. Handa’s Ayurveda). In cooking and traditional medicine, cloves are also linked to pain relief (especially dental), digestive support, and blood sugar control (Netmeds, Verywell Health).
The Dangers of Overuse
Even though small, culinary amounts are safe for most people, larger doses—especially clove oil—can bring significant risks, including:
1. Liver & Kidney Damage
Clove oil contains concentrated eugenol, which can overwhelm the liver and kidneys in high amounts. There are reported cases of acute liver injury, seizures, and even comas—particularly in children—after excessive clove oil ingestion (PharmEasy).
2. Stomach Upset & GI Irritation
Consuming too many cloves (around 1–3 g/day) may lead to stomach irritation, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting (Netmeds).
3. Excessive Blood Thinning
Eugenol has anticoagulant properties. Overconsumption can increase bleeding risk, especially in those on blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin. Cloves should be avoided at least two weeks prior to surgery (MedlinePlus).
4. Dangerous Hypoglycemia
Cloves help lower blood sugar—beneficial for many—but in large amounts, they can cause blood sugar to dip too far, especially for those already taking diabetes meds (WebMD).
5. Allergic Reactions & Mucosal Damage
Some people have allergies to eugenol, leading to mouth sores, skin rash, or respiratory irritation from inhaled dust (Netmeds).
6. Toxicity from Essential Oils
Clove essential oil is much more concentrated and can be cytotoxic—causing tissue damage, seizures, coma, or respiratory problems if ingested or used improperly (STYLECRAZE, PharmEasy, Dr. Handa’s Ayurveda).
Safe Use and Best Practices
🍽️Stick to Culinary Amounts
Using whole cloves in meals or teas is normally safe. The World Health Organization suggests a max of ~2.5 mg/kg body weight per day (about 150 mg for a 60 kg adult) (Health). That’s roughly 1–2 cloves daily.
Use Diluted Clove Oil with Caution
Only apply diluted clove oil topically. Never ingest straight clove oil, especially at doses above culinary usage.
🕒 Avoid Combining Forms
Don’t mix multiple clove supplements (e.g. tea + oil + capsules) without medical advice—this increases overdose risk (Drugs.com, MedlinePlus).
Pause Before Surgery or if on Blood Thinners
Stop all clove products at least 2 weeks before surgery or dental work due to bleeding risk (Drugs.com).
🩻 Monitor Blood Sugar
If you’re diabetic or on glucose‑lowering meds, watch blood sugar closely when consuming cloves, as they can cause low readings (STYLECRAZE).
Avoid Use in Young Children
Clove oil is especially risky in children under 3—there are documented cases of serious, even lethal reactions (Verywell Health).
Health Risks of Too Much Cloves—Key Takeaways
- Moderation is essential. Cloves offer benefits but can cause real harm when overused.
- Be cautious with supplements and oils, as they concentrate active compounds like eugenol.
- Always consider your health context—medications, blood sugar, surgery needs, and age.
- Consult your healthcare provider before adding clove supplements to your routine.
When Might Cloves Be Beneficial?
That said, moderate use of cloves can support:
- Dental care—clove gels or diluted oil can relieve toothache (The Times of India, Verywell Health).
- Gastrointestinal comfort—small amounts after meals may ease digestion and gas (The Times of India).
- Metabolic support—preliminary studies show improved post-meal blood sugar control at ~1–3 g/day (Netmeds, Health).
- Antimicrobial effects—clove mouthwash might help reduce harmful bacteria in dental settings (Health, Verywell Health).
However, none of these benefits justify excessive intake.
Practical Tips for Safe Clove Enjoyment
- Limit your intake—use 1–2 whole cloves per day in teas or meals.
- Dilute essential oil—only topical use, never ingest. Mix 1 drop in a teaspoon of carrier oil.
- Rotate spices—don’t rely solely on cloves; vary with cinnamon, turmeric, etc.
- Watch for signs—bleeding, low blood sugar, GI distress, allergic responses.
- Talk to your doctor if you’re on meds, pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver/bleeding issues.
Conclusion
Cloves beautifully bridge flavor and traditional wellness, but health risks of too much cloves are real—woven into their very potency. Responsible use means enjoying them as a spice, not a medicine, and being mindful of their concentrated effects in oils or supplements. With thoughtful moderation and medical guidance when needed, you can safely enjoy the benefits of this aromatic spice—without inviting harm.
Key takeaways at a glance
- Safe culinary use: ✔️
- Clove oil ingestion: 🚫
- Risk factors: liver, bleeding, hypoglycemia, allergy, GI upset
- At-risk individuals: children, pregnant women, surgery patients, medication users
Enjoy cloves—just handle them with care and respect their strength.