That forgotten spice tucked away in your kitchen cabinet? It might be cloves—small, dark, and underestimated. But don’t be fooled by their size. Cloves are a nutritional powerhouse loaded with health-boosting properties like pain relief, inflammation control, and heart support.
However, using cloves incorrectly can do more harm than good. While cloves offer many benefits, misusing them can trigger serious side effects—especially if you’re dealing with other medications or health conditions.
Here are 7 common mistakes people make with cloves—and how to avoid them to unlock their full healing potential.
Mistake #1: Confusing Numbness with an Allergy
People often try cloves for a toothache, feel numbness almost instantly, and assume they’re allergic. The truth? That numbness is completely normal. It comes from eugenol, a natural pain-numbing compound also used by dentists.
It’s not an allergy—it’s actually proof the clove is working! Don’t spit it out and miss out on the benefits. The numbness is local and fades quickly.
Mistake #2: Storing Cloves the Wrong Way
Heat, moisture, and sunlight degrade the potency of cloves. If you’re keeping them in a jar near your stove or on a bright shelf, you’re ruining their benefits.
To maintain their eugenol content and flavor, store cloves in airtight containers, preferably made of dark glass or ceramic, and keep them in a cool, dry pantry. Whole cloves stay fresh longer than ground ones—check by smelling them. A strong scent means they’re still good to go.
Mistake #3: Taking Too Many Cloves
Yes, cloves are healthy—but more isn’t better. Overconsumption can irritate the stomach, cause nausea, or even strain your liver due to high eugenol levels.
Stick to 1–2 whole cloves a day, either chewed or brewed into tea. It’s enough to enjoy the health perks without overloading your system.
Mistake #4: Mixing Cloves with Diabetes Medications
Cloves may naturally lower blood sugar, which sounds great—unless you’re already taking insulin, metformin, or other diabetes meds. The combination can cause dangerously low blood sugar, dizziness, or fatigue.
If you’re diabetic or prediabetic, talk to your doctor before adding cloves to your daily routine, and monitor your blood sugar carefully.
Mistake #5: Replacing Dental Care with Cloves
Cloves offer fast pain relief for toothaches, but they’re not a substitute for seeing a dentist. They won’t cure the root cause or stop infections.
Use them for temporary relief, but always seek professional dental care. Ignoring the real issue could make things worse.
Mistake #6: Misusing Clove Essential Oil
Clove oil is incredibly concentrated. Just one drop equals dozens of whole cloves. If applied directly to skin or gums, it can cause burns and irritation.
Always dilute it with a carrier oil, and never ingest it. Drinking clove essential oil can lead to serious liver damage. Use with caution and knowledge.
Mistake #7: Ignoring Drug Interactions
Cloves act as a natural blood thinner, which can be dangerous if you’re on medications like aspirin, warfarin, or before surgery. Many people don’t realize that natural remedies can still interfere with prescription drugs.
Always check for interactions and consult your healthcare provider before using cloves regularly if you’re on medication.
The Bottom Line:
Cloves are one of nature’s most potent healing tools—but only when used correctly. With just a little care and awareness, you can tap into their benefits for heart health, pain relief, digestion, and immune support—safely and effectively.
Start using cloves wisely—and unlock their full healing potential without risking your health!