The power of cloves: nature's tiny healer

By olivier Felicio , Viva Magazine Contributor

When it comes to health-boosting spices, cloves might not be the first thing that comes to mind—but they should be. These small, aromatic flower buds pack a powerful nutritional punch, offering a wide array of health benefits rooted in centuries of traditional medicine and supported by modern science. Let’s unlock the secret powers of this humble spice and explore why cloves deserve a spot in your pantry—and your wellness routine.

What Are Cloves?

Harvested from the evergreen Syzygium aromaticum tree, cloves have been used for over 2,000 years in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Middle Eastern healing traditions. Today, they’re best known for their warm, sweet flavor in cooking—but beneath that fragrant exterior lies an impressive arsenal of health-promoting compounds.

1. A Natural Antioxidant Powerhouse

Cloves top the antioxidant charts—outranking even blueberries and turmeric. Their rich supply of eugenol, a potent compound that fights free radicals, helps neutralize oxidative stress in the body. This means better protection for your cells and tissues, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and even signs of premature aging.

TRY THIS: Sprinkle ground cloves into your morning smoothie or oatmeal for an antioxidant boost.

2. Bye-Bye Inflammation

Inflammation is at the root of many modern health issues—from arthritis to digestive disorders. Cloves’ anti-inflammatory magic comes from eugenol, which works similarly to over-the-counter pain relievers by blocking key enzymes that trigger inflammation.

IN PRACTICE: A cup of clove-infused tea may help soothe joint pain and menstrual cramps.

3. Your Body’s Natural Antimicrobial

Need a natural defender against bacteria and fungi? Clove oil has been shown to destroy harmful microbes, including E. coli, Staph aureus, and Candida albicans. That’s why it’s a star in many natural dental products and even homemade cleaning solutions.

DID YOU KNOW? In some cultures, chewing whole cloves is a common way to freshen breath and protect gum health.

4. Pain Relief—Straight from the Spice Rack

Before modern anesthetics, cloves were the go-to for dental pain. That wasn’t just folklore—eugenol acts as a local anesthetic, numbing nerves and easing discomfort.

TRY IT: Clove oil dabbed (diluted!) on a cotton ball can help relieve toothache or gum pain—just be sure to consult your dentist first.

5. A Friend to Your Digestive System

Cloves can calm a cranky stomach. Research suggests they stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, reduce gas, and protect the stomach lining against ulcers caused by stress, alcohol, or medications.

TIP: Add a pinch of cloves to your chai or after-meal tea to aid digestion.

6. Blood Sugar Support

Emerging studies show cloves may help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. This is especially exciting news for people managing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

PRO TIP: Cloves are most effective as part of a balanced, whole-foods-based diet—not as a standalone remedy.

7. Liver and Immune System Love

Clove compounds have demonstrated liver-protective effects, supporting detoxification and reducing inflammation. Meanwhile, their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties give your immune system a gentle but effective nudge in the right direction.

Clove with Caution

While cloves are generally safe in culinary doses, concentrated clove oil should be used sparingly. High doses can interfere with blood clotting and may interact with medications, especially anticoagulants. Always consult a health professional before introducing high-potency herbal products.

The Takeaway

Small but mighty, cloves offer a unique combination of flavor and function. Whether you’re stirring them into your favorite recipe or steeping them into tea, incorporating cloves into your daily life could help support overall wellness in more ways than one.

So next time you pass by the spice aisle, don’t overlook those little brown buds—your body (and your taste buds) just might thank you.

Want more on plant-based wellness and spice-powered healing? Follow Viva Magazine’s Natural Living guides for monthly deep-dives into the superfoods you never knew you needed.