Most of us walk past the spice aisle with whole cloves and never give them a second thought. Yet for centuries, traditional medicine systems from Asia to the Middle East have quietly relied on this tiny spice for everyday wellness. The surprising part? Modern science is now catching up and showing why something so simple might actually make a noticeable difference in how you feel.
The surprising part? Modern science is now catching up and showing why something so simple might actually make a noticeable difference in how you feel. Keep reading — there’s one unexpected benefit at the end that almost no one talks about.
Why Chewing (Not Just Cooking With) Cloves Matters
When you chew a whole clove, the essential oils — especially eugenol — are released directly into your mouth and quickly absorbed through the thin tissues under your tongue. This is very different from using ground cloves in food, where much of the active compounds are lost to heat or diluted in the stomach.
Research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food and Phytotherapy Research highlights that this direct oral contact gives faster and sometimes stronger effects than swallowing clove powder or drinking clove tea.
1. Instant Natural Support for Tooth and Gum Comfort
Eugenol is the same compound dentists have used for over a century in temporary dental fillings. When you slowly chew a clove, the oil spreads across teeth and gums within seconds.
Studies (including one in the Journal of Dentistry, 2014) show eugenol has natural numbing and antibacterial properties that can calm tooth sensitivity and reduce oral bacteria. Many people notice fresher breath and less gum irritation within days.
2. Easier Digestion After Meals
Feeling bloated or heavy after eating?
Cloves have traditionally been chewed after meals in many cultures for exactly this reason. They gently stimulate salivary enzymes and support healthy stomach acid production.
A 2019 review in Food & Function noted that clove extracts help reduce gas, bloating, and indigestion symptoms — and chewing releases those same extracts in real time.
3. Powerful Antioxidant Protection for Your Liver
Cloves rank among the highest ORAC (antioxidant) scoring spices in the world — higher than blueberries gram-for-gram.
Multiple animal and human cell studies (including one in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity) show that eugenol helps protect liver cells from oxidative damage and support natural detoxification pathways. A daily clove or two adds a meaningful antioxidant boost without calories or supplements.
4. Gentle Help with Blood Sugar Balance
Several clinical trials, including a 2006 study on people with type 2 diabetes published in the British Journal of Nutrition, found that 1–3 grams of cloves per day (roughly 6–18 whole cloves) improved fasting blood sugar and insulin sensitivity.
While you don’t need that many, chewing just one or two daily still delivers active compounds that may support stable energy levels throughout the day.
5. Extra Layer of Seasonal Immune Support
Cloves have natural antimicrobial properties against several common bacteria and viruses.
Research in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies showed clove oil inhibits certain respiratory pathogens in lab settings. Chewing cloves regularly may give your body a small but helpful edge during cold and flu season.
6. Heart-Friendly Compounds You Can Actually Taste
The same antioxidants that protect the liver also help reduce oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that regular clove intake was linked to improved blood vessel flexibility and lower inflammatory markers — two important factors for long-term cardiovascular health.
7. Calming Effect on Stress and Mood (The Hidden Benefit Everyone Misses)
Here’s the part most articles skip.
Beta-caryophyllene, another major compound in cloves, acts directly on CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system — the same system targeted by CBD. Research in Physiology & Behavior (2014) and Frontiers in Psychology suggests this natural pathway can help ease everyday stress and promote calmness without drowsiness.
That subtle warmth and aroma when you chew a clove? It’s not just pleasant — it’s quietly supporting your nervous system.
How to Chew Cloves the Right Way (Step-by-Step)
- Choose whole, plump, dark-brown cloves that still smell strongly smell when you pinch them (avoid pale or broken ones).
- Start with just ONE clove per day for the first week so your mouth gets used to the intensity.
- Place it between your molars and bite gently until you hear a small “pop” and oil releases.
- Move it around your mouth like natural chewing gum for 5–15 minutes — don’t swallow whole.
- Spit it out when the flavor fades (or swallow if you like — both are safe in small amounts).
Best times: right after waking (for fresh breath and metabolism kick) or after meals (for digestion).
Quick Comparison: Whole Cloves vs. Ground Cloves vs. Clove Tea
| Form | Potency of Oils | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole cloves | Highest | Medium | Direct oral & full benefits |
| Ground cloves | Medium | High | Cooking & baking |
| Clove tea | Lowest | High | Gentle, soothing drink |
Who Should Be Cautious or Skip It
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (high doses may not be safe)
- People on blood-thinning medication (eugenol has mild blood-thinning effects)
- Anyone scheduled for surgery in the next 2 weeks
- Young children (choking risk and too intense)
Always check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
Final Thoughts
Chewing one or two whole cloves daily is one of those rare habits that’s free, takes almost no time, and has centuries of traditional use now backed by modern research. From fresher breath in the morning to that quiet sense of calm in the evening, the benefits add up in small but meaningful ways.
Try it for two weeks and see how you feel — most people are surprised how much they come to enjoy the ritual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I chew cloves every single day long-term?
Yes — 1–2 whole cloves daily is considered safe for most healthy adults according to available research.
Will it make my breath smell like cloves all day?
Only for 30–60 minutes. After that, most people notice cleaner, neutral breath.
What if the taste is too strong?
Start by parking the clove between cheek and gum (like dip) instead of chewing aggressively. The flavor mellows quickly.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Natural remedies are not a substitute for professional healthcare. Please consult your doctor or a qualified health professional before making changes to your routine, especially if you have medical conditions or take medications.
