Cloves
Syzygium aromaticum
A kitchen spice from the clove tree, whose oil is recognized in Europe for toothache and minor mouth and throat inflammation. In the lab, clove oil kills bacteria and fungi.
Safety at a glance
- Pregnancy1 note →
- BreastfeedingNothing recorded
- MedicinesNothing recorded
- Who should avoid itNothing recorded
- Allergies1 note →
- ToxicityNothing recorded
Tap a box to read the safety notes below. “Nothing recorded” means our sources don't cover it, not that it's safe.
What is Cloves?
- Plant family
- Myrtaceae, the myrtle family
- Parts used
- The flowers and their essential oil
- Genus
- Syzygium
- Species
- aromaticum
Also called
Clove, Clove Oil
Traditionally used for
- Toothache
- Mouth and throat inflammation
- Spice
Traditionally described as
- Kills germs (in lab tests)
Health topics
Where Cloves appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.
- Immune Support (Colds and Flu)
In lab tests clove oil kills bacteria and fungi; it hasn't been tested for immunity in people.
- Sore Throat
Recognized in Europe as a mouthwash for minor mouth and throat inflammation.
Traditions that use it
- European Folk Medicine
Clove oil is recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for toothache and minor mouth and throat inflammation.
Natural compounds
How it's prepared
Common ways Cloves is prepared or sold. This isn't advice on how to take it; see Safety below.
- Essential Oil
Clove oil, made by steam-distilling the dried flower buds, is used in liquid preparations for the teeth and mouth.[1]Health agency
Safety
Allergies
Don't use clove oil if you're allergic to it or to Peru balsam.[1]Health agency
Side effects
Clove oil can irritate the lining of the mouth and cause allergic reactions. When using it for toothache, avoid getting it on the gums.[1]Health agency
Pregnancy
Its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn't been established, so it isn't recommended at these times.[1]Health agency
How much to use
Clove oil medicines aren't recommended for anyone under 18. See a doctor if symptoms get worse.[1]Health agency
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Based on long-standing use, the European Medicines Agency recognizes clove oil as a traditional herbal medicine for adults:
- Minor inflammation in the mouth or throat (as a 1% to 5% mouthwash)
- Temporary relief of toothache from a cavity (applied to the tooth)
Cloves are a kitchen spice also used in medicine and cosmetics. Clove oil is a popular natural remedy for toothache and gum pain.[2]Study
Laboratory & animal research
Lab and animal results show what might be worth studying in people. They don't show that the herb has these effects in humans.
In lab tests, clove essential oil, which is rich in eugenol, killed bacteria and fungi, reduced inflammation and relieved pain. It hasn't been tested for immunity in people.[2]Study
In short
Clove oil can irritate the mouth and gums and cause allergies.
Sources
- [1] Community herbal monograph on Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merill et L.M. Perry, floris aetheroleum (EMA/HMPC/534924/2010) — European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)Government health agency
- [2] Bioactive properties of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oil nanoemulsion: A comprehensive review — Heliyon · DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22437Peer-reviewed study
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Unfamiliar word? See what these words mean.