Overview

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a tree native to Indonesia. Its dried flower buds are a popular spice and are also used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

Clove oils, dried flower buds, leaves, and stems are used to make medicine. Clove oil contains a chemical called eugenol that might help decrease pain and fight infections. Clove is also a popular ingredient in cigarettes.

People commonly use clove for toothache, pain during dental work, dental plaque, hangover, indigestion, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Pneumonia in people on breathing machines in the hospital. Use of a clove mouthwash might prevent pneumonia in people on breathing machines in the hospital.

There is interest in using clove for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Clove is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if taking clove in larger amounts is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Clove oil or cream containing clove flower is possibly safe. But applying clove oil in the mouth or on the gums can sometimes cause irritation and gum damage. Applying clove oil or cream to the skin can sometimes cause burning and skin irritation.

When inhaled: Smoke from clove cigarettes is likely unsafe and can cause side effects such as breathing problems and lung disease.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Clove is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if taking clove in larger amounts is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Clove oil or cream containing clove flower is possibly safe. But applying clove oil in the mouth or on the gums can sometimes cause irritation and gum damage. Applying clove oil or cream to the skin can sometimes cause burning and skin irritation.

When inhaled: Smoke from clove cigarettes is likely unsafe and can cause side effects such as breathing problems and lung disease.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Clove is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if clove is safe to use in larger amounts when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Children: Clove oil is likely unsafe to take by mouth. Even small amounts of clove oil can cause severe side effects such as seizures, liver damage, and fluid imbalances.

Bleeding disorders: Clove oil contains a chemical called eugenol that seems to slow blood clotting. Taking clove oil might cause bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Surgery: Cloves contain chemicals that might affect blood sugar levels and slow blood clotting. It might interfere with blood sugar control or cause bleeding during or after surgery. Stop using clove at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Clove

    Clove might slow blood clotting. Taking clove along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Clove

    Clove might lower blood sugar levels. Taking clove along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with Clove

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Clove might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with Clove

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Clove might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with Clove

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Clove might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with Clove

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Clove might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Ibuprofen (Advil, others) interacts with Clove

    Adding ibuprofen to clove oil before applying it to the skin might increase how much ibuprofen gets absorbed through the skin, possibly increasing side effects.

Dosing

Clove is a spice commonly used in foods. It's also available in mouthwashes, gels, creams, and oils. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of clove might be. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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