Clove Herbal Tea: 5 Benefits and Precise Dosage

Cloves are an age-old spice whose medicinal use has been documented for more than 2,000 years, from Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to the modern European pharmacopoeia. Their interest rests primarily on eugenol, which makes up 70 to 90% of the essential oil. This page covers the recognised traditional uses, how to prepare the infusion properly, and above all the precautions worth knowing, because cloves remain a potent spice.

5 documented benefits of clove herbal tea

Clove is among the most thoroughly studied medicinal spices. Here is what the scientific literature currently recognises:

• Oral comfort support: eugenol is recognised for its local anaesthetic action, which explains its long history in dentistry. A clinical study published in the Journal of Dentistry compared a eugenol gel with a placebo and observed an effect comparable to benzocaine on mild gingival pain.
• Digestive comfort: traditionally used to ease the sensation of sluggish digestion, bloating and minor gastric discomfort. Cloves stimulate the production of saliva and gastric juices.
• Antibacterial activity in vitro: numerous in vitro studies show eugenol activity against common bacterial strains (Streptococcus, E. coli, Staphylococcus). These experimental findings do not support presenting cloves as an antibiotic: the effect on the human body as a whole is not comparable to a medicinal treatment.
• Antioxidant power: cloves top the ORAC ranking for antioxidant foods, with values far exceeding those of other spices. This density explains the nutritional interest of moderate, regular consumption.
• Seasonal discomfort: tradition attributes a use for mild winter ailments (irritated throat, blocked nose). The EMA has not validated a formal claim, but the traditional use is widespread across Europe and Asia.

More broadly, cloves are included in the WHO monograph on selected medicinal plants, which represents international recognition of their traditional phytotherapeutic interest.

How to make a good clove herbal tea

The recipe is straightforward, but a few details matter. Cloves are hard and release their active compounds slowly, which is why a longer steeping time is needed compared to leaves.

• Amount: 3 to 5 whole cloves per 250 ml cup (around 1 g). Crush them lightly in a mortar to release the eugenol more effectively.
• Water: bring to a near-boil (95°C / 203°F), avoiding a prolonged rolling boil.
• Time: 8 to 10 minutes, covering the cup to retain the volatile essential oils.
• Straining: pass through a fine sieve. Once the infusion has cooled slightly, you can add a spoonful of honey and a dash of lemon juice.
• Frequency: 2 to 3 cups per day maximum, over a short course (5 to 7 days) when dealing with discomfort, or occasionally as needed.

Cloves keep for several years in an airtight jar away from light. Choose plump, dark cloves that release a drop of oil when pressed with a fingernail: this is the sign of freshness.

Pairings that bring out the best in cloves

Cloves become even more interesting when combined with other herbs or spices. Here are a few classic blends:

• For winter discomfort: 3 cloves + a cinnamon stick + a slice of lemon + a little honey. A warming, soothing hot drink.
• For digestive comfort: 3 cloves + 1 cm of fresh ginger + a cardamom pod. Our guide to ginger herbal tea covers this combination in detail.
• For an invigorating herbal tea: 3 cloves + 1 teaspoon of black tea + cinnamon + cardamom (a simplified Indian chai recipe).
• For an Ayurvedic blend: cloves, cardamom, ginger, black pepper and almond milk for a spiced drink.

Our clove and orange infusion is a ready-made example of this kind of blend, with no measuring required on your part.

Precautions and contraindications

Cloves are a potent spice. A few rules to keep in mind:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: avoid concentrated infusions and essential oil. Eugenol crosses the placental barrier and passes into breast milk.
• Children under 6: avoid the essential oil. An occasional cup of tea (1 clove per cup) is acceptable from age 6 onwards, under supervision.
• Anticoagulant therapy: eugenol may interact with vitamin K antagonists. Mention your consumption to your doctor.
• Gastric ulcer or reflux: stimulation of gastric juices may worsen discomfort. Opt for gentler herbs instead.
• Allergy to Myrtaceae: cloves belong to the Myrtaceae family (eucalyptus, myrtle, guava). A known allergy calls for caution.
• Essential oil: never apply undiluted to the skin, and never take orally without professional advice. ANSES issued a warning in 2018 on the risks of improper use of phenol-based essential oils.

Going further

To explore more spice-based herbal teas, browse our guide to cinnamon herbal tea, discover our guide to ginger herbal tea, or take a look at our selection for digestive comfort. You can also explore our full range of organic herbal teas to find the infusion that suits you best.