Cloves

Cloves Are A Powerful Antifungal Spice

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), a spice native to Indonesia, has been used since 200 BC, during China’s Han Dynasty. Originally cultivated in the Indonesian Maluku Islands and New Guinea, clove is now grown globally, including in Brazil’s Bahia state.

The fragrant dried flower buds known as cloves come from the Syzygium aromaticum tree. Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) have been traded for thousands of years as a highly-valued commodity. As a spice, cloves were first cultivated in several Indonesian islands, as well as New Guinea.

Cloves are a rich source of phenolic compounds like eugenol, eugenol acetate, and gallic acid, giving them significant potential in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and agricultural applications.

An illustration of a sailing ship with multiple masts and red flags, surrounded by text and cartographic elements, suggests it is part of an old map or nautical chart, perhaps tracing trade routes for precious commodities like cloves.

Historical and Medicinal Uses of Clove

For centuries, cloves have been used worldwide as a food preservative and medicinal remedy due to their fragrant dried flower buds. They were finally introduced into Europe during the early 1500s and were traditionally used to flavour food and prevent spoilage. They continue to play a vital role in global cuisines and medicinal practices today.

Cloves have been used for over 2,000 years, with early records showing their use in the Chinese empire around 200 BC, where subjects chewed them to freshen their breath before addressing the emperor.

More recently, clove extract is being used for dengue prevention: Clove’s larvicidal properties offer a promising solution to combat dengue fever in tropical regions like Brazil (Alyahya et al., 2023).

Traditional Remedies

For centuries, cloves have been employed to treat a wide range of ailments, including:

Indigestion
Diarrhoea
Hernia
Ringworm

Medicinal Benefits of Cloves

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are small flower buds harvested from evergreen trees. Once dried, these reddish-brown buds are commonly used in culinary dishes like gingerbread cookies, mulled wine, and meat marinades. In addition to their culinary uses, cloves are highly valued for their many medicinal properties.

Leading Source of Polyphenols and Antioxidants

Clove has more antioxidant power than nearly any fruits, vegetables, and spices, making it highly-effective in fighting free radicals. According to a study using data from a collaboration between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), universities, and private companies, clove (Syzygium aromaticum) ranks as one of the richest dietary sources of polyphenols and antioxidant compounds (Pérez-Jiménezet al., 2010).

The comprehensive database of polyphenol content in foods shows that:

Highest Polyphenol Content
Spice plants have the highest polyphenol levels (Singh et al., 2022).
Cloves have the highest polyphenol concentration among all spices, emphasizing its strong antioxidant properties (Singh et al., 2022).
Fruits, seeds, and vegetables follow in polyphenol content.
Anti Aging
Antioxidants in cloves aid in combating oxidative stress, commonly linked to aging and age-related diseases. It could potentially reduce some of the impacts of aging. (Liñán-Atero et al., 2024).

Other beneficial compounds found in clove extracts include:

Flavonoids
Thymol
Benzene
Methylene chloride

Rokok Cengkeh – Clove Cigarettes

According to reports, today, more than 90 percent of cloves are used with tobacco to manufacture cigarettes called Kretek. Kretek are Indonesian cigarettes, made with a blend of tobacco, cloves, and various other flavours. It could be with filter or unfiltered. As of 2009, clove cigarettes are no longer legal, and selling or distributing in the US is unlawful, any clove cigarettes purchased overseas are subject to seizure by U.S. Customs.

Eugenol

Cloves are also the source of clove oil—a concentrated essential oil rich in bioactive compounds like eugenol. Studies have determined that eugenol is the main agent responsible for clove oil’s antifungal activity against many strains and species of yeast, including Microsporum, Fusarium, Trichophytum, and Aspergillus species. The study used chromatographic analysis to confirm eugenol’s role. (Rana 2011).

Eugenol Is The Key Compound

Clove oil is especially rich in eugenol, a naturally occurring phenolic molecule found in several plants such as cinnamon, clove, and bay leaves. Eugenol accounts for 80%–90% of clove bud oil.
This phenolic compound helps neutralise free radicals, potentially defending against chronic diseases and promoting healthy aging. Eugenol is the primary component responsible for its potent antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic properties.

Health Benefits of Clove

There are many health benefits associated with cloves, but we’ll be concentrating on the digestive effects, especially when it comes to clove’s antimicrobial nature. Here are just a few of the many health benefits associated with cloves:

Strong Antimicrobial: Antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic properties
Immunity-Boosting: Eliminating blood-borne, skin, stomach, and yeast fungal infections
Anaesthetic Effect: Relieves pain (toothache)
Stimulates and Improves Digestion: Relieving nausea, reviving appetite, and reducing gas)
Powerful Food Preserver: A powerful tool in food preservation and treating infections.
Powerful Anti-Inflammatory: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis inflammation can be reduced.

Clove Is A Potent Antifungal

Clove, along with other spices, has long been known for its antimicrobial properties. Many studies have examined and validated the sensitivity of human pathogenic bacteria and yeast to various spice extracts.

Several studies, particularly from India and Asia, have demonstrated clove’s effectiveness in eliminating yeast infections in the digestive tract and oral cavity.

Highly Effective Antifungal Agent
A South Korean study by Chee found that the volatile vapour of clove essential oil was a highly effective antifungal agent against various human pathogens. They concluded that clove essential oil vapours could serve as a useful treatment for fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and ringworm (Chee 2007).
Garlic and Cloves (Outperform Nystatin)
Garlic and clove were found to have the strongest antibacterial and antifungal effects. The study showed that garlic extract killed yeast within one hour, while clove extract took five hours to achieve the same result (Arora 1999).
Interestingly, both garlic and clove extracts outperformed the conventional antifungal medication Nystatin in their anti-candida efficacy. The study concluded that common kitchen spices like garlic and cloves may be more effective as antibacterial and antifungal agents than previously believed (Arora 1999).
Inhibition of Candida Hyphae
Moreover, clove oil was found to inhibit the production of hyphae in Candida albicans, the branching structures that allow the fungus to penetrate tissues. Researchers found that eugenol caused yeast cells to burst, leading to their death. This was especially significant for treating intestinal permeability (leaky gut), which is linked to the invasive nature of fungal hyphae. (Didehdar et al., 2022).
Kills Antifungal-Resistant Candida Strains
Additionally, eugenol was shown to kill yeast strains resistant to antifungal medications (Didehdar et al., 2022).
Significant Antifungal Against All Fungal Strains
In a laboratory investigation, clove oil and eugenol were found to be strong antifungal agents not only against Candida but also other fungal infections. According to a study conducted at the University of Porto in 2009, both eugenol and whole clove oil showed significant antifungal properties against all tested fungal strains (Pinto 2009).

Immune Support and Infection Defence

Eugenol, the key compound in clove, is not only an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant but also a potent natural germicide with strong antimicrobial properties (Marchese et al., 2017). Like raw garlic, which contains the immune-boosting compound allicin, clove fights bacterial growth and supports the immune system.

Clove Fights Infections and Boosts Immunity

Anti-Inflammatory
Cloves have long been utilised for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties to alleviate coughs and other inflammatory conditions. Cloves can be utilised in teas or other home remedies. (Lin et al., 2023).
Anti-Microbial Properties
Clove prevents the proliferation of harmful microbes that cause oral and gastrointestinal infections, making it a powerful tool in maintaining health (Cortés-Rojas et al., 2014).
Anti-Parasite
Eugenol, found in cloves, is thought to dissolve the outer casing of parasitic eggs and aid in fighting intestinal parasites. Black walnut and garlic work even better when combined with this, as the eugenol helps the plant chemicals penetrate the eggs and disrupt the parasites’ lifecycle (El-Kady et al., 2019), (ElGhannam et al., 2023).
Cancer Protection
Studies have found that cloves may have anti-cancer effects by promoting cell death in various types of cancer cells. (Dwivedi et al., 2011), (Zari et al., 2021).
Dental Benefit
Clove is widely used in dentistry due to its ability to fight gum disease (Batiha et al., 2010).
Effective Mouthwash
The antibacterial properties of cloves can effectively eliminate harmful bacteria. Clove oil’s eugenol content makes it highly effective in reducing oral bacteria, leading to improved oral health in mouthwashes (Nuñez et al., 2012), (Radu et al., 2023).
Food Preservation
Clove oil is used to control bacterial growth in foods, such as Listeria, Salmonella, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus, reducing the risk of foodborne illness (Wongsawan et al., 2010).
Stimulates and Boosts Immune Responses
Studies show that clove buds stimulate immune responses, helping to enhance the body’s defences. (Carrasco et al., 2010).
Eugenol in clove oil not only kills yeast cells on contact but also boosts the production of immune cells. Research indicates that clove can enhance the humoral immune response, bolstering the body’s ability to resist future infections. (Ulanowska et al., 2021).
Skin Irritation and Inflammation
The soothing properties of clove oil make it effective for topical use in relieving itchy skin. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised as it may irritate certain people (Ibrahim et al., 2017).

Pain Relief and Analgesic Effects

Clove, particularly clove oil, has a long history of use in dental care thanks to its natural analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties. It is commonly used to:

Relieve Toothaches:
Clove oil can help dull tooth pain and reduce swelling, making it a go-to remedy for dental discomfort (Pandey et al., 2024).
Soothe Skin Breakouts:
The anti-inflammatory properties of clove help alleviate pain, irritation and discomfort caused by skin issues (Mendely et al., 2006).
Ease Headaches:
Clove oil can provide relief from tension headaches by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation. (Pandey et al., 2024).
Prevent Painful Cavities:
Clove oil is frequently used in dental care for its antiseptic and analgesic properties. Clove oil helps prevent plaque formation, reducing the risk of painful cavities and gum disease (Rada et al., 2023).
Improves Oral Health
Toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain 1-5% clove oil are effective for preventing plaque formation and alleviating toothaches. Clove oil has been a staple in traditional medicine for maintaining oral health. By reducing plaque, gingivitis, and oral bacteria, it acts as a natural remedy for oral health problems (Rani et al., 2022).

This natural pain relief makes clove oil a versatile solution for various aches and discomforts.

A dentist wearing gloves and a mask examines a woman who is holding her cheek in apparent discomfort, sitting in a dental chair, perhaps considering the health benefits of cloves for relief.

Clove Oil and Toothache

You may have heard about the effect that cloves have on toothache. Clove oil, in particular, has a numbing effect on mouth tissues like the gums and helps to relax the nerves of teeth that are affected by toothache. It acts as a stimulant and treats toothaches while suppressing bad breath.

What you may not know is that clove oil happens to be an extremely potent antibacterial and antifungal agent, even in the tiniest of doses (Pandey et al., 2022).

Supports and Improves Digestive and Liver Health

Cloves may support digestion and improve gut health through their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping maintain a balanced gut microbiome and protect against digestive infections. Some benefits of cloves for digestive health include:

Stomach Ulcer Prevention:
Cloves may help protect the stomach lining and reduce the risk of ulcers by increasing the production of gastric mucus, which acts as a barrier against stomach acid. Animal studies suggest cloves can have effects similar to anti-ulcer medications (Santin et al., 2011).
Research indicates that clove oil may help fight Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacteria linked to stomach ulcers and potentially stomach cancer. However, more human studies are needed to confirm these findings. (Panezai et al., 2021)..
Antimicrobial Protection:
The antimicrobial compounds in cloves can guard against harmful bacteria that cause digestive infections like Helicobacter pylori (Elbestawy et al., 2023).
Improved Liver Health
Animal studies have shown that clove extract can improve liver damage caused by toxins, mainly due to the presence of eugenol, which may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. While moderate amounts of cloves may support liver health, high doses could cause liver damage. (Ali et al., 2014).
Traditional Uses:
Clove tea, made by steeping dried clove buds in hot water, is a traditional remedy for indigestion and motion sickness. Cloves have been used in traditional medicine to treat indigestion, bloating, and nausea (Babaeian et al., 2015).

Safety and Warnings When Using Clove Oil

A small glass bottle of clove oil with a cork stopper is surrounded by whole dried cloves.

Clove Oil Warning

Clove oil is potent and should be used carefully. When applying it to the skin, ensure it is diluted to a concentration of 1% or less to avoid irritation. Dilute 1 drop of clove oil with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.

Always perform a patch test on your wrist to check for any allergic reactions before wider use. Avoid using clove oil near sensitive areas such as the face, eyes, and genitals, as it can cause severe irritation. If it gets into your eyes, flush immediately with water and seek medical help if necessary.

Internal Use: Clove Oil, Ground Spice, Supplements and Safety

While clove oil can be beneficial, it should be used with caution internally due to its high eugenol content. Eugenol, which makes up over 80% of clove oil, can be toxic in large doses and may lead to liver damage if not used correctly. (NIH 2019).

Ingesting clove oil should only be done with much caution and under a doctor’s supervision. If ingested, dilute it with a carrier oil like olive oil and consume no more than 1 drop at a time.

Consuming clove as a spice is safe in moderate amounts. From one quarter up to one teaspoon of ground clove daily can be used in cooking or herbal teas without problem in most cases. Clove and cinnamon are especially good spices to incorporate if you Candida issues (Shahina et al., 2022).

For safe use:

Choose clove supplements with a very-low concentration of clove oil.
Follow the dosage instructions carefully.
Oral consumption of undiluted clove oil is not recommended unless advised by a healthcare provider.

Potential Side Effects of Clove Oil

Pure clove oil is strong and, if taken in large quantities, can cause a range of side effects. Some of the most common include:

Vomiting
Sore throat
Seizures
Difficulty breathing
Stomach irritation
Liver and kidney damage

To avoid these risks, start with very small doses and gradually increase only if no adverse effects are experienced.

How To Take Clove

Culinary Uses of Cloves

Rolling pin, dough, and holiday-themed cookie cutters (star, tree, heart) on parchment paper, surrounded by pine branches and cloves.

Versatile Spice In Cooking and Baking

Cloves are a highly versatile spice, widely recognized for their aromatic and flavorful contributions to a variety of dishes. Derived from the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, cloves are commonly used in both sweet and savory recipes.

In many cuisines, especially in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian cooking, cloves are an essential ingredient in spice blends such as garam masala and baharat. They add warmth and depth to curries, rice dishes, and marinades for meats.

The strong, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor of cloves complements stews, soups, and roasted meats, providing a distinctive taste that enhances the overall complexity of a dish.

In addition to savory applications, cloves play a central role in sweet dishes and baked goods. They are often used in holiday desserts like pumpkin pie, gingerbread, and mulled wine, where their spicy warmth is highly appreciated.

Cloves pair well with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, creating rich, aromatic profiles in cakes, cookies, and spiced drinks. Clove oil is sometimes used sparingly in confections for its potent flavor, and ground cloves are frequently added to fruit-based dishes like applesauce or poached pears to bring out the natural sweetness of the fruit while adding a spicy undertone.

Adds a distinct spicy warmth to baked goods, such as gingerbread and cakes.
Commonly used to season pot roasts, soups, and beverages like hot teas or spiced drinks.
Staple spice in Asian, Indian, Middle-Eastern, Nth African cuisine, enhancing flavours in curries and rice dishes.

Clove Storage Tips

To keep your clove products fresh:

Store ground clove and whole buds in an airtight container at room temperature.
Whole buds last longer than ground clove powder.
Keep clove buds in a dark place, cool, as well as dry place for maximum potential.

Medicinal Use of Cloves

Yeastrix Cleanse: A Comprehensive Antifungal

For those looking for an all-in-one solution to tackle Candida and other fungal or bacterial infections, consider Yeastrix Cleanse, our 3rd generation antifungal supplement.

This product combines clove with several other powerful antifungals, creating a balanced and effective cleanse for yeast overgrowth.

Yeastrix Cleanse includes:

With Yeastrix Cleanse, you can simplify your antifungal regimen by getting the benefits of clove along with other natural ingredients that promote gut health and combat yeast infections. Made with the highest-quality, non-GMO, and vegetarian ingredients, it’s designed for those looking for a natural, safe, and effective approach to Candida management.

Clove External Use

Important Warning

External Use of Clove Oil or Clove Tea

When using clove oil topically, it is essential to dilute it properly to avoid skin irritation. Concentrations greater than 1% can cause significant discomfort, similar to the effects of undiluted oregano oil.

A safe dilution ratio is one drop of clove oil per tablespoon of a carrier such as olive oil, coconut oil, or butter. However, individual tolerance varies—while some people can handle a higher concentration (up to 10 drops per tablespoon), others may require even less.

Always exercise caution, particularly when applying near sensitive areas like the face, eyes, and genitalia. Personal experience has shown that clove oil can cause severe discomfort if it comes into contact with the eyes.

Even a tiny amount near the eye can result in a burning sensation that lasts for hours. To prevent adverse reactions, it’s recommended to apply a small amount to the wrist as a patch test before broader use. If any irritation occurs, use extreme care moving forward to avoid further discomfort.

Clove and Oregano Oil For Toenails and Athlete’s Foot

If you have athlete’s foot or toenail fungus that is very difficult to treat, I advise you to try this oil mixed with oregano oil. Try this protocol, combine the following:

Five drops of clove oil
Five drops of oregano oil
One tablespoon of olive oil

Apply twice daily to the afflicted areas very sparingly. If the clove oil is too powerful, cut back on it, and if you want to hide the clove oil smell, add a few drops of lavender oil.

Fungal Foot Massage Using Essential Oils

Clove oil is an excellent choice for fungal foot massages due to its powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties. It pairs well with other essential oils such as lavender, Spanish rosemary, nutmeg, thyme, cinnamon, and basil, creating a blend with a rich, deep, and spicy aroma. Each of these oils complements clove oil, enhancing its antimicrobial effects.

Best Essential Oil Combinations for Foot Massage

A 50/50 blend of clove oil and high-quality lavender oil is particularly effective for fungal foot massages. Lavender oil’s soothing properties balance the intensity of clove oil, making it a great combination for daily use. To start:

Mix 50% clove oil with 50% lavender oil.
Massage the feet vigorously at night, focusing on areas affected by fungal infection.
Athlete’s foot and toenail fungus respond well to clove oil or tea.

Additional Tips for Foot Care

Always rotate your shoes to allow proper drying, which helps prevent fungal growth.
Add a few drops of clove oil to the toe and heel areas of your shoes once a week to keep fungal infections at bay.
Remember that less is more when using clove oil. Too much oil can result in an overwhelming smell, which may detract from its therapeutic effects.

This method, combined with proper foot hygiene, can significantly improve fungal conditions over time.

A person sitting on a park bench, looking distressed with their head in their hand.

Clove Tea For Jock Itch

Many years ago, I treated a patient who used a concentrated tea made from clove buds to treat his jock itch. He used this potent tea, brewed by steeping 1 teaspoon of clove buds in 250 ml of hot water for 20 minutes, to wash his groin every night.

Results came in as little as two weeks, and with the help of the Candida diet I recommend, he was free of chronic jock itch in less than 8 weeks, not months or years.

Eric Bakker N.D.

Greetings! I am a naturopathic physician from New Zealand. Although I’ve retired from clinical practice since 2019, I remain passionate about helping people improve their lives. You’ll find I’m active online with a focus on natural health and wellbeing education through my Facebook page and YouTube channel, including this website.