Are Cloves Good For Digestion And Gut Health?

Clove is a common kitchen spice with uncommon health benefits for the digestive system. Despite its availability, it’s often overlooked as a natural remedy. Rich in bioactive compounds, clove offers antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. These qualities make it an ideal herb for promoting gut health and supporting digestion. In this article, we’ll explore how clove can help improve your digestive health naturally.

Are Cloves Good for Digestion and Gut Health?

The key bioactive compound in clove is eugenol, known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Eugenol helps reduce harmful bacteria and protect the intestinal lining from damage.

A 2018 study published in a scientific journal revealed that inflammation and oxidative stress are closely linked, and eugenol’s anti-inflammatory effects were observed in several areas, including cardiovascular health, liver function, respiratory health, and gastrointestinal health (Barboza et al., 2018) [1].

Additionally, eugenol has demonstrated promising effects in managing obesity-related metabolic issues. In a study conducted on male C57BL/6J mice, those fed a high-fat diet supplemented with eugenol for 13 weeks experienced a significant reduction in body weight, visceral fat accumulation, and fasting blood glucose levels compared to the control group (Li et al., 2022) [2].

This study also showed that eugenol may prevent gut dysbiosis, a condition linked to an imbalance of gut bacteria that can compromise digestive health. By reducing inflammation and maintaining microbial balance, clove plays a valuable role in supporting overall gut health.

How Does Clove Benefit Digestion and Gut Health?

Clove is a powerful herb with a range of benefits for digestion and gut health. From antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to its potential for combating gut parasites and protecting liver function, clove offers a multi-faceted approach to supporting digestive wellness.

Antioxidant Properties

One of clove’s most notable benefits is its antioxidant power. Scientific studies have shown that clove extract can help combat metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related conditions like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes by reducing oxidative stress on intestinal cells [3] (Thomas et al., 2022).

Further evidence highlights the antioxidant effects of clove in liver health. In a study conducted on diabetic mice, clove bud extract (CBP) significantly reduced liver enzyme activity, such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase, while simultaneously boosting antioxidant defenses like glutathione, ascorbic acid, superoxide dismutase, and catalase (Adefegha et al., 2014) [4]. These findings suggest that clove may protect the liver and gut by mitigating oxidative stress.

Antimicrobial and Antifungal Effects

Clove is well known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This makes it a valuable tool in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome by combating harmful pathogens.

In a clinical trial involving patients with antibiotic-resistant infections and chronic liver disease, clove and peppermint essential oils were tested for their ability to reduce bacterial complications. The study found that clove oil significantly lowered the colony-forming units (CFU) of multidrug-resistant bacteria, indicating its potent antibacterial properties [5].

These results suggest that clove oil may help eliminate harmful gut bacteria and maintain a balanced, healthy gut microbiome, protecting it from common fungal and bacterial threats.

Clove for Gut Parasites

Intestinal parasites can cause severe digestive issues such as chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, and malnutrition. Traditionally, clove has been used to eliminate gut parasites due to its strong antimicrobial effects.

Research has shown that clove extract is effective in combating parasites like G. lamblia and E. histolytica, which are known to cause intestinal infections [6]. In another study, ethanol extract from clove leaves caused surface damage to the cuticle of adult A. galli worms, leading to their destruction [7].

By breaking down the parasite’s protective outer layer, clove extract enables the stomach acids to fully digest and eliminate the parasites. Although human trials are limited, these findings highlight clove’s potential as a natural antiparasitic agent.

May Protect Liver Function

The liver plays a critical role in digestion by producing bile to break down fats and detoxifying harmful substances. When liver function is compromised, the digestive system is significantly affected.

A study investigating AEC, a clove extract, found that it reduced body weight, visceral fat, and lipid accumulation in the liver of obese mice compared to controls (Ding et al., 2017) [8]. These findings suggest that clove extract may protect against liver damage associated with metabolic dysfunction.

Additionally, the antioxidant properties mentioned earlier may further prevent liver inflammation and tissue damage, which is crucial for those with conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis, or liver dysfunction due to poor lifestyle habits.

How to Use Clove for Digestive Health

Clove is a versatile herb that can be consumed in different forms, depending on your lifestyle and health needs. From clove tea to supplements and essential oils, there are various ways to incorporate clove into your routine to improve digestion and overall gut health. Let’s explore the most effective methods.

Clove Tea

Clove tea is a simple yet powerful way to support digestion. The spicy, warming flavor of clove tea comes from eugenol, the compound responsible for many of clove’s health benefits. Drinking clove tea after meals may help stimulate digestion and reduce bloating.

For optimal results, you can enjoy clove tea once or twice a day, especially in the morning or after meals. If you’re an experienced tea drinker, you might enjoy having it up to 2–3 times per day to aid digestion further.

Here’s a quick recipe for making clove tea:

Ingredients:

• 50g roasted or dried clove buds
• 50g cinnamon sticks and licorice root
• Honey, sugar, or lemon (to taste)

Steps:

1. Toast the spices (except for honey, sugar, or lemon) over medium heat until fragrant.
2. Let the mixture cool for 5–10 minutes while you boil enough water for your desired serving size.
3. Steep the toasted spices in boiling water for 5–10 minutes until the tea takes on a golden color.
4. Add honey, lemon, or sugar to taste, and enjoy your clove tea warm.

Clove Supplements

If you’re short on time or prefer a more convenient option, clove supplements can be a great alternative. Supplements offer precise dosing, are easy to carry, and don’t require preparation.

Many supplement blends combine clove with black walnut and wormwood, which are commonly used to eliminate parasites and promote gut health. As one satisfied user of such a formula remarked:

“I try to do this periodically to feel good. The product is quite effective, the dosage and size of the capsules are convenient, and it also contains natural ingredients. So far I am satisfied with everything, I think this is a fairly effective method for maintaining my intestines in order and eliminating all parasites.” - Mr. Olga Ivanenko wrote on Amazon.*

When choosing a clove supplement, it’s essential to research the brand and select a trusted manufacturer to ensure quality and safety.

Clove Oil

Clove essential oil is another popular way to experience the benefits of clove. While some varieties are used in cooking, extracting clove oil at home can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Moreover, it’s not the most efficient way to absorb clove’s active compounds for digestive health.

If you prefer using clove oil, consider adding high-quality, food-grade clove oil to smoothies or recipes. Always follow dosing guidelines and consult a healthcare practitioner to avoid overuse.

Combine Clove with Other Herbs

Clove’s digestive benefits can be amplified when combined with other herbs. Some effective combinations include:

• Clove + Black Walnut + Wormwood: Supports parasite elimination and promotes gut health.
• Clove + Ginger: Helps warm the body from within and aids digestion.
• Clove + Peppermint + Ginger: Cleanses the digestive tract and relieves bloating.

While many herbal combinations offer synergistic benefits, it’s crucial to note that scientific research on precise formulations and ratios is limited. Always consult with a healthcare professional before trying new herbal blends to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Side Effects of Clove

While clove offers numerous health benefits, it’s essential to use it properly. Excessive intake or frequent high doses may lead to unwanted side effects.

The most common adverse effects are digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, and nausea. In more severe cases, large amounts of clove extract consumed over a short period can lead to muscle pain, headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms as the body struggles to adapt. If you experience significant discomfort, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

Clove is a powerful herb with a wide range of benefits for digestive health. From reducing bloating and chronic stomach discomfort to combating gut parasites and balancing the microbiome, clove is a natural ally for those dealing with digestive challenges.

There are many ways to incorporate clove into your routine—through supplements, tea, or essential oils. However, it’s crucial to choose high-quality, clean sources and consult with a healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective use. By using clove thoughtfully, you can take an essential step toward improving your digestive health and overall well-being.