Sexual Benefits of Cloves: For Men and Women

You express love through sweet words, romantic gestures, and thoughtful surprises. You share moments and spend quality time with your lover, yet you still feel an invisible barrier when it comes to your sexual health.

If so, you're not alone! Today, sexual health is no longer a taboo topic but a significant concern for many couples. Among the natural remedies that may offer support, clove stands out as a familiar yet surprisingly beneficial spice. In this article, we will explore the potential benefits of cloves and how to use them effectively.

Sexual Benefits of Cloves

Increase Libido and Stamina

Clove can stimulate the nervous system, thereby enhancing sexual desire. A study on male rats showed that clove extract significantly increased the mating frequency (MF) [1].

In this experiment, rats were given clove extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg, and the results showed a significant difference compared to the control group (P < 0.0001) [8]. This indicates that clove has a positive impact on sexual motivation.

While these findings are promising, human clinical trials are necessary to validate the results and understand the potential effects on human sexual health.

May help with premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is a condition that affects the quality of men's sexual life, and clove may play a role in managing this issue.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of a gel containing 1% Syzygium aromaticum (SA) for premature ejaculation.

After 8 weeks of use, the results showed that the main component of clove, eugenol, has local anesthetic and analgesic properties, which help reduce the sensitivity of the penis, thus prolonging the duration of intercourse [6].

In addition, clove has long been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for sexual dysfunction. In Persian literature, clove oil is mentioned as a topical treatment to help improve premature ejaculation (Reza et al., 2021).

May improve sperm count and motility

The number and motility of sperm are crucial factors in male fertility. Several studies have shown that clove can help improve these factors due to its bioactive compounds.

Many studies have documented the impact of clove on sperm motility. Results indicate that a low dose (15 mg) of clove extract significantly improves sperm motility. However, higher doses (30 mg and 60 mg) do not maintain this effect and may even have negative impacts [4].

An example of clove's effects on male fertility is a study in mice, which demonstrated that an extract of clove flower buds (Syzygium aromaticum) significantly increased sperm count compared to the control group.

This may be related to the presence of eugenol, a compound with antioxidant properties, which helps protect sperm from damage caused by free radicals and thus supports sperm production [2][3].

Better Erectile Function

Blood flow plays a crucial role in erectile function, and several studies have shown that clove essential oil (CEO) can help improve this function due to the vasodilating properties of eugenol, the main compound in the oil.

An in vitro study demonstrated that eugenol has a vasodilating effect on the corpus cavernosa tissue in mice, helping to enhance blood circulation—an important factor in maintaining erectile function and sexual desire (El-Saber Batiha et al., 2020).

Additionally, a study on diabetic mice showed that injecting CEO and eugenol into the corpus cavernosa significantly improved erectile responses.

Specifically, the ICP/MAP ratio (cavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure) and total ICP (cavernosal pressure) in diabetic mice improved significantly after treatment. Moreover, CEO and eugenol also helped to relax the corpus cavernosa tissue in both healthy and diabetic mice after induced contraction [1].

Benefits for testosterone levels

Testosterone plays a vital role in the development of male reproductive organs and the maintenance of sexual desire. Recent studies have suggested that cloves may have a positive effect on increasing testosterone levels.

A study on male mice showed that using a low dose (15 mg) of clove flower extract (Syzygium aromaticum) significantly improved serum testosterone levels.

This could be explained by cloves’ effect on the secretion of gonadotropin from the pituitary gland, which in turn influences the activity of the enzyme hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) in the testes, helping to promote testosterone production [2].

Furthermore, phytochemical studies suggest that clove extract contains compounds such as sterols and phenols, which may aid in sexual stimulation. The steroids in cloves can replace cholesterol in the process of testosterone synthesis, contributing to maintaining stable testosterone levels and supporting male sexual health [3][8].

Reduces Risk of STDs

Cloves and their components, particularly eugenol, have been studied and shown to possess strong antiviral properties, helping to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Specifically, eugenol has been found to inhibit the replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in vitro, opening the possibility of supporting effective treatment for this infection (Preetha Bhadra et al., 2021).

Additionally, eugeniin has the ability to inhibit the activity of viral DNA polymerase, thus halting DNA synthesis and limiting viral replication [5].

Furthermore, when combined with acyclovir, clove extract has shown high effectiveness in treating HSV-1 infections, particularly in supporting the treatment of genital herpes [7]. This highlights the potential of cloves in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

However, most of these studies have been conducted in vitro or on animals, and human clinical trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of cloves in reducing the risk of STDs.

Risks and Side Effects of Clove When Using it for Sexual Health

Although cloves offer numerous benefits for sexual health, excessive use or sensitivity to it can lead to some unwanted side effects.

• Bleeding Risk: Cloves may increase the risk of bleeding, especially when consumed in excess (Mishra & Singh, 2016).
• Hypoglycemia: Cloves can lower blood sugar levels, so caution is advised for those with blood sugar issues (Mishra & Singh, 2016).
• Toxicity: Overuse of cloves can lead to toxicity [2].
• Skin Irritation: Cloves can increase skin sensitivity, potentially causing irritation upon direct contact [1, 2].
• Numbness and Oral Irritation: Using cloves may cause numbness, loss of sensation, itching, or rashes in the mouth (Mishra & Singh, 2016).

I understand that when sexual health is not at its best, it can significantly impact your mental well-being, making you feel anxious, insecure, and even affecting your romantic relationships.

This is a common issue that many people experience, and you are not alone. However, before seeking any solutions, it is essential to do thorough research and consult a doctor to ensure safety and effectiveness. Overusing or taking excessive amounts of support products may lead to unwanted side effects.

Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly not only improves overall health but also boosts confidence and enhances your quality of life. Take care of yourself wisely and patiently because good health is the foundation for a fulfilling life.

How to Use Clove for Sexual Health

Cloves can be used in various ways to support sexual health, improve blood circulation, enhance sexual function, and promote relaxation:

• In Cooking: Cloves can be added to dishes like desserts or curries to boost sexual health. The antioxidants in cloves help improve blood circulation and protect cells, thereby supporting sexual function.
• Direct Application on Skin: Clove essential oil can be applied to areas with pain or tension to reduce discomfort and promote relaxation. This method is effective in enhancing sexual health and alleviating discomfort.
• Aromatherapy: Clove essential oil is used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety. It helps improve mood and create a relaxing atmosphere, naturally supporting sexual health.
• Supplements (Tablets or Capsules): Cloves can also be used in the form of tablets or capsules, providing components that help enhance circulation and improve sexual function. Using cloves in this form allows for controlled dosage and easy incorporation into the daily diet.

It is estimated that approximately 83.3% of user reviews on Amazon for a specific clove-containing supplement indicate that users have experienced health benefits from the product.*

Magdalene, a customer who buys cloves in supplement form, shared her positive experience. Her husband no longer has to struggle with preparing cloves daily; he simply takes a capsule and achieves the desired results.*

Conclusion

Cloves offer numerous benefits for sexual health, ranging from improving blood circulation and enhancing sexual function to reducing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. With appropriate use, cloves may serve as a natural option for supporting sexual health. However, as with any therapy, it is essential to use cloves correctly and in the right dosage to achieve the best results.