Respiratory: Sore throat, cough (tea), expectorant

Eyes: Styes

Gastrointestinal: Toothache, pain control during dental work, halitosis (bad breath), gas (flatulence), promotes good digestion, used for vomiting, diarrhea, Hepatitis C, cirrhosis, anal fissures, decreases plaque, gingivitis/gum disease, stomach ulcers, liver problems, prevention for tooth enamel erosion, GERD

Musculoskeletal: Muscle spasms (topical)

Genitourinary: Aphrodisiac (historically), prevention of premature ejaculation (topical)

Skin: Scabies, herpes simplex

Glucose: May help reduce blood sugar levels

Cancer: Anticancer potential

Infectious Disease: Cholera, TB (use for support only, not for treatment), malaria

Other: Mosquito, tick, and moth repellent, excessive sweating, reduces alcohol craving (sucking on cloves), hangover, and slows blood clotting.

Side Effects: Skin rash, mouth irritation, ejaculatory and erectile problems

Caution/Contraindications: Liver disease, blood clotting disorders, food and plant allergies, immune system disorders, taking simultaneously with other blood thinners and potential blood thinners (coumadin, anti-inflammatories, Aspirin. Antidiabetic agents (may increase blood sugar too much). Clove oil in large amounts can lead to toxicity

FORMS: Oils, teas, whole, tinctures, powders, gels, tablets, capsules, toothpaste, oils,  soaps, creams

Recommended Brands

No current recommended brands available.

Dosage

As directed on the product label.

Some clinical and consumer sources describe a wide range of herbal amounts and application methods, and many are not supported by strong evidence. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Essential oils are typically diluted before use, and only small amounts are used for mouth rinses, flavorings, or topical applications. Dilution strength varies widely depending on the purpose and the specific product.

For detailed drug dosing and interaction information, refer to herbal dosing on the Epocrates website.

Traditional Use (General Information Only)

Clove and clove essential oil have been used traditionally in diluted mouth rinses, topical preparations, and culinary applications. Traditional practices emphasize very small amounts due to the concentrated nature of essential oils. Modern products vary widely in strength and formulation.

Clove oil has natural blood‑thinning properties, and traditional guidance recommends discontinuing use before surgical procedures.

These reflect traditional and consumer uses, not evidence‑based medical treatments. Product formulations vary, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions.

*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. You must investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.