Clove Supplements: What They Do and How to Use Them

Clove supplements are popular for a reason: the active compound eugenol has real effects. People use cloves for tooth pain, mild digestive upset, and as an antioxidant boost. This page tells you what works, how people usually take clove, and the safety tips you need to know before trying it.

How people use clove supplements

Clove comes in three main forms: ground cloves or capsules, clove oil (essential oil), and tea or extracts. Capsules with standardized clove extract are common for daily use—many products list eugenol percentage on the label. Clove oil is the fast-acting option for short-term problems like a sore tooth or gum pain; dentists have used it for years. For digestion or mild bloating, a small cup of clove tea or a low-dose capsule can be enough.

Typical dosing seen on product labels: clove extract capsules often range from 250 mg to 500 mg per dose. For clove oil, people usually dilute it before applying to skin—1 to 2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil is common. For toothache relief, some dental guides suggest applying diluted oil to a cotton swab and holding it to the painful area for a short time. If you prefer tea, steep 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground clove in hot water for 5–10 minutes.

Safety, side effects, and interactions

Clove is generally safe at common supplement doses, but eugenol can cause problems at high amounts. Eugenol may thin the blood and could increase bleeding risk with blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin. Don’t combine high-dose clove supplements with anticoagulant therapy without checking with your doctor. Also avoid large internal doses if you have liver issues—there are case reports linking very high intake of clove oil to liver stress.

Skin and mouth irritation can happen when clove oil is used undiluted. For kids and pregnant or breastfeeding people, skip concentrated clove oil unless a healthcare provider approves. If you’re planning surgery, stop clove supplements ahead of time as advised by your surgeon because of bleeding risk. Watch for allergic reactions—rash, swelling, or breathing trouble—and stop use if they appear.

Quality varies. Look for supplements that list eugenol percentage or use third-party testing (USP, NSF, or similar). Avoid products that make dramatic health claims. If you buy essential oils, choose brands that provide GC/MS testing to confirm purity and absence of contaminants.

Want to try clove? Start low, use diluted oil for topical use, and track how you feel for a week. If you’re on medications, pregnant, or have liver disease, ask a clinician first. Clove can be a useful, practical tool for short-term issues like tooth pain or for adding a warm, antioxidant-rich spice to your routine—but use it wisely and safely.