Cloves are often hailed as one of nature’s most powerful spices. With their warm aroma and impressive antioxidant profile, they’re frequently used in cooking, herbal remedies, and essential oils. Cloves offer anti-inflammatory properties, immune support, and may even help manage blood sugar levels.

However, cloves aren’t always a safe choice for everyone. In certain health situations, they can actually do more harm than good. While they are natural, that doesn’t mean they are risk-free.

If you’ve ever added cloves to your tea or taken clove oil for toothache relief, read on. You might be surprised to learn when this spice could work against your health.

🔥 1. Have GERD or Acid Reflux? Cloves May Trigger Symptoms

Cloves contain a compound called eugenol, which is beneficial in many ways. However, it has the potential to relax the lower esophageal sphincter—one of the key muscles that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into your throat.

If you suffer from acid reflux or GERD, this relaxation of the muscle could worsen your symptoms. You may experience more frequent heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth, or chest discomfort after consuming foods or beverages with cloves.

Even though cloves are natural, individuals with digestive sensitivities should limit or avoid them altogether. It’s always wise to observe how your body reacts and consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure.

💉 2. On Blood Thinners or Have a Bleeding Disorder? Proceed With Caution

One of the lesser-known effects of cloves is their blood-thinning property. While this can benefit cardiovascular health in some cases, it poses serious risks if you are already taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin or aspirin.

Cloves may intensify the effects of these medications, leading to increased bleeding risk. This could manifest as nosebleeds, easy bruising, or prolonged bleeding from cuts. In severe cases, it could lead to internal bleeding, which is a medical emergency.

Anyone with a diagnosed bleeding disorder should speak to their doctor before incorporating cloves or clove oil into their routine.

🤧 3. Allergic to Spices or Plants? Cloves Could Trigger a Reaction

Cloves come from the Myrtaceae plant family, which also includes eucalyptus and guava. If you have known sensitivities to these plants, cloves may provoke allergic responses.

Symptoms can vary from mild itching or skin irritation to more serious reactions such as swelling, difficulty breathing, or hives. Even a small amount of clove oil can cause a reaction if you’re highly sensitive.

When trying cloves for the first time, start with a minimal quantity and always monitor for adverse effects. A patch test is a smart idea before using clove oil topically.

🤰 4. Pregnant or Breastfeeding? Avoid Large Amounts of Cloves

Pregnancy comes with many dietary restrictions, and cloves are one spice that should be used cautiously. Though cloves may help with nausea and digestion in small doses, excessive intake could stimulate uterine contractions.

This is especially risky during early pregnancy, when the risk of miscarriage is higher. Clove oil, in particular, is potent and should be avoided unless under medical supervision.

Breastfeeding mothers should also be cautious. Eugenol, the active compound in cloves, can pass into breast milk and may not be safe for newborns in high concentrations.

🧬 5. Dealing With Liver Issues? Cloves Might Be Too Strong

Eugenol is a powerful substance, and like all potent natural compounds, it has a threshold. In large amounts, it may become toxic to the liver, especially if your liver is already compromised due to conditions like hepatitis or fatty liver disease.

If you’ve been diagnosed with any liver disorder, it’s best to avoid clove oil completely and limit your intake of whole cloves. Liver health is crucial to overall well-being, and overloading it with concentrated oils can make things worse.

Even if you are healthy, always use clove oil in moderation and follow dosage recommendations carefully.

🧯 6. Suffering From Stomach Ulcers? Cloves May Irritate Your Gut

While cloves are known for promoting digestion, they aren’t always gentle on the stomach. For people with ulcers or gastritis, cloves might aggravate symptoms instead of soothing them.

Clove oil in particular can be too harsh on the stomach lining. It may increase acidity or cause a burning sensation, making ulcer symptoms more painful and harder to manage.

If you have a sensitive digestive tract or a diagnosed stomach condition, it’s best to steer clear of cloves until your gut heals.

🩸 7. Struggling With Low Blood Sugar? Monitor Clove Intake

Cloves are often recommended for people with high blood sugar because of their ability to help regulate glucose levels. However, this effect can be problematic for those who experience hypoglycemia.

If your blood sugar tends to drop quickly, adding cloves to your diet may exacerbate those dips. Symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and fainting may become more frequent or severe.

Always keep track of your blood sugar levels if you decide to include cloves in your health routine, especially if you’re already on medication for diabetes.

🚱 8. Have Kidney Problems? Use Clove Products Carefully

The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste, and overloading them with strong essential oils like clove oil can put them under extra stress. People with chronic kidney disease or a history of kidney issues should be especially cautious.

Clove oil is highly concentrated and, if ingested or used in large amounts, may burden your kidneys unnecessarily. Whole cloves in food are less risky but should still be consumed moderately.

If in doubt, it’s always better to consult your doctor before using any herbal remedies, including cloves.

🚫 9. Sensitive Skin? Clove Oil May Cause Irritation

Clove oil is often used topically for toothaches, acne, and minor skin conditions. But because it’s so potent, it can cause skin reactions if not properly diluted.

Applying undiluted clove oil to the skin can lead to burning, redness, or even blistering, especially if you have sensitive or broken skin. Always mix it with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil before applying it.

A simple patch test on your arm can help determine whether your skin will tolerate clove oil safely.

✅ The Bottom Line: Natural Doesn’t Always Mean Safe for Everyone

Cloves offer many benefits and can be a wonderful part of a healthy lifestyle. They’re rich in antioxidants, help support digestion, and even fight inflammation. However, just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s universally safe.

For individuals with certain health conditions, cloves might bring more risk than reward. If you fall into any of these categories—especially if you’re on medications, pregnant, or managing a chronic illness—use caution.

💡 Final Thoughts: Use Cloves Wisely and With Awareness

Cloves can be an amazing natural remedy, but only when used with proper knowledge and care. Moderation is key, and it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before introducing new herbs or supplements to your routine.

By staying informed and listening to your body, you can make smart decisions that support—not sabotage—your health.