- Research shows that cloves can help improve digestion, ease nausea and vomiting, and may boost kidney function in traditional Chinese medicine.
- Using cloves can come with risks, like allergic reactions or liver damage, especially if you take too much.
- In the Western world, cloves are mostly used as a cooking spice, often found in desserts and holiday dishes.
Cloves—those tiny, aromatic buds you might know from your spice rack—hold a special place in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Known as Ding Xiang (丁香) or Caryophylli Flos, this spice isn’t just for flavoring holiday treats. In TCM, it’s prized for warming the body, soothing digestion, and even boosting vitality. But what does science say about these claims, and are there risks to watch out for?
Let’s dive into the world of cloves, exploring their uses, benefits, and potential downsides with a blend of ancient wisdom and modern research.
What Is Clove (Caryophylli Flos) in TCM?
Clove comes from the dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, an evergreen tree in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). Native to Indonesia’s Maluku Islands, it’s now cultivated in places like Tanzania, Malaysia, and even parts of China, such as Hainan Province.
In TCM, cloves are harvested when the buds turn from green to red—typically between September and March—then dried for use. There are two types: public cloves (flower buds, or Gong Ding Xiang) and mother cloves (ripe fruit, also called Ji She Xiang), with the buds being more potent1.
TCM classifies clove as pungent and warm, linking it to the spleen, stomach, and kidney meridians. Imagine it as a cozy internal heater, used to chase away cold, calm an upset stomach, and rekindle energy2. Beyond the buds, the tree’s bark, roots, and branches also have medicinal uses, like easing pain or detoxifying the body—truly a plant that keeps on giving!
Benefits of Clove in TCM: What Does It Do?
In TCM, clove is a go-to remedy for a range of issues tied to coldness or weakness in the body. Here’s what it’s known for, backed by both tradition and some science:
1. Warming the Middle and Easing Digestion
Feeling queasy or bloated after a cold meal? Clove’s your friend. It’s used to treat nausea, vomiting, hiccups, and poor appetite caused by a “cold stomach.” Think of it like a warm hug for your digestive system, helping food move downward instead of staging a revolt.
- Science Says: Studies show clove’s key compound, eugenol, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that protect the stomach lining. One rat study found eugenol reduced alcohol-induced ulcers by boosting mucus production (ScienceDirect). Plus, it can stimulate gastric juices, aiding digestion (WebMD).
2. Relieving Pain from Cold
Got stomach cramps or a toothache that feels worse in chilly weather? Clove’s warming and pain-relieving properties come to the rescue. It’s often paired with herbs like ginger or cinnamon for belly pain or applied as oil for dental woes.
- Science Says: Eugenol acts as a local anesthetic, numbing pain—explaining its long history in toothache relief (Healthline). Research also confirms its antibacterial power against oral bacteria like Staphylococcus (PMC).
3. Boosting Kidney Yang (Vitality)
In TCM, “kidney yang” is your body’s fire—think energy, warmth, and even libido. Clove is said to stoke that fire, helping with fatigue, cold limbs, or even impotence due to “kidney deficiency3.”
- Science Says: While direct human studies are limited, animal research hints at eugenol’s metabolic benefits, like improving gut health and reducing liver fat, which could indirectly support energy levels (Food & Function).
4. Fighting Bugs and Infections
Clove’s not just warm—it’s a fighter. TCM uses it to tackle parasites and infections4, and modern studies back this up.
- Science Says: Clove oil and extracts show strong antibacterial effects against germs like E. coli and Streptococcus, plus antifungal action against pathogens like Candida (Medical News Today). It even paralyzes parasites like roundworms in lab tests!
Summary: In TCM, clove addresses body coldness and weakness. It warms the middle for digestion, relieves cold – related pain, boosts kidney yang, and fights bugs. Science shows its key compound, eugenol, has various beneficial effects.
Risks and Side Effects: What to Watch For
Clove might sound like a miracle spice, but it’s not without caveats. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Allergic Reactions: Some folks might itch or swell up—rare, but possible5.
- Bleeding Risk: Eugenol can thin blood, so if you’re on anticoagulants like warfarin, talk to your doctor first (WebMD).
- Irritation: Clove oil can burn gums or skin if overused. Dilute it, and don’t go overboard (Drugs.com).
- Liver Concerns: High doses of clove oil—especially in kids—can harm the liver or cause seizures. Stick to small amounts (RxList).
- TCM Caution: Avoid clove if you’ve got “internal heat” (think thirst, dry mouth, or fever)—it’s too warming for that6.
Pro Tip: In TCM, clove shouldn’t be paired with turmeric (Yu Jin)7, as they counteract each other. Always check with a practitioner if mixing herbs!
Summary: Clove has potential risks. It can cause allergic reactions, bleeding risk if on blood thinners, skin/gum irritation, liver problems especially in kids, and isn’t suitable for those with “internal heat” in TCM. Also, avoid pairing with turmeric in TCM.
How to Use Clove Safely
In TCM, clove is typically brewed into tea (1.5–6 grams) or ground into powders and pills. For tooth pain, a dab of diluted clove oil might do the trick. Start small—say, a pinch in your soup—and see how your body reacts. Pregnant? Nursing? Got liver issues? Skip it unless your doctor or TCM expert gives the green light.
Clove in TCM vs. the West
| Aspect | TCM | Western Use |
|---|---|---|
| Main Use | Warm digestion, boost vitality | Spice for pies, cider, and ham |
| Form | Buds, tea, oil | Ground, whole, or oil in toothpaste |
| Benefits | Cold relief, stomach aid | Flavor, minor pain relief |
| Risks | Overheating, liver risk | Irritation, rare allergies |
In the West, clove is more about pumpkin spice lattes than medicine—though its oil still sneaks into dental care.
Quick Q&A
Q: Can clove cure a stomachache?
A: It might help if it’s from cold or bloating—think of it as a natural antacid8. But if it’s chronic, see a doctor.
Q: Is clove oil safe for kids?
A: Not in large amounts—stick to food-safe doses and consult a pediatrician.
Q: What’s Ding Xiang in English?
A: It’s just clove—Caryophylli Flos—the TCM name for those spicy buds!
The Bottom Line
Clove, or Caryophylli Flos, is a powerhouse in TCM, warming your insides, settling your stomach, and even giving your energy a lift. Science backs some of these perks—eugenol’s a star for digestion and pain relief—but it’s not a free-for-all. Overdo it, and you might trade nausea for irritation or worse. Whether you’re sipping it in a tea or sprinkling it on your pie, clove’s a spice worth knowing—just handle it with care.
Trusted Source
- https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E4%B8%81%E9%A6%99/17019440 ↩︎
- https://bowuguan.bucm.edu.cn/kpzl/zyyzs/67995.htm ↩︎
- http://health.people.com.cn/n1/2017/0308/c14739-29130959.html ↩︎
- 阿德南·雷梅尔.包含一种抗病毒,一种抗肿瘤或一种抗寄生虫药以及一种选自香芹醇,麝香草酚,丁香酚,樟醇和香芹酚的活性物质的药物组合物:CN200680020365.4[P].CN101193682[2025-03-11].DOI:CN101193682 A. ↩︎
- https://herbaltcm.sn.polyu.edu.hk/herbal/clove ↩︎
- https://m.dayi.org.cn/qa/334635.html ↩︎
- https://www.lingbao.gov.cn/16182/616771296/1768057.html ↩︎
- 欧阳菊.丁香配郁金治疗虚寒性胃痛32例[J].实用中医药杂志, 2006, 22(2):1.DOI:10.3969/j.issn.1004-2814.2006.02.012. ↩︎
