Are Cloves Safe During Pregnancy? What Experts Say

Introduction

Pregnancy is a time when everyday choices—like what you eat or drink—suddenly carry more weight. Many moms-to-be explore natural remedies for nausea, bloating, or dental discomfort. Among the common questions asked in the U.S. is: Are cloves safe during pregnancy?

Cloves are often considered harmless as a spice, but safety concerns arise when they are consumed as teas, oils, or supplements. Let’s break down what experts and research say about using cloves while expecting.

Are Cloves safe during pregnancy? What experts say.

Culinary Use: Safe in Small Amounts

Cloves in food

Cloves used in cooking—whether in baked goods, stews, or spice blends—are safe fort pregnant women. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies cloves as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) when consumed in normal culinary amounts.

Why moderation is important

Even safe spices can cause issues in large amounts. For example, too much nutmeg or cinnamon can lead to side effects. The same applies to cloves: they’re safe in food, but not when overused.

Clove Water and Pregnancy

Mild but not risk-free

Clove water, made by soaking a few cloves overnight, is much milder than clove oil or tea. While occasional small amounts may not pose a problem, experts caution against daily use during pregnancy.

Why caution is needed

Eugenol, the active compound in cloves, can stimulate uterine contractions in high doses. Although clove water is weaker than extracts, consistent daily intake may carry risks, especially in sensitive pregnancies.

Clove Tea and Infusions

Stronger than clove water

Clove tea is prepared by boiling cloves, which releases higher concentrations of active compounds. This makes clove tea stronger and more likely to cause side effects.

Expert advice

Health organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), advise against strong herbal teas that lack well-established safety data. Clove tea falls into this category, meaning it should be avoided during pregnancy.

Clove Oil and Supplements

Why they’re unsafe

Clove essential oil and concentrated supplements are not safe during pregnancy. High doses of eugenol can:

• Irritate the stomach and mucous membranes

• Stress the liver

• Increase bleeding risk

Dental use exceptions

Dentists sometimes use diluted clove oil for temporary toothache relief, even during pregnancy. But this should only be done under professional supervision, never as a self-treatment.

Potential Benefits and Myths

• Nausea relief: Some traditional practices suggest cloves ease morning sickness, but there is no scientific evidence to support this.

• Dental discomfort: Cloves’ natural numbing effect may help with toothaches, but safe dental treatment is always preferable.

• Fertility or labor induction: Myths exist that cloves can influence fertility or speed up labor. These claims are unfounded and potentially unsafe.

Safety Guidelines for Pregnant Women

• Use cloves only as a food spice, in normal cooking amounts.

• Avoid clove water, clove tea, or any daily infusion.

• Stay away from clove oil and supplements unless directed by a doctor.

• Always consult your OB-GYN before trying any herbal remedy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I drink clove tea while pregnant?

No. Clove tea is stronger than clove water and may increase the risk of uterine contractions.

2. Is clove oil safe for toothaches during pregnancy?

Only under a dentist's supervision. Do not self-apply concentrated clove oil.

3. Can cloves help with morning sickness?

There’s no reliable evidence. Ginger is a better-studied herbal option for nausea relief.

4. Are cloves safe in the third trimester?

In food amounts, yes. But avoid teas, oils, or concentrated forms throughout pregnancy.

Conclusion

Cloves add warmth and flavor to many dishes, and in culinary amounts, they are safe for pregnant women. But when taken as clove water, tea, oil, or supplements, the risks outweigh the potential benefits.

For expecting mothers, the safest approach is moderation: enjoy cloves in cooking, but avoid concentrated forms. Always talk with your healthcare provider before using any herb during pregnancy.

References

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).” Updated 2023.

2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). “Herbal Medicine Use During Pregnancy.” 2022.

3. National Institutes of Health. “Safety of Herbal Oils in Pregnancy.” 2020.

4. Mayo Clinic. “Pregnancy: Foods and Supplements to Avoid.” 2022.

5. Harvard Health Publishing. “Spices and Women’s Wellness.” 2023.