Best Time to Take Cloves: Morning vs. Night

Introduction

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are widely used in teas, cooking, and wellness routines. Packed with eugenol and antioxidants, they’re valued for digestive support, oral health, and anti-inflammatory effects. But many people ask: When is the best time to take cloves—morning or night?

The answer depends on your goals. Timing may influence how cloves affect digestion, sleep, blood sugar, and overall comfort. Let’s break down the benefits of using cloves at different times of the day and what science suggests about safe practices.

Best time to take cloves: morning vs. night for balance and wellness.

Benefits of Taking Cloves in the Morning

Kick-starting digestion

Morning clove tea or clove water can help stimulate digestive enzymes, reduce bloating, and prepare the stomach for breakfast.

Balanced energy

Cloves don’t contain caffeine, but their warming properties and circulation-supporting effects may provide a natural energy boost without causing jitters.

Fresh breath and oral hygiene

Chewing 1–2 cloves in the morning reduces oral bacteria, making them a natural remedy for “morning breath.”

Blood sugar support

Starting the day with balanced glucose levels can prevent mid-morning energy crashes. Some studies suggest cloves may help improve insulin sensitivity.

Benefits of Taking Cloves at Night

Digestive comfort after dinner

Cloves can aid the digestion of heavy evening meals. A cup of clove tea after dinner may reduce gas, bloating, and indigestion.

Relaxation and anti-inflammatory support

Cloves’ anti-inflammatory compounds may ease muscle soreness or joint stiffness, making evenings an ideal time for recovery support.

Oral and dental care

Using clove mouth rinses or chewing a clove before bed can reduce bacteria that cause cavities and gum irritation overnight.

Sleep considerations

Cloves are warming, and while not a sedative, they may promote relaxation. However, too much clove tea close to bedtime could cause stomach upset in sensitive individuals.

Morning vs. Night: Which Is Better?

Morning advantages

• Supports digestion at the start of the day

• Helps freshen breath and oral hygiene

• May balance blood sugar for better energy

Night advantages

• Eases digestion after heavy meals

• Supports muscle and joint recovery overnight

• Enhances oral health before sleep

The verdict

Both times offer unique benefits. If your focus is on energy and digestion, mornings may be the best time. If your concern is recovery, oral health, or nighttime digestion, evenings may be more effective. Some people use cloves both morning and night in small amounts.

Best Ways to Take Cloves

• Clove water: Soak 2–3 cloves overnight and drink in the morning.

• Clove tea: Steep 2–3 cloves in hot water for 10 minutes; drink after breakfast or dinner.

• Chewing cloves: 1–2 cloves for fresh breath and oral health.

• Cooking: Add ground cloves to oatmeal, rice, or evening curries.

• Clove capsules: Take with meals as directed on the supplement label, and consult a healthcare provider for safe dosage.

Safety Considerations

General use

• Culinary amounts are safe for most healthy adults.

• Stick to 2–3 whole cloves per serving or about ¼ teaspoon ground daily.

Who should be cautious?

• People on blood thinners or diabetes medications should check with a doctor.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid concentrated clove oil or clove capsule supplements.

• Children should not be given clove oil due to toxicity risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is clove tea better in the morning or at night?

A: Morning helps kick-start digestion and energy, while night tea soothes heavy dinners and supports oral health.

Q: Can I take cloves twice a day?

A: Yes, in small amounts. For example, tea in the morning and 1–2 cloves at night for oral health.

Q: Does taking cloves at night help with sleep?

A: Cloves don’t act as a sedative, but their warming, anti-inflammatory effects may promote relaxation.

Q: Can I drink clove water daily?

A: Yes, a mild clove water drink (2–3 cloves) is safe for most adults.

Conclusion

The best time to take cloves depends on your goals. Mornings are ideal for digestion, energy, and fresh breath, while evenings may better support recovery, oral hygiene, and post-meal comfort.

Whichever time you choose, moderation is key. Small amounts of cloves in water, tea, or meals can provide lasting health benefits without the risks associated with oils or high-dose supplements.

References

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

2. Mayo Clinic. “Cloves: Uses and Risks.” 2022.

3. National Institutes of Health. “Eugenol and Metabolic Health.” 2020.

4. Harvard Health Publishing. “The Benefits of Spices in Daily Nutrition.” 2023.

5. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. “Cloves and Digestive Health.” 2021.