What Not to Mix with Cloves: Safety Guide

Introduction

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are valued for their warm flavor and antioxidant-rich profile. From teas to spice blends, they are a common addition to kitchens and home remedies. But because cloves contain strong active compounds, especially eugenol, they may not be safe to combine with certain medications or herbal supplements.

This article highlights what not to mix with cloves, explaining possible interactions and offering tips for safe use.

Clove interactions and safety: what to know about mixing cloves with other supplements or spices.

Why Interactions Matter

Cloves are generally safe in culinary amounts, but higher doses from teas, oils, or supplements can change how the body processes drugs. Eugenol has blood-thinning effects, and clove extracts may influence blood sugar regulation. These actions, while sometimes beneficial, can be risky when combined with prescription medications.

Cloves and Blood-Thinning Medications

The risk

Eugenol naturally reduces platelet aggregation, which helps prevent blood clots. When combined with prescription blood thinners, this effect can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.

Medications to watch

• Warfarin (Coumadin)

• Aspirin

• Clopidogrel (Plavix)

• Heparin

Practical advice

Avoid concentrated clove oil or supplements if you are on anticoagulant therapy. Small amounts of cloves in food are generally safe, but consult your doctor before using them regularly.

Cloves and Diabetes Medications

The risk

Clove extracts may enhance insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. While helpful for many, this can be dangerous when combined with diabetes medications, as it may cause hypoglycemia (blood sugar that drops too low).

Medications to watch

• Metformin

• Insulin

• Sulfonylureas (glipizide, glyburide)

• DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin, linagliptin)

Practical advice

Monitor blood sugar closely if you consume clove tea or supplements while on medication. Always consult a healthcare provider before adding cloves as a daily remedy.

Cloves and Painkillers

The risk

Clove oil is sometimes used as a natural analgesic. But in combination with pain medications, especially acetaminophen (Tylenol), there may be added stress on the liver due to eugenol metabolism.

Medications to watch

• Acetaminophen

• High-dose NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)

Practical advice

Avoid combining clove oil or extracts with high doses of over-the-counter painkillers. Stick to culinary use when taking these medications.

Cloves and Other Herbal Supplements

Potential overlaps

• Ginkgo biloba, garlic, and ginger: Also thin the blood, increasing bleeding risk when combined with cloves.

• Cinnamon and turmeric supplements: Can overlap in blood sugar-lowering effects.

• Kava or valerian: May interact with liver metabolism when combined with eugenol.

Practical advice

Be cautious when combining cloves with multiple herbal supplements. Stick to one or two herbs at a time and avoid doubling up on the same effects.

Special Considerations for Surgery

Doctors often recommend avoiding clove oil or supplements for at least two weeks before surgery. This reduces the risk of excessive bleeding and unpredictable interactions with anesthesia or pain medications.

Safe Ways to Use Cloves

• Culinary amounts: Safe for most people—spice blends, teas with 2–3 cloves, or occasional baked goods.

• Diluted topical use: Clove oil diluted in carrier oil can be applied for toothache relief, but only for the short term.

• Cloves Capsule or extract forms: Only under medical guidance, especially if taking daily medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I drink clove tea if I’m on blood thinners?

A: Small amounts may be safe, but concentrated teas or supplements should be avoided without medical approval.

Q: Do cloves interact with high blood pressure medications?

A: There is no strong evidence, but cloves may slightly lower blood pressure. Monitoring is recommended if you are on prescription drugs.

Q: Can I combine cloves with ginger or garlic for immunity?

A: In food amounts, yes. But as supplements, the combined blood-thinning effects may increase bleeding risk.

Q: Is it safe to use cloves daily in food?

A: Yes. Normal culinary use is considered safe for most healthy adults. Problems typically arise with oils, extracts, or supplements.

Conclusion

Cloves are a potent spice with many health benefits, but their active compounds can also create risks when combined with certain medications or supplements. Blood thinners, diabetes medications, and high-dose painkillers are the most important to watch out for.

The safest approach is moderation: enjoy cloves in cooking, but always talk to your healthcare provider before using concentrated forms alongside medication. Used wisely, cloves remain a flavorful and beneficial addition to daily life.

References

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

2. Mayo Clinic. “Cloves: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions.” 2022.

3. National Institutes of Health. “Eugenol and Drug Interactions.” 2020.

4. Harvard Health Publishing. “Spices and Medication Safety.” 2023.

5. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. “Clove in Traditional and Modern Medicine.” 2021.