Clove (Lavang)
The highest antioxidant spice on the ORAC scale. Eugenol is nature's dental analgesic — and a potent anti-inflammatory.
TLDR — Clove
- Clove has the highest ORAC antioxidant score of all commonly used spices — 290,000 µmol TE/100g
- Eugenol (72–90% of clove essential oil) is a medically approved dental analgesic — WHO-listed essential medicine
- Eugenol inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 inflammatory enzymes — the same pathway as ibuprofen
- 1–2 cloves daily in cooking is traditional and safe; therapeutic doses above 3.7mg/kg eugenol have liver toxicity potential
- Clove oil is 17× more concentrated in eugenol than whole cloves — use with extreme caution
- Indonesia produces 75% of the world's cloves — used extensively in kretek (clove cigarettes) and traditional medicine
What Makes Clove Uniquely Potent?
Cloves are the dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, an evergreen tree. They contain 15–20% essential oil — the highest essential oil concentration of any common spice. The dominant compound is eugenol at 72–90% of the oil.
Eugenol’s properties:
- Dental analgesic: Blocks sodium channels in dental nerve fibres. WHO classifies it as an essential medicine. Zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) cement is used in clinical dentistry.
- Anti-inflammatory: Inhibits arachidonic acid pathway (COX-1 and COX-2), prostaglandin synthesis, and histamine release.
- Antimicrobial: Broad spectrum against bacteria, fungi, and several viruses.
- Antioxidant: The phenolic structure scavenges free radicals; hence the extraordinary ORAC score.
Nutritional Profile
Whole Cloves — Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
Per 100g whole dried cloves
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 274 kcal | — |
| Protein | 6.0 g | — |
| Total Fat | 13.0 g | — |
| Carbohydrates | 65.5 g | — |
| Dietary Fibre | 33.9 g | 121% |
| Manganese | 60.1 mg | 2613% |
| Vitamin K | 141.8µg | 118% |
| Vitamin C | 11.7 mg | — |
| Eugenol (essential oil) | 72–90% of ~17g essential oil | — |
| ORAC score | ~290,000 µmol TE/100g (highest of all spices) | — |
Eugenol — The Active Compound
Eugenol Concentration: Whole Cloves vs Clove Oil
| Form | Eugenol Content | Equivalent Dose | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole dried cloves | ~12–15mg per clove | 1–2 cloves = 12–30mg eugenol | Safe for daily cooking use |
| Clove powder | ~150mg per gram | 1/4 tsp = ~375mg | Safe at cooking amounts |
| Clove essential oil | 72–90% eugenol | 1 drop = ~15–20mg eugenol | Use only 1–2 drops; easy to overdose |
| Clove bud oil | ~85% eugenol | Very concentrated | Never use undiluted on skin or consume directly |
Whole cloves and powder are safe at cooking quantities. Clove oil is a pharmaceutical-strength preparation requiring careful dosing.
Traditional and Clinical Uses
1. Toothache relief Applying a clove bud (or small amount of diluted clove oil) to an aching tooth provides immediate temporary relief. Eugenol is a legitimate topical anaesthetic used in dentistry. This is not a folk remedy — it is evidence-based clinical dentistry.
2. Anti-inflammatory Regular consumption of cloves in cooking contributes to systemic anti-inflammatory effect through eugenol’s COX inhibition. Not as potent as pharmaceutical NSAIDs, but without their side effects at food doses.
3. Blood sugar Clove extract improves insulin sensitivity and reduces post-meal glucose spikes in animal and preliminary human studies. The mechanism involves enhanced glycogen synthesis in the liver.
4. Liver protection (at food doses) Paradoxically, while eugenol at high doses is hepatotoxic, at dietary amounts eugenol has shown hepatoprotective activity (reduces oxidative damage) in studies. Food dose cloves are safe for the liver.
Liver Toxicity Warning — Know Your Limits
Eugenol at high doses causes acute hepatotoxicity. Cases documented include:
- Children given undiluted clove oil (teaspoon quantities) — liver failure
- Adults taking large amounts of clove supplement capsules
Safe limits:
- Cooking: 1–3 whole cloves per dish, multiple times per week — entirely safe
- Maximum studied safe dose: approximately 2.5mg eugenol/kg bodyweight per day
- For a 60kg adult: ~150mg eugenol/day = approximately 1 tsp clove powder OR 10 whole cloves
Do not consume clove oil as a supplement — the concentration makes safe dosing very difficult outside clinical settings.
Home Test: Quality Test for Whole Cloves
Steps
- 1 Place a clove in a glass of water
- 2 Observe whether it floats horizontally or sinks/stands vertically
- 3 Squeeze a clove between fingers and smell
Pure / Pass
Fresh quality cloves with intact essential oil sink or float vertically (standing upright). Strong, intense eugenol-clove aroma immediately on squeezing.
Adulterated / Fail
Cloves that float horizontally are old and depleted — essential oils have evaporated from the buds. Weak aroma on squeezing confirms low eugenol content. These add very little flavour or health benefit.
Organic Mandya products are
Frequently Asked Questions
Q Can I use clove directly on a toothache?
Can I use clove directly on a toothache?
Yes — pressing a whole clove against an aching tooth or cavity provides temporary relief through eugenol's local anaesthetic effect. This is a legitimate temporary measure. Do not delay seeing a dentist — clove treats pain, not the underlying problem. Do not apply undiluted clove oil directly to the gum (can cause burns).
Q How many cloves per day is safe?
How many cloves per day is safe?
1–5 whole cloves per day in cooking is standard and safe for healthy adults. For any specific health goal, up to 10 whole cloves per day has been used in studies without harm. The concern is specifically with clove oil supplements, not whole cloves.
Q Does clove help with blood sugar?
Does clove help with blood sugar?
Preliminary evidence suggests yes — clove polyphenols improve insulin sensitivity in animal models and small human studies. The effect is not as well-established as cinnamon or fenugreek for blood sugar. Use cloves regularly in cooking as part of a generally healthy diet.
Q Is clove safe during pregnancy?
Is clove safe during pregnancy?
Cooking quantities (1–2 cloves in a dish) are safe. Avoid clove oil supplements and large therapeutic doses during pregnancy — eugenol at high doses may stimulate uterine contractions. This concern is specifically for concentrated eugenol, not food amounts.
Available at Organic Mandya
Organic Cloves (Lavang)
Organic whole cloves. High eugenol. No sulphur treatment. Lab tested.
Last updated: March 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before making dietary changes, especially if you have a medical condition.