Sometimes we spot it when opening a kitchen drawer, tucked between the cinnamon sticks and grated nutmeg—a tiny, almost forgotten dark brown bud. The clove.

And yet, behind its unassuming look hides a surprisingly powerful ally! A natural pain reliever, wellness booster, immune support… But be careful: using it the wrong way can reduce its benefits. Do you really know how to use it correctly?

Why chewing a clove might surprise you (but that’s a good thing!)

Many try it to soothe a toothache, and then—surprise. A numbing sensation spreads across the tongue. An allergic reaction? Not at all. That’s eugenol at work—the main active compound in cloves. It’s the same substance dentists use for its calming effects.

So, no worries—it’s completely normal, and actually a good sign. Too bad many people stop there and miss out on its real long-term benefits…

Where to store your cloves to keep their properties intact

A common mistake: leaving the jar open in the light, next to the stovetop. The result? The cloves lose their strength. Their aroma fades, and their benefits weaken.

Pro tip: Store them in a tinted glass jar or opaque airtight container, away from heat and humidity. A quick test for freshness? The scent should be strong and slightly pungent. If not, time to get a new batch!

The trap of “more is better”

We often think that a very strong infusion or chewing multiple cloves will be more effective. Bad idea! Too much can irritate the stomach or put unnecessary strain on the liver.

The ideal amount? One to two whole cloves per day, maximum. In a tea, in food, or chewed—whatever you prefer. Consistency and moderation are far better than overdoing it.

A word of caution if you’re on blood sugar medication

Cloves are known to help regulate blood sugar—which is great, unless you’re already taking diabetes medication. The combined effect can cause your blood sugar to drop too low.

The smart move? Talk to your doctor before adding this spice to your wellness routine. Better safe than sorry!

No, it’s not a substitute for dental care

Yes, clove can help ease a sudden toothache. But it won’t treat the root cause! Using it to mask a cavity or gum inflammation without seeing a dentist is like putting a band-aid on a leaky pipe: it might help short-term, but it’s risky.

Clove essential oil: Handle with care

Just one drop of this potent oil equals dozens of whole cloves. Applied directly to the skin or gums, it can cause burns. And if ingested, it can be toxic to the liver.

It should only be used externally, heavily diluted, and with professional guidance if you’re unsure. Used correctly in gentle aromatherapy, it can be very effective.

Unexpected interactions to watch for

Natural doesn’t always mean risk-free. Clove can thin the blood—sometimes a good thing, but a potential concern for those on aspirin or before a medical procedure.

If you’re on medication or have surgery coming up, pause your clove use and consult a healthcare provider.

Used wisely, clove is a subtle but powerful ally in your natural wellness routine.