Contraindications of Cloves — Who Should NOT Consume Them and Why

But despite their impressive benefits, cloves are not safe for everyone. In certain conditions, they can irritate the stomach, thin the blood, or interfere with medications. Understanding the contraindications is just as important as knowing the health benefits.Below is a complete, medically accurate guide outlining who should avoid cloves, why, and what risks they may face.clove warning concept closeupContraindications of Cloves — Who Should Avoid Them and Why1. People With Stomach Ulcers or GastritisCloves—especially clove oil—can irritate the stomach lining.They stimulate stomach acid production, which is beneficial for digestion but dangerous if you already have inflammation.Why Avoid Them:Can worsen gastric painMay trigger burning sensationsIncreases acidityMay delay ulcer healingForms to Avoid:Clove oil, raw cloves, clove tea on an empty stomach.2. Individuals With Bleeding DisordersCloves contain eugenol, a compound that naturally thins the blood.Why Avoid Them:Increases risk of bleedingCan cause nosebleedsMay worsen bruisingDangerous before and after surgeryDo NOT use cloves if you have:HemophiliaThrombocytopeniaVon Willebrand diseaseAny condition where clotting is impaired3. People Taking Blood-Thinning MedicationIf you take anticoagulants, cloves can interact dangerously.Risky Drug Combinations:WarfarinAspirinClopidogrel (Plavix)HeparinPossible Consequences:Excessive bleedingInternal hemorrhageBlood in urine or stoolProlonged bleeding from small cutsNever combine cloves and blood thinners without medical supervision.4. Pregnant Women (Especially in Early Pregnancy)Cloves in culinary amounts are safe, but high doses (tea, oil, supplements) may stimulate uterine contractions.Why Avoid Them:Potential risk of miscarriage during first trimesterCan irritate gastrointestinal tract, causing nauseaClove oil absorbed through skin may affect fetal developmentSafe Only In:Very small culinary amounts.5. Women Who Are BreastfeedingClove oil and strong clove extracts can alter the taste of breast milk and may cause stomach irritation in infants.Why Avoid Them:Can cause fussiness or colic in babiesPossible allergic reactionsNo safety studies for high-dose clove consumption6. Children Under 12 Years OldClove oil is extremely potent and can be toxic for children.Risks Include:Burning of the mouth and throatSeizuresLiver damageBreathing difficultiesChildren should never consume clove oil or concentrated clove remedies.clove warning concept closeup7. Individuals With Liver DiseaseHigh doses of cloves (especially the oil) may stress the liver because eugenol is metabolized through liver enzymes.Why Avoid Them:Can worsen fatty liverMay elevate liver enzymesPotential liver toxicity in high doses8. People With Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)Cloves naturally lower blood sugar, which is beneficial for diabetics—but risky for those with hypoglycemia.Possible Symptoms:DizzinessSweatingShakingFaintingIf you are hypoglycemic or take insulin, cloves can push glucose levels dangerously low.9. Anyone With an Allergy to Cloves or EugenolSymptoms can appear immediately or within hours of use.Allergic reactions include:Skin rashSwelling of lips or tongueDifficulty breathingHivesPalpitationsIf you’ve ever reacted to cinnamon, nutmeg, or bay leaves, you may also be sensitive to cloves.10. People With GERD or Chronic Acid RefluxCloves increase acid secretion in the stomach.Why Avoid Them:Can worsen heartburnCauses burning sensation in the chestMay irritate esophagusClove tea and raw cloves are especially problematic.Forms of Cloves That Are Most DangerousWhile culinary use is mild, these forms require caution: Clove essential oil (internal use)The most risky — highly concentrated and can damage tissues. Clove tincturesHigh alcohol + strong extraction = irritation risk.Clove supplements (capsules)Often overdosed; not recommended without medical supervision. Raw cloves eaten in large amountsCan irritate mouth, throat, stomach. Who CAN Use Cloves Safely?Adults in good healthPeople using cloves in small culinary amountsThose without liver disease, ulcers, bleeding disorders, or medications that interactClove tea 1–2x per week is generally safe for healthy adults.Cloves are powerful—so powerful that they must be used carefully.Just because a remedy is natural doesn’t mean it is harmless.Understanding who should avoid cloves protects you from dangerous side effects and ensures these spices are used safely and effectively.safe vs unsafe clove forms visualDisclaimerThis article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using cloves therapeutically, especially if you have medical conditions, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication.Inspired by this? Share the article with your friends!