Clove water—water infused with the potent spice clove—has gained traction as a natural remedy for digestion, blood sugar, and immunity. But how much of this is hype, and what does research actually show? Here’s a breakdown of clove water’s potential benefits, how to make it, and what you need to know before adding it to your routine.
What Is Clove Water?
Clove water is created by steeping or boiling whole cloves in water. Cloves, the dried buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree native to Indonesia, are a staple in both cooking and traditional medicine, including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. They are known for their sweet yet slightly bitter taste and strong aroma.
Cloves are rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, which is why there is interest in leveraging these properties through clove water. However, it’s vital to understand that clove water is not the same as consuming concentrated clove products like ground cloves or extracts. The benefits may be diluted.
Potential Benefits: Fact vs. Theory
Research on cloves themselves is promising, but studies specifically on clove water are lacking. Here’s what we know, and what’s still speculative:
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Digestive Support: Water itself aids digestion by moving food through the system and supporting nutrient absorption. Drinking clove water can help you stay hydrated, which is always a good thing for gut health. However, there’s no concrete evidence it offers more digestive benefit than plain water. Cloves have been traditionally used for upset stomachs, but this doesn’t automatically transfer to infused water.
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Antioxidant Boost: Cloves are packed with antioxidants like eugenol, which neutralize cell-damaging molecules. A 2021 study showed cloves have the highest free radical-scavenging activity among common spices. While clove water will contain some of these compounds, the levels are likely lower than eating cloves directly or using concentrated extracts.
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Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies suggest concentrated clove extract may help lower post-meal glucose levels. A 2019 study showed a reduction in blood sugar after 30 days of taking 250mg of clove extract. Again, this research uses extracts, not water infusions. The effect is unlikely to be the same.
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Antimicrobial Effects: Cloves contain compounds with antibacterial and antiviral properties. Concentrated clove oil has been shown to fight certain bacteria and viruses in lab tests. Clove water is unlikely to deliver the same potency.
How to Make Clove Water
There are two common methods:
- Soaking Method: Add 4-5 whole cloves to 1 cup of water, let steep for 6+ hours, then strain.
- Boiling Method: Simmer 1 tablespoon of whole cloves in 1 cup of water for 5-10 minutes, then strain.
Many people add honey or maple syrup to improve the flavor, but this will increase the calorie count.
Risks and Considerations
Clove water is generally safe in moderation (1-2 cups daily). However, avoid high doses or concentrated clove products (like oil) without medical supervision, as they can be toxic. Cloves have mild blood-thinning effects, so people on blood thinners should use caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a doctor before consuming clove water regularly.
Nutritional Value
Clove water is very low in calories unless sweetened. Whole cloves contain some manganese, but the amount in the water is negligible.
In conclusion, clove water may offer mild antioxidant benefits and contribute to hydration, but the hype around its powerful effects is not fully supported by scientific evidence. It’s a safe beverage in moderation, but don’t expect it to be a magic bullet for digestive health, blood sugar, or immunity.
