Are cloves really a natural fix for everything from painful and irregular menstrual periods to bloating, low libido, and even infertility? Many Kenyan women are now chewing raw cloves or boiling them, hoping that it is a natural remedy.
On TikTok, Facebook and Instagram reels, some women swear by soaking the spice overnight and drinking the water at dawn. Others recommend chewing seven sticks daily on an empty stomach, for ‘womb cleansing’ and detoxification. A few even suggest bathing with clove-infused water to facilitate vaginal tightening and lubrication.
“Whereas cloves may contain some natural compounds that could potentially have some health benefits to humans, there is no solid scientific evidence that they offer specific reproductive health benefits to humans,” says Dr Felix Oindi, a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Aga Khan University Hospital and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Aga Khan University-Nairobi.
Most of the existing evidence, he notes, is derived from small observational studies and animal experiments, rather than rigorous human clinical trials.
Consumption of cloves can be in its raw, whole form, in foods as a condiment, or in water, either boiled or simply soaked.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
He explains that much of the enthusiasm likely stems from the fact that cloves contain compounds which laboratory studies suggest may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidative properties.
And while such properties could theoretically contribute to improvement in conditions like painful menstrual cramps and fertility issues, Dr Oindi insists that theory is not proof.
“There is no adequate scientific evidence to support claims that cloves can regulate menstrual cycles, improve fertility, or ‘cleanse’ the womb,” he says plainly.
Decrying the whole concept of using herbs and foods to detoxify the womb, he advises patients with reproductive health concerns to see a specialist for evaluation and evidence-based support rather than relying on unsupported claims.
“Some foods and herbs are known to contain substances that may have a benefit on general reproductive wellness, but there’s none that has been proven to truly ‘cleanse’ or detox the womb.”
Also, he strongly discourages the vaginal use of clove-infused products. This, he warns, could interfere with the normal vaginal environment (normal flora) and offset the natural balance of healthy bacteria, potentially resulting in infections that could end up being severe or difficult to treat.
Still, dismissing cloves entirely would be equally inaccurate.
According to Rosemary Kabui, a registered dietitian from Rosemary’s Nutricare, cloves are nutritionally rich.
“It has nutrients like manganese, fibre, Vitamin C and Vitamin K,” she says, “but the most active ingredient is eugenol.”
Accounting for about 70 to 90 per cent of the spice’s essential make-up, eugenol functions as an antioxidant, meaning that it helps to neutralise free radicals, which are unstable molecules in the body that contribute to oxidative stress.
“Oxidative stress is linked to inflammation and chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases,” Ms Kabui says. “By reducing this stress, the antioxidant lowers the risk of these diseases.”
“It can reduce bloating, gas, and indigestion,” she says. “This is because the eugenol stimulates enzymes that help break down the food more efficiently.”
And while cloves additionally help to lower blood sugar levels, Ms Kabui warns against viewing the spice as a shortcut.
“You cannot eat excessively and say you’ll take cloves to fix it,” she says. “It’s not a magic remedy; you need to watch what you eat.”
“The compounds found in cloves can help reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the body, widen blood vessels and maintain a healthy blood pressure,” the dietitian says. “But this is not to say that cloves can be a replacement for prescribed medication.”
Beyond systemic use, cloves have long been used for oral health.
“Thanks to their antimicrobial and mild numbing properties, you can just chew a raw clove, brush your teeth using clove-infused toothpaste, or drink some clove-water if you're experiencing some tooth pains or unpleasant mouth odours,” suggests Ms Kabui.
Moderation, however, is key. The recommended daily intake per adult is one to three whole cloves or about half a teaspoon when ground.
According to dietitians, cloves are nutritionally rich and offer digestive benefits.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Consumption can be in its raw, whole form, in foods as a condiment, or in water, either boiled or simply soaked.
“It is tiny, but it is very overpowering, so even when you’re using it in food, be careful not to go overboard,” Ms Kabui emphasises.
“Besides, the assumption is that you are already living a healthy lifestyle and are using cloves to simply complement your diet, not replace it.”
In high doses, cloves could result in liver damage, seizures or bleeding disorders. It could also affect the effectiveness of some medications, including hormonal contraceptives and blood-thinning medication.
That said, some of the people who should be very mindful in the usage of cloves include pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, patients on blood-thinning medication and people with liver disease.
