How to Make Clove Tea Safely: Steps and Limits

By Max
Clove tea is prepared by steeping 1/2–1 teaspoon of whole cloves in 1 cup of boiling water for 5–10 minutes. It may offer temporary sore throat relief due to eugenol's numbing effect, but lacks strong clinical evidence. Avoid during pregnancy and if taking blood thinners—high doses can cause liver toxicity (WebMD). Always consult a healthcare provider before medicinal use.

Why People Seek Clove Tea (And Common Misconceptions)

If you're searching for natural sore throat remedies or digestive aids, clove tea seems appealing. But popular claims often overstate its benefits. While cloves contain eugenol—a compound with antioxidant properties noted by WebMD—it's not a cure-all. Most scientific studies focus on clove extracts, not tea. Crucially, Herbpy confirms cloves are unsafe during pregnancy due to uterine stimulation risks. This isn't a DIY solution for serious conditions.

Clove tea with lemon slice for sore throat relief
Lemon adds vitamin C but doesn't alter clove's eugenol content. Limit to 1 cup daily for safety.

When Clove Tea Helps (And When It Backfires)

Using clove tea effectively requires understanding its narrow safety window. Eugenol—the active compound—can soothe minor throat irritation at culinary doses but becomes toxic above 5,000 mg daily (WebMD). Below is a decision guide based on medical guidelines:

Scenario Recommended? Key Reason
Mild sore throat (adults) Yes (short-term) Eugenol may temporarily numb pain; max 1 cup/day (WebMD)
Pregnancy or breastfeeding Avoid Linked to uterine contractions (Herbpy safety review)
Taking anticoagulants Avoid Eugenol may increase bleeding risk (WebMD)
Children under 6 Avoid No safety data; choking hazard from whole cloves

Safe Preparation: No Guesswork Needed

Forget viral "boil cloves for 20 minutes" hacks. Over-extraction increases eugenol concentration, raising toxicity risks. Follow this evidence-based method:

  1. Measure precisely: Use 1/2–1 teaspoon of whole cloves per cup (never powder—it’s harder to control dosage).
  2. Heat water to boiling: Pour over cloves in a teapot. Do not simmer—boiling degrades compounds.
  3. Steep 5–10 minutes: Longer steeping = higher eugenol levels. Set a timer.
  4. Strain immediately: Prevents over-extraction. Discard cloves—reusing increases potency.
  5. Limit consumption: Max 1 cup daily for adults. Add honey only after cooling to preserve benefits.
Clove tea steeping in glass teapot with steam
Whole cloves in glass teapot showing optimal 5-minute steep. Steam indicates proper temperature without boiling.

Avoid These 3 Critical Mistakes

  • Mistake: Using clove oil instead of whole cloves. Why: Oil contains concentrated eugenol (up to 90%)—WebMD warns even small doses can cause seizures.
  • Mistake: Daily long-term use. Why: Chronic exposure links to liver damage in case studies (WebMD).
  • Mistake: Ignoring quality. Why: Stale cloves lose potency. Check for dark brown color and strong aroma—dull cloves indicate age.

Final Recommendation: Safety First

Clove tea has limited, short-term uses for adults. Never replace medical treatment for infections or chronic pain. If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, consult a doctor. For most users, ginger or chamomile tea offers safer daily options with better-studied benefits. Always prioritize verified health guidance over anecdotal claims.

Everything You Need to Know

No. Clove tea may provide temporary numbing relief from sore throats due to eugenol’s topical effect, but it doesn’t treat infections. WebMD states there’s insufficient evidence for clove tea as a therapeutic remedy. See a doctor for persistent symptoms.

Limit to 1 cup (240ml) daily using 1/2–1 teaspoon of whole cloves. Exceeding this raises eugenol toxicity risks, potentially causing liver damage or nausea (WebMD). Never consume clove oil—its concentration is unsafe for ingestion.

No. Reusing cloves increases eugenol concentration with each steep, risking overdose. Discard cloves after one use. Whole cloves should be dark brown and aromatic—discard if faded, as potency degrades over time.

No. Herbpy’s review of clinical data confirms cloves may stimulate uterine contractions. Avoid entirely during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Safer alternatives include lemon-honey water for sore throats.

Keep in an airtight container away from light and heat. Properly stored cloves last 1–2 years. Check for strong aroma and deep color—dull cloves indicate age and reduced potency. Never refrigerate, as moisture degrades quality.