 AllergiesCloves should not be consumed if one has a proven allergy reaction to cloves. The Eugenol oil can cause allergic rashes when applied to the skin or inside the mouth. Those who are allergic to balsam of Peru may also be allergic to cloves.
Side Effects
In general, the use of cloves is regarded as safe for food use; however, when taken in large doses in its undiluted oil form or in clove cigarettes, side effects may occur. These include the following:
- Vomiting
- Sore Throat
- Seizure
- Sedation
- Difficulty breathing
- Hematemesis
- Kidney Failure
- Liver damage
- Erectile dysfunction
- Prolonged ejaculation
- Seizure
- Stomach irritation
Although the most common complaint of large doses of cloves is GI upset, those with kidney or liver disorders should avoid large doses of cloves. Serious side effects are more commonly reported in young children. There is insufficient evidence for cloves and its use in pregnancy or nursing.
Those with bleeding disorders and those taking medications that thin the blood, may be at risk for increased bleeding if ingesting cloves or clove oil. There has been one reported case of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in a patient using cloves by mouth.
If clove oil is applied to the skin or inside the mouth, the patient can experience burning, loss of sensation, tissue damage and an increased risk of cavities and sore lips. Burns and contact dermatitis (rash) is more common if using undiluted clove oil directly on the skin or mouth.
There is a chance the clove oil taken orally may lower blood sugar levels based on an infant case. Therefore, those with diabetes or hypoglycemia or those taking drugs or supplements that affect blood sugar are cautioned against the use of clove oil and blood glucose levels may need to be monitored and medication adjustments made as needed.
Dosing *
For adults (age 18 or older) it is recommended that oral intake not exceed 2.5mg/kg each day. There is currently not enough evidence to recommend the use of topical cloves.
For children (younger than age 18) there is not enough scientific date to recommend a dosage and it is not recommended that children use cloves because of the above mentioned side effects.
*Note: Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied and safety & effectiveness may not be proven. Brands containing herbs and supplements are often times made differently with variable ingredients often in the same brand. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care provider before starting therapy.
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