Clove Water: Benefits, Risks and How to Make It

An old kitchen spice is currently enjoying a revival as a beauty drink and health booster. Reels, Shorts and TikToks are suddenly full of glasses of brownish clove water sitting alongside matcha and ginger shots. Supporters swear by its remarkable effects, while sceptics roll their eyes. It is worth taking a closer look: which benefits are supported by evidence, where are the claims exaggerated, and what is the sensible way to make clove water?

Why cloves have suddenly become a trending drink

Cloves are usually associated with Christmas baking, red cabbage or mulled wine. Now, as clove water, they are turning up in water bottles and attractive glass jars across Instagram. The principle is straightforward: whole cloves are steeped in hot or warm water, then the liquid is sipped in small amounts throughout the day or used as a mouth rinse.

Its star ingredient is eugenol. This compound creates the distinctive scent of cloves and accounts for around 60 to 90 per cent of clove essential oil. Natural-health practitioners regard it as something of an all-rounder for the mouth, gut and skin. That idea is not entirely unfounded: cloves have featured in Ayurvedic and Chinese home remedies for centuries.

“Clove water is not magical, but it contains a whole cocktail of demonstrably active plant compounds – above all eugenol.”

So, the new element is not the clove itself but its presentation: a “grandmother’s kitchen ingredient” has become a modern lifestyle drink that fits neatly into Stories and detox plans.

What research actually says about eugenol and cloves

Online, clove water is often promoted with ambitious claims: a flatter stomach, fewer cravings, firmer skin and fuller hair. Looking at the research puts many of these promises into perspective.

Antibacterial and antifungal effects

According to various studies referenced by specialist websites and reference works, eugenol acts against several types of bacteria. These include both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Eugenol also shows activity against yeasts, including Candida albicans.

Put simply, clove extracts may slow the growth of certain bacteria and fungi. This helps explain why clove water is commonly used for oral problems, inflamed gums or unpleasant breath.

Strong evidence for oral health

Research into dental health is particularly interesting. A study published in 2013 in “ZWR – The German Dental Journal” compared clove extract with a conventional chlorhexidine-based oral antiseptic. The findings suggested that clove extract worked roughly as well and, in some respects, even slightly better.

For patients, this means clove oil cannot replace dental treatment, but it may be a useful addition. The spice has also been an established home remedy for toothache since the Middle Ages. Studies in the “Journal of Dentistry” indicate that clove oil can provide pain relief similar to that of the local anaesthetic benzocaine.

“For the mouth, clove water is far more than a TikTok trend – there are sound indications of antibacterial and pain-relieving effects here.”

Myths around weight loss, anti-ageing and hair growth

The evidence is much thinner for the biggest lifestyle promises. Social-media videos often portray clove water as a fat burner, an anti-ageing miracle or a fast track to hair growth. Reliable studies in humans are still lacking.

Anyone who drinks clove water while also eating more mindfully, drinking more water and cutting down on sugar may eventually feel better. However, this is often more likely to be due to the overall package than cloves alone. For reducing wrinkles and making hair fuller, there are currently mainly personal accounts rather than extensive clinical data.

How to make clove water at home

Clove water is quick to prepare at home without any laboratory equipment. For classic uses, such as a mouth rinse or a drink in small quantities, a simple basic recipe is enough.

Basic recipe for clove water

• Measure out 10 grams of whole cloves.
• Bring 250 millilitres of water to the boil.
• Put the cloves into a heatproof container and pour over the water.
• Leave to infuse for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight.
• Strain the liquid and discard the cloves.

Expert tip: lightly crushing the cloves in a pestle and mortar beforehand releases more eugenol. This makes the infusion more intense in flavour and probably in effect too.

Ways to use it:

• as a mouth rinse for sensitive gums, after brushing and without swallowing it
• drunk in small sips throughout the day
• chilled with a little lemon as a “detox water” variation

How much is sensible, and where do the risks begin?

Even though cloves are a natural product, that does not automatically mean that more is better. Eugenol is considered problematic at high concentrations. Used undiluted, it can damage nerves, irritate mucous membranes and, in large amounts, even place strain on the liver.

“Anyone using clove water over a longer period should stick to moderate amounts – and never use highly concentrated clove oil undiluted.”

There are several situations in which caution is advisable:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: it is better to check with a midwife, GP or doctor first.
• Children: use only in a very weak dilution and not without professional advice.
• Liver disease: clove water should ideally be approved by a medical professional.
• Allergies: anyone who reacts sensitively to spices should test it carefully.

Clove water is also no substitute for a dental appointment if toothache is acute and severe. It may ease discomfort temporarily, but it will not resolve deeper inflammation or tooth decay.

Realistic uses for clove water

Viewed objectively, the trend shows a clear pattern: clove water fits well where cloves have long been used and research has caught up. Elsewhere, an interesting spice is turned into a cure-all.

Practical tips for everyday use of clove water

Anyone who is curious can begin with a small self-test. An inexpensive packet of whole cloves from the supermarket is enough for many batches. A period of two to three weeks is sensible, using around one glass of clove water a day either to rinse the mouth or in small sips.

A little practical experience can help with assessment:

• Is the flavour too strong? Dilute it with water or combine it with a cinnamon stick, a slice of lemon or ginger.
• Is it irritating the mouth too much? Increase the dilution and avoid products containing pure clove oil.
• Watch how the skin reacts if clove water is added to DIY tonics; start on a small area.

People who already use mouthwash can switch temporarily and see whether clove water provides a similar sense of freshness. Those prone to fungal infections in the mouth or throat may benefit from its antifungal effect, provided there are no contraindications.

Why old home remedies are suddenly thriving online

Clove water is just one example of how social media is giving traditional uses a new lease of life. Many users are looking for affordable, natural-seeming alternatives to complex skincare and supplement routines. A glass of homemade clove water can feel much more accessible than expensive serums with difficult-to-understand ingredients.

Anyone wanting to follow this trend will be safest by asking three questions: what is supported by evidence, what is based on experience, and where does pure marketing begin? With clove water, the answer is nuanced: it has a place as a gentle home remedy for the mouth, while the promise that it can do everything is more storytelling than science.