What is it?

Clove bud extract is derived from the cloves of the clove tree, which is native to Indonesia. Clove bud extract is made by extracting the natural oils from the buds. It is an extract rich in compounds that have been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. These properties make clove bud extract a popular natural remedy for various health conditions, including acne, athlete's foot, and toothache. Clove bud extract is also used as a natural hangover remedy.

How does it work for medicinal purposes?

Clove bud extract works primarily through its main active ingredient, eugenol, which has powerful antiseptic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Eugenol helps reduce pain and fight infections by numbing the affected area and inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi. It also has antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

What are the active ingredients that are important for its medicinal properties?

• Eugenol: The primary active component, responsible for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.
• Flavonoids: Contribute to its antioxidant properties.
• Tannins: Have antiseptic and astringent properties.

What forms does it come in?

Clove bud extract can be found in various forms, including:

• Essential oil
• Capsules
• Tinctures
• Powders

What if I have an imbalance or deficiency?

While there isn't a recognized deficiency state for clove bud extract as it's not an essential nutrient, an imbalance or lack of its medicinal components could mean decreased efficacy in managing conditions it's typically used for, such as dental pain, inflammation, and infections.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

Clove has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years. Its first recorded use was by the Chinese around 226 BC to 220 AD, where it was used for its antibacterial properties and to freshen breath.

What does Clove Bud Extract help with?

Clove bud extract comes from the dried flower buds of the clove tree. It is rich in eugenol, a strong plant oil. Ayurvedic, Chinese and many other traditions have used cloves for a very long time.

The library grades the overall human evidence C. That means the human studies are small, early or mixed. Most other uses rest on lab work or on tradition alone.

• Tooth pain and soreness after dental work
  Early evidence — small human studies plus long use in dental clinics; no trial sizes or doses on file. Eugenol, the main oil in clove, numbs nerve endings where it touches. Dentists still use eugenol-based pastes for sore teeth and after dental work. The library holds no trial sizes or doses for this use.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T3
• Plaque, sore gums and bad breath
  Early evidence — small human mouth studies of rinses and toothpaste; no sizes or doses on file. In lab tests, clove extract killed the germs behind plaque, gum swelling and bad breath. In small human studies, rinsing with diluted clove, or using it in toothpaste, went with less gum swelling and fewer mouth germs. No study sizes or doses are on file here.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T3
• Blood sugar rise after meals
  Early evidence — early, small human research plus lab work; no sizes or doses on file. In lab work, clove compounds slowed the enzymes that break down carbs. That can lead to a gentler rise in blood sugar after a meal. Early human research also hinted at a better response to insulin, but no sizes or doses are on file.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T3
• Yeast problems such as thrush or gut yeast
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — lab studies only. In lab studies, eugenol broke apart the outer wall of Candida and other fungi. Clove is one of the better studied plant antifungals in the lab. No human trials are on file, so the effect in people is unknown.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Harmful bacteria in the gut or mouth
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — lab studies only. In lab tests, clove extract slowed a wide range of harmful bacteria. Some of those strains resist antibiotics. No human trials are on file for gut infections or for getting over food poisoning.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Joint aches and low-grade swelling
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — lab studies only. In lab studies, eugenol and beta-caryophyllene lowered the output of signals that drive swelling. Those signals are linked to ongoing joint aches. No human trials of clove for joint pain are on file.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Liver support and "detox"
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — cell and animal work plus tradition only. Oleanolic acid and eugenol guarded liver cells under stress from toxins in lab work. Older systems used cloves as a digestive and liver tonic. No human studies are on file.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Gas, bloating and a queasy stomach
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — tradition only. Cloves have been used for centuries for gas, bloating and slow digestion. Ayurvedic, Chinese and Middle Eastern traditions also used them for nausea. No human trials are on file for either use.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Antioxidants and aging
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — lab measures only. Cloves rank among the highest-antioxidant foods ever measured in the lab. Their polyphenols soak up free radicals in test tubes. No human trials on file link this to slower aging.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3

What Clove Bud Extract has not been shown to do

• It has not been shown to slow aging or prevent long-term disease in people; the antioxidant work is lab-based.
• It has not been shown to replace antibiotics, even though lab tests show it slows resistant germs.
• It has not been shown to clear thrush or gut yeast in people; that work was done in the lab.
• It has not been shown to ease joint pain in people; no human trials are on file.
• It has not been shown to protect or "detox" the human liver; those studies used cells and animals.
• It has not been shown to settle nausea or bloating in trials; that use rests on tradition.
• It has not been shown to control diabetes or take the place of blood sugar medicine; the human work is early and small.
• Numbing a tooth is not the same as fixing it; nothing on file shows clove heals a damaged tooth or gum infection.

How to read this:

A grade of A means many good human trials agree. B means at least one good human trial. C means small, early or mixed human studies. D means the human evidence is weak or clashes. "Insufficient" means no human study at all, just lab work, animal work or tradition. This page reports what studies found. It is not medical advice, and it does not say clove will work for you. Talk with your dentist or doctor before you use it, and keep any care you already have.

What does it help prevent?

There's less evidence on prevention, but clove bud extract's antioxidant and antimicrobial properties suggest it could help prevent:

• Oxidative stress-related conditions
• Bacterial infections
• Fungal infections

Foods rich in clove bud extract:

Which foods are rich in it?

Clove bud extract is not typically found in foods other than cloves themselves. However, cloves are used as a spice and can be added to various dishes to enhance flavor and potentially confer health benefits.

What are the side effects?

Orally, clove is well tolerated when consumed as a spice; however, clove bud extract in doses of only 5-10 mL can be toxic in children. Clove bud extract is generally well tolerated, but some individuals may experience side effects, especially if taken in high doses or applied undiluted to the skin. Possible side effects include:

• Skin irritation or allergic reactions when applied topically
• Gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested in large amounts
• Increased bleeding risk due to its anticoagulant properties

Overdose:

SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS AND POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING

Withdrawal:

No known withdrawal effects

Recommended daily dose:

There is no standard recommended daily dose for clove bud extract due to variations in form and use. Dosage typically depends on the form of the extract and the specific condition being treated.

How long does it take to work?

The effectiveness and how quickly clove bud extract works can vary based on the condition being treated and the form used. For immediate relief, such as dental pain, effects can be felt shortly after application.

What time of day should I take it?

Clove bud extract can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.

Should I take it with food?

Clove bud extract can be taken with or without food, however, it is recommended to take clove bud extract with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal irritation.