Does Clove Tea Have Caffeine? 9 Benefits + How to Brew

There is something quietly comforting about a cup of clove tea: the warm, sweet-spicy aroma that rises with the steam, the gentle tingle on the tongue, the feeling that your whole body just exhaled. If you have been curious about clove tea benefits, you are in the right place. This simple brew, made by steeping a few whole cloves in hot water, has been sipped for generations in many cultures — and it may be one of the easiest wellness teas you can add to your routine. It belongs in any shortlist of caffeine-free herbal teas worth brewing at home.

In this guide, we will walk through what clove tea is, how to make clove tea at home in under 10 minutes, nine gentle benefits of clove tea (with honest, softened claims — no miracle promises), two delicious flavor variations, and the clove tea side effects worth knowing about, including who should limit it.

What Is Clove Tea?

Clove tea is simply a warm infusion made from whole cloves — the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia. These tiny, nail-shaped buds are picked before they bloom, dried, and used as a spice in kitchens around the world.

What gives cloves their distinctive warm, slightly sweet and peppery flavor is a natural compound called eugenol. Eugenol is also the reason cloves have been used traditionally in folk remedies, especially for oral comfort — it has a mild numbing quality that old-fashioned remedies leaned on for toothache relief. According to drug information resources, clove oil’s traditional use for toothache pain comes precisely from eugenol’s natural anesthetic effect. A cup of clove tea is far milder than clove oil, but it carries that same cozy, aromatic character.

Does Clove Tea Have Caffeine?

No — clove tea is completely caffeine-free. Cloves are dried flower buds, not leaves from the Camellia sinensis tea plant, so the brew contains zero caffeine. That makes it a cozy evening option when you want warmth without the jitters.

How to Make Clove Tea (Simple Recipe)

Learning how to make clove tea is delightfully easy. You need just two ingredients and about ten minutes.

9 Clove Tea Benefits Worth Knowing

Here are the benefits of clove tea most often talked about, presented honestly: some are supported by lab research on clove compounds, others come from long traditional use. None of this replaces medical advice.

1. Rich in antioxidants

Cloves are often ranked among the most antioxidant-dense spices in the world, thanks largely to eugenol and other phenolic compounds. A warm cup of clove tea is an easy way to add more antioxidant variety to your day — think of it as a cozy complement to antioxidant-rich habits like your morning turmeric tea.

2. Traditionally used for toothache comfort

This is clove’s most famous folk use. For generations, people have held clove oil — and sometimes a warm clove infusion — near a sore tooth for its numbing effect. Clove tea is far gentler than the oil, but many people enjoy sipping it for the same soothing oral warmth. That said, persistent tooth pain always deserves a dentist’s attention; tea is comfort, not treatment.

3. May help freshen breath

Clove’s aromatic compounds have a naturally cleansing scent, which is why clove shows up in traditional mouth-freshening routines. A cup of clove tea after meals can leave your mouth feeling fresh — a pleasant, caffeine-free alternative to peppermint tea for the same purpose.

4. Warming comfort on cold days

Few things warm you from the inside out like a spiced tea. Clove tea’s gentle heat makes it a lovely autumn and winter drink, and many people find a warm cup soothing for a scratchy throat during cold season. It is comfort food in a mug — simple as that.

5. Traditionally sipped for digestive ease

In many traditional practices, clove tea has been used after meals to ease feelings of gas or bloating. The evidence here is traditional rather than clinical, but if heavy meals leave you uncomfortable, a small warm cup is a gentle, time-honored thing to try. For nausea specifically, you might also like our guide to ginger for nausea.

6. Lab studies suggest antimicrobial properties

Researchers studying clove extracts in the laboratory have observed activity against certain bacteria and fungi, again largely attributed to eugenol. A brewed tea is much weaker than a lab extract, so take this as interesting background rather than a reason to skip good hygiene — but it is part of why cloves earned their traditional reputation.

7. Naturally caffeine-free

Clove tea contains no caffeine at all, so you can enjoy it in the evening without worrying about your sleep. If you are building a calming nighttime ritual, it pairs beautifully with other caffeine-free favorites like chamomile tea for sleep.

8. May add comforting variety to cold-season routines

When everyone around you is sniffling, a warm spiced drink feels like self-care. While clove tea will not prevent or cure a cold, the steam, warmth, and hydration of any hot tea can feel soothing — and clove’s traditional throat-comfort reputation makes it a popular pick.

9. A simple, affordable wellness ritual

Whole cloves cost very little, keep for months in your spice drawer, and turn into tea in minutes. In a world of expensive wellness products, there is something grounding about a ritual this simple. Brew a cup, sit down, breathe in the steam — that pause is a benefit in itself. It also pairs well with cinnamon tea, another warming spice brew for cold days.

Two Flavor Variations You’ll Love

Clove-Ginger Tea

Add 3–4 thin slices of fresh ginger to the pot along with the cloves. Ginger brings a bright, zesty heat that balances clove’s deep warmth beautifully. This combination is a classic in many South Asian households during winter. For another warm spice brew, cardamom tea benefits include blood-pressure and digestion research worth a look.

Clove-Lemon Tea

Brew the cloves as usual, then add a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey after straining. The citrus lifts the spice and makes the tea taste brighter — a lovely choice when you want something both cozy and refreshing.

Clove Tea Side Effects: Who Should Be Careful?

For most healthy adults, a cup or two of mild clove tea a day is generally considered fine. But cloves are potent, and a few cautions matter:

• Blood-thinning effect: Clove can affect blood clotting and may increase bleeding risk. If you take blood thinners (or other herbs that affect clotting, like garlic, ginger, ginkgo, or turmeric), talk to your doctor first. Drug references advise stopping clove at least two weeks before surgery or dental work.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Small culinary amounts of clove as a food flavoring are considered safe in pregnancy, but medicinal-strength use is not well studied — check with your healthcare provider before making clove tea a daily habit while pregnant or nursing.
• Children: Clove oil taken by mouth can cause serious side effects in children, including liver problems. A very mild clove tea is a different thing, but do not give clove preparations to children without medical advice.
• Too much can irritate: Over-brewing or using too many cloves may irritate the mouth or stomach. Stick to 4–5 cloves per cup and 1–2 cups a day.
• Allergies: Rare, but possible — stop use and seek care if you notice hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

For a full, pharmacist-reviewed rundown of clove’s uses, side effects, and warnings, see the clove monograph on Drugs.com.

A gentle reminder: Clove tea is a comforting beverage, not a medicine. It should never replace prescribed medication or a dentist’s or doctor’s care. If you have liver disease, a bleeding disorder, or take daily medication, check with your healthcare provider before adding clove tea to your routine.

Clove Tea FAQs

How many cloves should I use per cup of tea?

Four to five whole cloves per cup is the sweet spot for most people. Fewer gives a very mild tea; more than six or seven can taste harsh and may irritate sensitive stomachs.

Can I drink clove tea every day?

Many people enjoy one to two cups daily without issue. Because cloves can affect blood clotting, daily drinkers who take medication — especially blood thinners — should check with their doctor first.

Does clove tea really help a toothache?

Clove’s traditional toothache use comes from eugenol’s numbing effect, and clove oil is the form folk medicine relied on. A mild tea may feel soothing, but research has not proven clove effective for tooth pain, and a persistent toothache needs a dentist.

Can pregnant women drink clove tea?

Small amounts of clove used as food seasoning are generally considered safe in pregnancy, but regular medicinal-strength tea is less studied. Ask your healthcare provider before making it a habit while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Does clove tea contain caffeine?

No — clove tea is completely caffeine-free, making it a good evening choice. If you are cutting back on caffeine, explore more options in our fenugreek water and herbal tea guides.

What does clove tea taste like?

Warm, sweet-spicy, and slightly numbing on the tongue, with a deep aromatic quality similar to the spice in chai or mulled drinks. Honey and lemon round it out beautifully.

Will clove tea keep me awake at night?

No. Because clove tea contains no caffeine, it will not keep you awake the way black or green tea can. Many people enjoy a warm, mild cup in the evening as part of a wind-down routine — just keep the brew gentle (4–5 cloves) so the flavor stays soothing.

Is clove tea good for you?

As part of a balanced diet, a daily cup of mild clove tea can be a comforting habit. Cloves are rich in antioxidants and have been traditionally sipped for fresh breath and digestive ease. Still, clove tea is a beverage, not a treatment — it cannot replace a healthy diet or medical care.

The Bottom Line

October 2026 Refresh: What Top Guides Cover That This Post Now Adds

Updated October 17, 2026. A fresh check of the top results for “clove tea benefits” showed that leading guides also cover clove nutrition, blood-sugar research, bone and liver findings from animal studies, respiratory comfort, anti-inflammatory research, clove tea versus clove water, weight-loss claims, and what not to mix with cloves. Those subtopics are added below, with softened claims and primary sources. Nothing here promises a cure. Clove tea is a comforting beverage, not a medicine.

Quick answer, strengthened: If you want a caffeine-free, warm, sweet-spicy tea you can brew in about 10 minutes from 4–5 whole cloves, clove tea may be a gentle addition to your routine. It may help you enjoy antioxidant variety, fresh breath, digestive comfort, and a calm evening ritual — and it may be worth skipping or discussing with your clinician if you take blood thinners, take diabetes medication, are pregnant, are scheduled for surgery, or have liver disease.

Clove Nutrition: Small Amount, Notable Manganese

Cloves are used in tiny amounts, so a cup of tea is not a major source of calories or nutrients. Still, whole cloves are concentrated: one teaspoon (about 2 g) of ground cloves is reported to provide about 55% of the Daily Value for manganese, plus small amounts of fiber and vitamin K. Manganese is an essential trace element involved in metabolism, bone formation, and antioxidant enzymes, according to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements manganese fact sheet. A brewed tea will contain less than the whole spice, so think of this as background nutrition, not a reason to over-brew.

May Clove Tea Help With Blood Sugar? What the Research May Suggest

Top rankers mention blood-sugar research, and the evidence is early and extract-based, not tea-based. A small 2019 open-label pilot study found that a water-soluble, polyphenol-rich clove extract lowered pre- and post-meal blood glucose in healthy and prediabetic volunteers (PubMed PMID 31064377). That does not prove that a homemade cup of clove tea will lower blood sugar. If you have diabetes or prediabetes or take glucose-lowering medication, do not use clove tea to replace treatment, and ask your clinician before making it a daily habit, because combining it with medication may increase the chance of low blood sugar.

What Animal and Lab Research May Suggest About Bone, Liver, and Stomach Comfort

Reviews of Syzygium aromaticum describe traditional uses and laboratory findings for antioxidant, analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and other activities, while noting that much of the evidence comes from animal or test-tube work (PubMed PMID 32019140). In that spirit, these points are possibilities, not promises:

• Bone health: Manganese is a cofactor for enzymes involved in bone formation, and animal work has linked manganese to bone mineral density, per the NIH ODS manganese fact sheet linked above. No clinical trial has shown that clove tea alone improves bone health in people.
• Liver health: Some animal studies have reported that clove extract may help with certain forms of liver stress. That is far from proof in people, and concentrated clove oil may harm the liver, especially in children.
• Stomach comfort: Animal and test-tube work has explored eugenol and stomach-ulcer models. A mild tea may feel soothing after meals for some people, but it is not a treatment for ulcers.

Respiratory Comfort and Anti-Inflammatory Research

Top guides also mention respiratory and anti-inflammatory topics. Traditionally, warm spiced steam and tea have been used for throat comfort during cold season, and a 2021 review of eugenol describes antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in laboratory and animal work (PubMed PMID 33916044). A review of eugenol and eugenol-containing oils likewise describes antimicrobial activity (PubMed PMID 28346030). A cup of tea is much weaker than a lab extract, so it may offer comfort and hydration, but it will not prevent or cure a cold, flu, or infection.

Clove Tea vs. Clove Water, and What About Weight Loss?

“Clove water” trending on social media is usually cloves soaked in water, sometimes overnight, while clove tea is cloves simmered and steeped in hot water. Both are mild infusions, and neither is a weight-loss drink. Clove tea is very low in calories on its own (before honey), and a warm, flavorful drink may help some people pause before a snack, but there is no good evidence that clove tea causes weight loss. If weight is a goal, a balanced eating pattern and activity matter far more than any single tea. For a morning routine built around fiber and fullness, see our high-fiber anti-inflammatory breakfast ideas.

Choosing, Brewing, and Storing Cloves

• Whole vs. ground: Use whole cloves for tea. Ground cloves cloud the cup, are harder to strain, and may taste harsh.
• Freshness: Good whole cloves feel firm, have an intact head, and smell strongly sweet-spicy when pressed. Store them in a sealed jar away from heat and light.
• Strength: Start with 4–5 cloves per cup. More cloves do not mean more benefits — they usually mean a medicinal, numbing taste and more mouth or stomach irritation.
• Sweetener: Skip honey if you are watching blood sugar, or keep it to a small amount. Lemon may brighten the flavor without added sugar.

Clove Tea Safety: Expanded — Pregnancy, Medications, Surgery, Children, and Who Should Avoid It

This section expands the safety guidance already in this post. It is general information, not medical advice.

• Clove oil is not clove tea: Never swallow clove essential oil or add it to tea. Concentrated oil contains far more eugenol than a brewed cup and may cause seizures, liver damage, or fluid imbalances. Keep oil away from children.
• Blood thinners and bleeding risk: Clove may affect blood clotting. If you take warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, or other anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines, or you take herbs that may affect clotting such as garlic, ginger, ginkgo, or turmeric, talk to your clinician before drinking clove tea regularly. For a gentler comparison, see our turmeric tea recipe, and do not combine strong herbal brews without advice.
• Surgery and dental work: Because of bleeding risk, tell your surgeon or dentist about regular clove tea use and ask when to pause it before a procedure. Older drug references advise stopping clove at least two weeks before surgery.
• Diabetes medicines: Because clove compounds have been studied for glucose effects, combining regular clove tea with diabetes medication may increase hypoglycemia risk for some people. Monitor as your clinician advises.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Small culinary amounts of clove as food seasoning are generally considered safe in pregnancy, but regular medicinal-strength tea is less studied. Ask your healthcare provider before making clove tea a daily habit while pregnant or nursing.
• Children: Do not give clove oil or strong clove preparations to children. A very mild tea is different from oil, but do not give clove preparations to children without medical advice.
• Liver disease: If you have liver disease, check with your clinician first, because concentrated eugenol may stress the liver.
• What not to mix: Avoid combining clove tea with clove oil, high-dose clove supplements, or multiple strong blood-thinning herbs or supplements at once. If you are unsure, bring a list of all medicines, herbs, and supplements to your clinician or pharmacist.
• Allergies and irritation: Stop use and seek care for hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, mouth sores, or ongoing stomach upset.

More Clove Tea FAQs (Added in the October 2026 Refresh)

What happens if I drink clove tea every day?

Many healthy adults enjoy 1–2 mild cups a day without issue. Daily use matters more if you take blood thinners, diabetes medication, or are pregnant, nursing, or scheduled for surgery — in those cases, ask your clinician first.

What not to mix cloves with?

Avoid clove oil, concentrated clove supplements, and combinations of several herbs or supplements that may affect clotting or blood sugar, unless your clinician agrees. Tell your care team about all medicines and herbs you use.

Can I drink clove tea at night?

Yes, for most people. Clove tea is caffeine-free, so it will not keep you awake the way black or green tea may. Keep it mild and early enough in the evening that a full mug does not disturb sleep. If you want a bedtime-focused brew, see our chamomile tea for sleep guide.

Is clove tea good for weight loss?

There is no good evidence that clove tea causes weight loss. It may be a low-calorie, flavorful alternative to sweet drinks, which may help some people, but it is not a weight-loss treatment.

Is clove tea good for skin?

Some online posts link clove antioxidants to skin, but there is no good evidence that drinking clove tea improves skin. Do not apply clove oil to skin without dilution and professional advice, as it may irritate or cause allergy.

The Bottom Line (Updated October 17, 2026)

Clove tea remains a simple, caffeine-free, warming ritual that may add antioxidant variety, fresh breath, digestive comfort, and a calm pause to your day. The refresh above adds what top guides cover — nutrition, early blood-sugar research, animal findings on bone, liver, and stomach comfort, respiratory and anti-inflammatory research, clove tea vs. clove water, weight-loss reality, and expanded safety for pregnancy, medications, surgery, children, and liver disease — while keeping every claim soft and sourced. Brew it gently, keep the cloves few, and check with your clinician if you take daily medication or have a health condition. For more cups in the same family, browse our caffeine-free herbal teas collection.

Sources

• Batiha et al., Syzygium aromaticum traditional uses and pharmacology — PubMed PMID 32019140
• Ulanowska & Olas, Biological properties of eugenol — PubMed PMID 33916044
• Marchese et al., Antimicrobial activity of eugenol — PubMed PMID 28346030
• Mohan et al., Clove extract and blood glucose pilot study — PubMed PMID 31064377
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Manganese fact sheet — ods.od.nih.gov
• MedlinePlus, Herbs and Supplements — medlineplus.gov
• Healthline, 8 Surprising Health Benefits of Cloves (extra) — healthline.com

No WP Recipe Maker card is used in this post. The recipe is presented as plain HTML with instructions split into five separate numbered steps.

Clove tea benefits range from its impressive antioxidant content and traditional toothache use to simple things: warmth, comfort, fresher breath, and a few minutes of calm. Brew it gently, keep the cloves few, add ginger or lemon when you feel like it — and enjoy one of the simplest spiced teas there is. If mornings are your tea time, you may also enjoy building a broader routine with ideas from our anti-inflammatory breakfast ideas.