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Cloves Benefits (According to Ayurveda)
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Table of Contents

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Ysha Oakes first introduced me to the benefits of cooking with cloves. In my experience Cloves are hot and pungent yet soften the stools. Their inherent warmth grounds Vata. They are a carminitive increasing hydrochloric acid in the stomach and persistalsis.

The body conserves on heat during cold winter months by bringing more blood into the core and allowing the temperature in the extremities to drop. Cloves are a strong diaphoretic and vasodilator bringing blood and heat back to the exterior of the body for cleansing and 'sweating' out a fever.

Cloves numb the mouth and are used topically for toothache. Despite its hot taste, inhaling while chewing a clove feels cool. Cloves increase agni without aggravating Pitta if used in moderation. They stimulate sex drive and help in premature ejaculation. Cloves are used with ginger and cardamom in cases of nausea. >About Cloves Cloves are native to India and Indonesia. They are the aromatic dried flower bud of a tree in the same family as Eucalyptus and Guava (Myrtaceae family). Cloves resemble a nail in shape. The English name 'clove' derives from the latin 'clavus' meaning nail.

Buying & Preparation

At Joyful Belly, we buy cloves whole and then grind them with a coffee grinder before use for maximum freshness.

Cooking Cloves

Whole cloves must be stewed for about a half hour. Ground cloves are easier to work with. Often used along with dessert spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Alternatively, common in curries and rice pilafs.

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Are Cloves Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Cloves' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

Take the Quiz

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.

Health Virtues of Cloves

Personalized medicine systems use biocharacteristics to classify the metabolic nature of food, hebs, lifestyle choices, indivdual constitutions, and disease.

METABOLIC NATURE / BIOCHARACTERISTICS

Metabolic Nature / Biocharacteristics

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (vital qualtiies). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

Find Out More

HOT

ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT

CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

EASY

ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EASY

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

Find Out More

ASTRINGENT

ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ASTRINGENT

BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

PUNGENT

ABOUT PUNGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PUNGENT

AYURVEDA BODY TYPES (DOSHAS)

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Vata pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Pitta aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry metabolic nature. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A Phlegmatic has a cold and wet metabolic nature. The coldness implies a slow metabolism, the moisture that you are well-nourished. Phlegmatics tend towards sluggishness and thickened fluids, including mucus.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

AGGRAVATES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritate and heat up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot & moist. Full-blooded, vigorous. Vivacious, social, and epicurean. Bullish.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

Other Health Virtues

Subtaste:
Acrid

ACRID

Acrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.

SEE ALL 'ACRID' FOODS / HERBS

,
Aromatic

AROMATIC

Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.

SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS

Moves Energy:
Outward

OUTWARD

Outward-moving substances stimulate circulation, push heat towards the skin, or are stimulating.

SEE ALL 'OUTWARD' FOODS / HERBS

Affinity:
Digestion
Family:
Myrtaceae

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Cloves
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Digestion:
Warms Abdomen

WARMS-ABDOMEN

Warms the muscles and organs of the abdomen, stimulating digestion and metabolism.

SEE ALL 'WARMS-ABDOMEN' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antiemetic

ANTIEMETIC

Herbs that reduce nausea or stop vomiting. Generally refreshing, aromatic herbs.

SEE ALL 'ANTIEMETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Carminative

CARMINATIVE

Stimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. Carminatives typically expel gas by relaxing the muscles of the intestines.

SEE ALL 'CARMINATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Digestive

DIGESTIVE

Herbs that encourage healthy digestion.

SEE ALL 'DIGESTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Spleen Tonic

SPLEEN-TONIC

An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.

SEE ALL 'SPLEEN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Cleanse & Detox:
Burns Toxins

BURNS-TOXINS

An herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them.

SEE ALL 'BURNS-TOXINS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.

SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Mind, Stress & Sleep:
Numbs Anasthetic

STRONG NUMBS-ANASTHETIC

Inhibits sensation in a particular area.

SEE ALL 'NUMBS-ANASTHETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Nerve Relaxant Grounding

NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING

Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. Reduces agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.

SEE ALL 'NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING' FOODS / HERBS

,
Analgesic

ANALGESIC

Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.

SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Anxiolytic

ANXIOLYTIC

Herbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines.

SEE ALL 'ANXIOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Nervine

NERVINE

Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.

SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

Skin Care & Beauty:
Diaphoretic

DIAPHORETIC

An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.

SEE ALL 'DIAPHORETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antifibrotic

ANTIFIBROTIC

Fibrosis of an organ is often a progressive leading to organ failure (i.e lungs, liver, kidney). While vulneraries usually help restore collagen, antifibrotic herbs often clear collagen. Aka fibrinolytic.

SEE ALL 'ANTIFIBROTIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Rubefacient

RUBEFACIENT

An herb used topically that causes dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation. The skin will appear red or flushed.

SEE ALL 'RUBEFACIENT' FOODS / HERBS

Respiratory-Health:
Warms Chest

WARMS-CHEST

Warms the chest and lungs, clearing mucus and allowing for clear breathing. Often these herbs are hot, aromatic, and pungent.

SEE ALL 'WARMS-CHEST' FOODS / HERBS

,
Expectorant

EXPECTORANT

Expectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.

SEE ALL 'EXPECTORANT' FOODS / HERBS

Immune System:
Anthelminthic

STRONG ANTHELMINTHIC

Kills parasitic worms (hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, etc).

SEE ALL 'ANTHELMINTHIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antifungal

STRONG ANTIFUNGAL

Herbs that destroy fungus.

SEE ALL 'ANTIFUNGAL' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antimicrobial

STRONG ANTIMICROBIAL

An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.

SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antibacterial

ANTIBACTERIAL

Herbs that kill bacteria or slow their growth.

SEE ALL 'ANTIBACTERIAL' FOODS / HERBS

Heart & Circulation:
Cardiac Stimulant

CARDIAC-STIMULANT

Herbs that increase the heart rate. Useful in cardiovascular health, blood stagnation, and subjective feeling of heaviness in the chest area.

SEE ALL 'CARDIAC-STIMULANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Warms Ears

WARMS-EARS

Stimulates peripheral circulation to warm extremities, including the ears.

SEE ALL 'WARMS-EARS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Warms Head

WARMS-HEAD

An herb that increases sensations of heat and warmth in the head.

SEE ALL 'WARMS-HEAD' FOODS / HERBS

,
Vasodilator

STRONG VASODILATOR

A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.

SEE ALL 'VASODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

Reproductive Health:
Aphrodisiac

APHRODISIAC

Herbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.

SEE ALL 'APHRODISIAC' FOODS / HERBS

Strength, Muscle Health:
Antispasmodic

STRONG ANTISPASMODIC

Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.

SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS

Other:

Foods with a Similar Nature to Cloves

  • Mustard

    Mustard has these Actions in Common

    Rubefacient, Warms-abdomen, Warms-head, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Expectorant, Spleen-tonic, Warms-chest, Analgesic, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Warms-ears, Antimicrobial, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Seed

    Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common

    Analgesic, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Warms-ears, Antimicrobial, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Rubefacient, Warms-abdomen, Warms-head, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Expectorant, Spleen-tonic, Warms-chest

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Powder

    Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common

    Antimicrobial, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Rubefacient, Warms-abdomen, Warms-head, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Expectorant, Spleen-tonic, Warms-chest, Analgesic, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Warms-ears

    LEARN MORE

  • Cinnamon

    Cinnamon has these Actions in Common

    Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Rubefacient, Antiemetic, Aphrodisiac, Carminative, Expectorant, Spleen-tonic, Analgesic, Antifungal, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Warms-chest

    LEARN MORE

  • Allspice

    Allspice has these Actions in Common

    Nervine, Spleen-tonic, Warms-head, Analgesic, Burns-toxins, Digestive, Numbs-anasthetic, Vasodilator, Antibacterial, Cardiac-stimulant, Internal-detoxicant, Rubefacient, Warms-chest, Antispasmodic, Carminative

    LEARN MORE

  • Rosemary

    Rosemary has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Nervine, Vasodilator, Antifungal, Burns-toxins, Digestive, Rubefacient, Warms-chest, Analgesic, Antimicrobial, Cardiac-stimulant, Internal-detoxicant, Spleen-tonic, Anthelminthic, Antispasmodic

    LEARN MORE

  • Cayenne Pepper

    Cayenne Pepper has these Actions in Common

    Analgesic, Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Antiemetic, Burns-toxins, Digestive, Rubefacient, Warms-chest, Antifibrotic, Cardiac-stimulant, Expectorant, Spleen-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Basil

    Basil has these Actions in Common

    Anxiolytic, Carminative, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Antibacterial, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Nervine, Warms-ears, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Spleen-tonic, Warms-head

    LEARN MORE

  • Garlic (raw)

    Garlic (raw) has these Actions in Common

    Antifibrotic, Aphrodisiac, Expectorant, Vasodilator, Anthelminthic, Antifungal, Cardiac-stimulant, Internal-detoxicant, Warms-abdomen, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic, Rubefacient, Warms-chest

    LEARN MORE

  • Turmeric

    Turmeric has these Actions in Common

    Carminative, Spleen-tonic, Analgesic, Antifibrotic, Antispasmodic, Digestive, Vasodilator, Anthelminthic, Antifungal, Burns-toxins, Internal-detoxicant, Warms-chest, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Cloves

  • Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

    Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

    Antibacterial, Expectorant, Antifungal, Internal-detoxicant, Antimicrobial, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Antispasmodic, Nervine, Anxiolytic, Vasodilator, Burns-toxins, Warms-chest, Cardiac-stimulant, Warms-ears, Diaphoretic, Warms-head

    LEARN MORE

  • Wild Ginger

    Wild Ginger has these Actions in Common

    Carminative, Warms-chest, Diaphoretic, Warms-ears, Digestive, Analgesic, Expectorant, Antiemetic, Internal-detoxicant, Antispasmodic, Rubefacient, Burns-toxins, Spleen-tonic, Cardiac-stimulant, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE

  • Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz

    Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz has these Actions in Common

    Burns-toxins, Vasodilator, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Expectorant, Anthelminthic, Internal-detoxicant, Antibacterial, Nervine, Antimicrobial, Rubefacient, Antispasmodic, Spleen-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Pennyroyal

    Pennyroyal has these Actions in Common

    Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Expectorant, Nervine, Analgesic, Numbs-anasthetic, Antispasmodic, Rubefacient, Cardiac-stimulant, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE

  • Eucalyptus Essential Oil

    Eucalyptus Essential Oil has these Actions in Common

    Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Nervine, Analgesic, Vasodilator, Antibacterial, Warms-chest

    LEARN MORE

  • Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru)

    Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru) has these Actions in Common

    Warms-chest, Analgesic, Warms-ears, Antispasmodic, Warms-head, Cardiac-stimulant, Carminative, Digestive, Nervine, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE

  • Mugwort

    Mugwort has these Actions in Common

    Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Analgesic, Internal-detoxicant, Anthelminthic, Nervine, Antibacterial, Antiemetic, Antispasmodic

    LEARN MORE

  • Dong Quai

    Dong Quai has these Actions in Common

    Antifibrotic, Vasodilator, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Carminative, Digestive, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Analgesic, Nervine

    LEARN MORE

  • Encourage a Sweat / Sweat Therapy

    Encourage a Sweat / Sweat Therapy has these Actions in Common

    Burns-toxins, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Analgesic, Vasodilator, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic

    LEARN MORE

  • Sit in the Sauna

    Sit in the Sauna has these Actions in Common

    Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Analgesic, Vasodilator, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Burns-toxins, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Epsom Salt Bath

    Epsom Salt Bath has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Warms-chest, Warms-head, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Cardiac-stimulant

    LEARN MORE

Cloves - Metabolic Impact Report

The reports shared below are part of an educational assignment completed by students at the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda. These represent subjective experiences intended to help students explore principles of Ayurveda through personal observation. In each report below, students ate the selected food for 3 days and self-reported these effects. See other food & herb reports at Joyful Belly.

TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION

How did Cloves affect your temperature?

16
13
10
7
4
1
2
 4
 14
 11
 7
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your sweat quantity?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 3
 25
 8
 2
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect the color of your tongue body?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
 9
 0
 26
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 36 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect the swelling of your tongue body?

26
21
16
11
6
1
2
 4
 21
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 27 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your appetite/hunger?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 1
 15
 20
 2
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your digestion speed?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
 21
 13
 2
 1
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

TOXINS

How did Cloves affect the amount of gas & bloating?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 21
 15
 1
 1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your stool smell?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 9
 25
 2
 2
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

Tongue: How did Cloves affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 13
 22
 2
 1
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect the color of your tongue coating?

30
24
18
12
6
0
3
 4
 1
 3
 27
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your urine smell?

40
32
24
16
8
0
0
 1
 33
 3
 1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

40
32
24
16
8
0
1
 2
 33
 1
 1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your sweat smell?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 3
 27
 7
 1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

HYDRATION

How did Cloves affect your urine frequency/quantity?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 6
 22
 9
 1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect the cracks on your tongue?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 3
 27
 5
 1
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 36 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

NERVOUS-SYSTEM

How did Cloves affect your energy levels?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 1
 19
 16
 2
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your muscle tension?

20
16
12
8
4
0
3
 16
 16
 2
 1
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your anxiety?

20
16
12
8
4
0
3
 14
 17
 3
 1
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect the stillness of your tongue?

32
26
20
14
8
2
7
 26
 3
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 36 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

DIGESTION

How did Cloves affect your digestion speed?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
 21
 13
 2
 1
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect the amount of gas & bloating?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 21
 15
 1
 1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your appetite/hunger?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 1
 15
 20
 2
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

TONGUE

How did Cloves affect the color of your tongue body?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
 9
 0
 26
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 36 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect the stillness of your tongue?

32
26
20
14
8
2
7
 26
 3
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 36 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect the color of your tongue coating?

30
24
18
12
6
0
3
 4
 1
 3
 27
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect the cracks on your tongue?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 3
 27
 5
 1
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 36 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

Tongue: How did Cloves affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 13
 22
 2
 1
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect the swelling of your tongue body?

26
21
16
11
6
1
2
 4
 21
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 27 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

STOOL

How did Cloves affect your stool lightness?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
 6
 27
 3
 1
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly darkerMuch darker
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your stool smell?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 9
 25
 2
 2
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your stool consistency?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
 14
 15
 8
 1
Much softerSlightly softerSameSlightly harderMuch harder
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your stool frequency/quantity?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
 6
 17
 14
 1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your stool color?

35
28
21
14
7
0
4
 0
 1
 3
 30
More yellowMore grayMore greenMore orangeSame
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

URINE

How did Cloves affect your urine clarity?

36
29
22
15
8
1
2
 29
 7
More cloudySameMore clear
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your urine smell?

40
32
24
16
8
0
0
 1
 33
 3
 1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your urine lightness?

35
28
21
14
7
0
0
 6
 28
 3
 1
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly DarkerMuch Darker
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your urine frequency/quantity?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 6
 22
 9
 1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

40
32
24
16
8
0
1
 2
 33
 1
 1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

SWEAT

How did Cloves affect your sweat quantity?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 3
 25
 8
 2
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your sweat smell?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 3
 27
 7
 1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

SYSTEMIC

How did Cloves affect your energy levels?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 1
 19
 16
 2
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your muscle tension?

20
16
12
8
4
0
3
 16
 16
 2
 1
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your anxiety?

20
16
12
8
4
0
3
 14
 17
 3
 1
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

How did Cloves affect your temperature?

16
13
10
7
4
1
2
 4
 14
 11
 7
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 38 REPORT ID:76 (2020-10-12 - 2021-11-05)

Note: These exercises are not part of an FDA-regulated study, and were not designed or conducted under a clinical research protocol. They are neither investigational in nature nor scientific findings. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. They are experiential assignments rooted in traditional Ayurvedic education, intended solely for instructional use. No conclusions should be drawn regarding the therapeutic effects of any food, herb, or dietary substance based on these student reflections.


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

how to use Cloves Ayurvedically

The appropriate dosage of ground cloves depends on the purpose of use. Here are general guidelines:

Culinary Use (Safe Daily Intake)

Medicinal Use

If using for medicinal purposes (e.g., digestion, pain relief, or antimicrobial effects), dosages may vary:

Maximum Safe Limit

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Cloves may temper these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Cloves may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is commonly used as a spice and in traditional medicine, but it has several contraindications and precautions to be aware of:

Bleeding Disorders & Blood Thinners: Cloves contain eugenol, which can slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Avoid excessive consumption if you're on blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin, aspirin).

Surgery: Since cloves may increase bleeding risk, avoid high amounts at least two weeks before surgery.

Gastrointestinal Issues: Cloves may irritate the stomach lining, potentially worsening conditions like acid reflux, ulcers, or gastritis.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: While small amounts in food are safe, medicinal doses of clove should be avoided as they may stimulate uterine contractions.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Cloves may help lower blood sugar, but may interact with diabetes medications, further lowering blood sugar levels.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Cloves. Please see your health care provider for more information.

View other ingredients
for Autumn-Winter

Cloves is recommended for Autumn-Winter. Check out these other Autumn-Winter foods here.
VIEW ALL AUTUMN-WINTER FOODS MORE FOODS FOR VATA / KAPHA MAIN INGREDIENT PAGE

HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.
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John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John, his wife Natalie and their 7 kids live in Asheville, NC

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Comments & Impressions of 'Cloves'

Do you like 'cloves'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'cloves'?

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Ysha Oakes Albuquerque, NM
2009-11-26
“Cloves have a sweet post digestive effect (vipak). In excess they aggravate Pitta dosha."
Like Reply
2023-10-03
“your article is wrong.Cloves have cold virya and they reduce pitta. both pitta and kapha they reduce.And people who have aggravated vata actually shouldnt take cloves, cloves do not reduce vata."
Like Reply
Hayley Austin Pahoa, HI
2025-02-22
“Thank you for your input! Ayurveda's understanding of herbs can vary based on classical texts, lineage interpretations, and how an herb interacts with different doshas in unique contexts. Cloves (Lavang) are traditionally considered to have a heating virya (potency) in most Ayurvedic sources such as Bhavaprakasha Nighantu. Their pungent and slightly bitter rasa (taste) contributes to their deepana (digestive stimulant) and krimighna (antimicrobial) actions. This heating nature is why cloves can aggravate Pitta in excess, especially if there is already internal heat or inflammation. However, you are correct that cloves also have Kapha-reducing properties due to their drying, expectorant, and stimulating effects. For Vata, their strong, stimulating nature can sometimes be too intense if used improperly, but when paired with warming and moistening carriers (like ghee or honey), they can be beneficial in small amounts Cloves are warming which will also benefit a Vata."
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