Cloves are a powerful spice with centuries of use in traditional medicine. Packed with eugenol, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, they’re often praised for boosting digestion, freshening breath, and even fighting infections. But here’s the truth most people don’t realize: cloves don’t mix well with everything. In fact, combining them with certain foods or medications could lead to unpleasant or even harmful effects.

If you love adding cloves to your tea, meals, or natural remedies, here are 7 things you should never combine with cloves.

1. Blood-Thinning Medications

Cloves contain eugenol, a natural blood thinner. While this is beneficial in moderation, it can become risky when combined with medications like warfarin, aspirin, or heparin. The result? Excessive bleeding, easy bruising, or slower healing of wounds.

⚠️ Caution: If you’re on blood-thinning medication, consult your doctor before using cloves regularly.

2. Alcohol

Mixing cloves with alcohol can stress the liver. Eugenol, when paired with alcohol, increases the risk of liver damage or irritation. This is especially true if you already drink frequently or have liver-related issues.

3. Foods Rich in Vitamin K

Vitamin K plays a key role in blood clotting. Since cloves naturally thin the blood, combining them with vitamin K-rich foods like spinach, kale, or broccoli can create conflicting effects. It may reduce the effectiveness of both and cause imbalances in clotting.

4. Spicy Foods

Cloves already have a strong, warming nature. Eating them alongside heavily spiced foods (like chili peppers, hot curries, or ginger-heavy dishes) may trigger acid reflux, heartburn, or stomach irritation. If you have a sensitive stomach, avoid pairing cloves with too much spice.

5. Anticoagulant Herbal Teas

Herbs like ginger, garlic, ginkgo biloba, and turmeric also thin the blood. Drinking teas or tonics containing these herbs while also consuming cloves could amplify blood-thinning effects, increasing the risk of dizziness or bleeding complications.

6. Diabetes Medications

Cloves may help lower blood sugar levels. But if you’re already taking diabetes medications such as metformin or insulin, the combination may push blood sugar too low (hypoglycemia). This can lead to weakness, sweating, and fainting.

7. NSAIDs (Painkillers Like Ibuprofen)

Cloves can sometimes irritate the stomach lining. Combining them with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen may increase the risk of ulcers, gastritis, or stomach bleeding.

Safe Ways to Use Cloves

  • Use cloves in moderation—about 2–3 cloves per day is safe for most people.
  • Always check with a doctor if you are on medications for blood, liver, or sugar control.
  • Try clove tea, clove oil diluted with a carrier oil, or powdered clove in cooking for safe daily use.

Final Thoughts

Cloves are a natural powerhouse, but like any strong remedy, they need to be used wisely. If you’re on medication or have certain health conditions, be cautious with these 7 risky combinations. Used correctly, cloves can be a safe, fragrant, and healing addition to your lifestyle.