Clove

Generic name: clove (KLOVE)
Drug class:Herbal products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 21, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is clove?

Clove is an herb also known as Bourgeon Floral de Clou de Girofle, Bouton Floral de Clou de Girofle, Caryophylli Flos, Clavo de Olor, Clous de Girolfe, Ding Xiang, Feuille de Clou de Girofle, Fleur de Clou de Girofle, Flores Caryophylli, Gewurznelken Nagelein, Girofle, Giroflier, Huile de Clou de Girofle, Kreteks, Lavang, Lavanga, or Tige de Clou de Girofle.

Clove is a common flavoring agent in foods and beverages, and is used as a flavoring or fragrance in other products such as toothpaste, soaps, and cosmetics. When used as a food product, clove is not likely to produce health benefits or side effects. When used as a medicinal product, clove may produce both desired and unwanted effects on the body.

Clove has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating premature ejaculation, when it is combined with other ingredients and applied to the outer skin of the penis before sexual intercourse. Clove may have been combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation to treat this condition.

Other uses not proven with research have included tooth pain, "dry socket" after oral surgery, mouth or throat irritation, cough, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, and other conditions.

It is not certain whether clove is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Clove should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Clove is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Clove may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this product if you are allergic to clove.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to take clove by mouth or use it on the skin if you have:

• liver disease;

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;

• a weak immune system; or

• plant or food allergies.