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Clove Supplements

Cloves are often used to flavor foods. However, they are also thought to have some medicinal purposes. For instance, cloves have been used as pain relievers, digestive aids and warming stimulants, notes Herbal Extracts Plus. However, when using clove supplements, it's important to use care, as the National Institutes of Health notes that taking high levels of cloves can result in side effects such as vomiting, sore throat, seizures and difficulty breathing.

  1. Powder Form

    • Clove sold in powder form is equal to what is found inside clove supplement capsules. Among the companies selling clove powder is one called Alternative Health and Herbs Remedies. Herbal Remedies recommends using 1/2 tsp. of the powder and adding it to juice or tea.

    Capsule Form

    • Clove supplements are commonly sold in capsule form. The capsules contain ground cloves. New Action Products is just one of many dietary supplement companies that sell clove capsules. The capsules contain 500 mg of clove powder. The company suggests taking one to two capsules daily, or as needed.

    Oil Form

    • Clove oil is distilled from cloves and is used as an essential oil in aromatherapy, according to Herbal Remedies. For uses other than aromatherapy, the oil should be diluted. It can be diluted in carrier oils such as jojoba, grape seed, olive or almond oil, according to the site. iHerb suggests diluting 15 to 20 drops of clove oil in water and taking them orally two to four times per day.

    Considerations

    • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not evaluate dietary supplements, so clove supplements are not FDA-approved. However, the National Institutes of Health warns that there is no scientific evidence available to recommend a specific dose of clove. Additionally, it warns that allergies and severe side effects have been reported by individuals who use clove supplements. Clove oil in particular can be dangerous because it's so concentrated, according to the NIH. Pregnant women and young children should not use clove supplements, neither should people with blood disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications, as clove may cause an increased risk of bleeding, notes the NIH. Clove lowers blood sugar levels, so individuals with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and those taking medications that affect blood sugar should stay away from clove supplements.

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