Contraindications of Cloves — Who Should Avoid Them and Why

1. People With Stomach Ulcers or Gastritis
Cloves—especially clove oil—can irritate the stomach lining.
They stimulate stomach acid production, which is beneficial for digestion but dangerous if you already have inflammation.

Why Avoid Them:
Can worsen gastric pain
May trigger burning sensations
Increases acidity
May delay ulcer healing
Forms to Avoid:
Clove oil, raw cloves, clove tea on an empty stomach.

2. Individuals With Bleeding Disorders
Cloves contain eugenol, a compound that naturally thins the blood.

Why Avoid Them:
Increases risk of bleeding
Can cause nosebleeds
May worsen bruising
Dangerous before and after surgery
Do NOT use cloves if you have:
Hemophilia
Thrombocytopenia
Von Willebrand disease
Any condition where clotting is impaired
3. People Taking Blood-Thinning Medication
If you take anticoagulants, cloves can interact dangerously.

Risky Drug Combinations:
Warfarin
Aspirin
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Heparin
Possible Consequences:
Excessive bleeding
Internal hemorrhage
Blood in urine or stool
Prolonged bleeding from small cuts
Never combine cloves and blood thinners without medical supervision.

4. Pregnant Women (Especially in Early Pregnancy)
Cloves in culinary amounts are safe, but high doses (tea, oil, supplements) may stimulate uterine contractions.