Why Avoid Them:
Potential risk of miscarriage during first trimester
Can irritate gastrointestinal tract, causing nausea
Clove oil absorbed through skin may affect fetal development
Safe Only In:
Very small culinary amounts.
5. Women Who Are Breastfeeding
Clove oil and strong clove extracts can alter the taste of breast milk and may cause stomach irritation in infants.
Why Avoid Them:
Can cause fussiness or colic in babies
Possible allergic reactions
No safety studies for high-dose clove consumption
6. Children Under 12 Years Old
Clove oil is extremely potent and can be toxic for children.
Risks Include:
Burning of the mouth and throat
Seizures
Liver damage
Breathing difficulties
Children should never consume clove oil or concentrated clove remedies.
clove warning concept closeup
7. Individuals With Liver Disease
High doses of cloves (especially the oil) may stress the liver because eugenol is metabolized through liver enzymes.
Why Avoid Them:
Can worsen fatty liver
May elevate liver enzymes
Potential liver toxicity in high doses
8. People With Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Cloves naturally lower blood sugar, which is beneficial for diabetics—but risky for those with hypoglycemia.
Possible Symptoms:
Dizziness
Sweating
Shaking
Fainting
If you are hypoglycemic or take insulin, cloves can push glucose levels dangerously low.
9. Anyone With an Allergy to Cloves or Eugenol
Symptoms can appear immediately or within hours of use.
Allergic reactions include:
Skin rash
Swelling of lips or tongue
Difficulty breathing
Hives
Palpitations
If you’ve ever reacted to cinnamon, nutmeg, or bay leaves, you may also be sensitive to cloves.
10. People With GERD or Chronic Acid Reflux
Cloves increase acid secretion in the stomach.
