Cloves are widely used in cooking and traditional medicine, but claims that the aromatic spice can boost libido, improve sperm quality or increase fertility have also attracted attention.
The spice contains eugenol, a naturally occurring compound studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other biological properties. Researchers have also investigated whether cloves and their constituents could affect reproductive hormones, sexual behaviour and fertility.
However, there is an important distinction between traditional beliefs, promising laboratory findings and benefits demonstrated in humans. Current evidence does not establish cloves or clove water as a proven treatment for low libido, premature ejaculation, infertility or hormonal problems.
Here is what the research suggests about cloves and sexual health in men and women, along with important safety considerations.
What Makes Cloves Interesting to Researchers?
Cloves are the dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, a tree whose buds are used as a culinary spice and in some traditional remedies.
One of their best-known chemical constituents is eugenol, which has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in experimental research.
Antioxidants can help counter oxidative stress, a process associated with cellular damage that may affect reproductive health. This has led researchers to investigate whether compounds found in cloves could have applications in male and female reproductive systems.
A 2023 review published in Reproductive Sciences examined 76 studies involving cloves and their constituents. The researchers identified findings related to sex hormones, fertility, sperm abnormalities and other reproductive outcomes.
However, the review also highlighted conflicting results and the need for more detailed research. The effects appeared to depend on factors such as the type of extract, dosage, duration of use and the underlying condition being investigated.
The findings therefore provide a basis for further research, not proof that consuming cloves improves sexual performance in humans.
Potential Benefits of Cloves for Men’s Sexual Health
1. Can cloves increase sperm count?
Cloves have attracted interest because of their antioxidant compounds, which researchers have investigated for possible effects on sperm health.
Oxidative stress can affect sperm cells, making antioxidant research relevant to male fertility. Nevertheless, evidence that eating cloves or drinking clove water increases sperm count in men remains insufficient.
A laboratory study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research in 1988 found that clove oil had a sperm-damaging effect when directly applied to human sperm samples outside the body.
That experiment does not establish what happens when someone consumes culinary cloves. However, it illustrates why concentrated clove oil should not be assumed to improve fertility or be used as a reproductive treatment.
Men concerned about sperm count or fertility should seek a medical assessment rather than rely on herbal remedies.
2. Do cloves prevent premature ejaculation?
Some traditional remedies and preliminary studies have associated clove preparations with sexual behaviour. However, reliable human clinical evidence showing that cloves prevent premature ejaculation is lacking.
Premature ejaculation can involve psychological, relationship-related and physical factors. Treatment may include behavioural approaches, counselling or medication, depending on the individual’s circumstances.
There is no established clinical dosage of clove powder, clove oil or clove water for treating this condition.
The suggestion that mixing clove powder with honey prevents premature ejaculation has not been established by adequate clinical trials.
3. Can cloves increase testosterone and sex drive?
Testosterone plays an important role in male sexual function, but its levels are influenced by age, health, medication and other factors.
Animal studies have examined whether clove extracts affect testosterone and sexual behaviour. Some findings have generated interest, but results from mice cannot be directly translated into human outcomes.
There is currently insufficient clinical evidence to conclude that consuming cloves raises testosterone or reliably improves libido in men.
Persistent low sexual desire or symptoms that may indicate low testosterone warrant medical evaluation. A clinician can determine whether hormone testing or treatment is appropriate.
4. Could cloves support reproductive health?
The antioxidant properties of eugenol and other compounds provide a scientific reason to investigate cloves in reproductive research.
However, the effects of a compound in a laboratory or animal model do not necessarily occur after a person eats the spice. The dose, preparation, absorption and safety profile can differ substantially.
Cloves should therefore not be presented as a proven treatment for male infertility, reproductive infections or other medical conditions.
5. Can cloves reduce stress and improve sexual function?
Stress and anxiety can affect sexual desire and performance. Addressing these factors may help some people improve their sexual well-being.
Although eugenol has been investigated for several biological effects, strong clinical evidence that consuming cloves directly reduces anxiety or improves sexual performance is lacking.
People experiencing persistent anxiety or stress-related sexual difficulties may benefit from speaking with a qualified healthcare professional.
Potential Benefits of Cloves for Women’s Sexual Health
6. Can cloves increase women’s libido?
Cloves have traditionally been used in some cultures as an aphrodisiac. However, traditional use does not establish that a remedy consistently increases sexual desire.
Women’s libido can be influenced by hormonal changes, stress, sleep, relationship factors, pain, medication and general health.
Although researchers have explored the effects of clove compounds on reproductive hormones in experimental settings, there is insufficient human evidence to conclude that eating cloves or drinking clove water increases women’s sexual desire.
7. Do cloves improve female arousal or sensitivity?
Sexual arousal involves changes in blood flow, nervous system activity and genital sensitivity. Researchers have investigated the biological properties of eugenol, but evidence does not establish that the scent or consumption of cloves reliably increases female genital sensitivity.
Claims that clove aroma triggers a specific neurotransmitter response that improves sexual stimulation also require stronger clinical evidence.
Clove oil should not be applied directly to the vulva or vagina in an attempt to increase arousal. Concentrated essential oils can irritate sensitive tissues and cause adverse reactions.
8. Can cloves improve women’s reproductive health?
The 2023 review of clove and reproductive-system research examined possible effects on female reproductive hormones, fertility and other outcomes.
However, the available research included different experimental models and reported effects that were not uniformly positive. More research is needed to establish whether particular clove preparations have any useful reproductive-health applications in humans.
Cloves have not been established as a treatment for infertility, vaginal infections or hormonal disorders. Anyone experiencing unusual discharge, persistent itching, pelvic pain or other symptoms should seek appropriate medical care.
9. Does clove water increase ovulation?
There is insufficient reliable human evidence that drinking clove water increases luteinising hormone (LH), triggers ovulation or improves the chances of becoming pregnant.
Ovulation is regulated by a complex interaction of hormones, including LH and follicle-stimulating hormone. Problems with ovulation can have several causes, and treatment depends on the underlying issue.
Women trying to conceive should not rely on clove water as a fertility treatment. A healthcare professional can assess menstrual patterns, ovulation and other potential causes of difficulty conceiving.
10. Can cloves relieve menstrual pain?
Cloves contain eugenol, which has been investigated for pain-relieving properties in experimental research.
However, evidence that consuming cloves or clove water effectively relieves menstrual cramps in humans is limited. The results of laboratory studies cannot establish that a homemade clove preparation will provide meaningful relief.
Menstrual pain that is severe, worsening or disruptive to everyday activities deserves medical attention, particularly when accompanied by unusually heavy bleeding or other concerning symptoms.
Is It Safe to Drink Clove Water Every Day?
Cloves used in ordinary culinary quantities are different from concentrated clove oil, extracts or high-dose supplements.
Clove water is sometimes promoted online as a natural remedy for sexual performance, but its concentration can vary according to the amount of cloves used and how the drink is prepared. There is no established dose that has been shown to improve sexual health.
The Cleveland Clinic has also noted that evidence supporting the health benefits of clove water is lacking and that its concentration of eugenol may be unpredictable.
Concentrated clove oil deserves particular caution. Swallowing large amounts can cause serious poisoning, including liver and kidney injury.
Eugenol may also affect blood clotting. People taking anticoagulant medication, those with bleeding disorders and individuals preparing for surgery should discuss medicinal clove products with a healthcare professional.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid medicinal doses and concentrated supplements unless their healthcare professional advises otherwise, because safety information is limited.
Cloves can remain part of a varied diet, but consuming larger quantities does not necessarily provide greater benefits.
What Should You Do If You Have Sexual Health Concerns?
If you are experiencing low libido, difficulty maintaining an erection, premature ejaculation, menstrual pain or fertility problems, the most useful next step is to identify the underlying cause.
Depending on the symptoms, a healthcare professional may recommend a physical examination, laboratory tests, medication review or other assessment.
A balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and management of chronic health conditions can support general well-being. However, these measures do not replace treatment when a medical condition is present.
Be cautious about products marketed as natural sexual enhancers, particularly those that promise immediate results or guaranteed improvements in fertility or sexual performance.
The Bottom Line
Cloves are a familiar culinary spice containing compounds that researchers continue to study for their biological effects. Preliminary research has explored possible connections with reproductive hormones, sperm health and sexual behaviour, but important questions remain unanswered.
There is not enough reliable human evidence to recommend cloves or clove water as a proven way to increase libido, raise testosterone, improve sperm count, prevent premature ejaculation or trigger ovulation.
Using cloves in food is different from taking concentrated extracts or applying essential oils to sensitive genital tissue. For persistent sexual or reproductive health concerns, professional medical advice is more reliable than unproven remedies.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.