What are the side effects of cloves?

Answer 1

Herbal Medicine: Cloves are a naturally occurring spice, and there are no side effects. Cloves are used in both Chinese and herbal medicine. The essential oil is used as a anodyne (pain killer) for some dental emergencies, and cloves are used as a tranquilizer due to their ability to calm the nerves. They increase hydrochloric acid in the stomach and to improve peristalsis (a type of muscle contraction). They are also said to be a natural anthelmintic (expelling parasites).

Chinese Medicine: Tropical application over the stomach or abdomen will warm the digestive tract. The herb is so 'warming' it is not advised in anybody with fire symptoms and should not be used for anything except cold from yang deficiency. As such, it is used in Chinese medicine to eliminate impotence and clear vaginal discharge, as the effects of 'yang deficiency'. It is used for morning sickness together with ginseng and patchouli, and for vomiting and diarrhea due to spleen and stomach coldness.

In Tibetan Medicine, cloves are used internally as a tea for Multiple Sclerosis. They are also used occasionally to help with autoimmune diseases.

Safety: Actually, cloves in high doses can cause vomiting, seizures, kidney damage and problems with breathing. It is especially dangerous for young children or the elderly. Anyone with kidney or liver disorders or who have had seizures should not take cloves or clove oil. Just because something is 'naturally occurring' doesn't mean it's completely safe.