Do cloves actually help men last longer in bed or is it a myth?

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and culinary practices. Lately, you may have come across claims that cloves can help men last longer in bed. Here’s what the research and credible sources tell us about the “benefits of cloves sexually”—and what remains a myth.

What’s in cloves?

Cloves are the dried flower buds of an evergreen tree native to Indonesia. Their main active component is eugenol, which gives them a warm, aromatic scent and many of their medicinal properties. Other constituents include:

• Tannins (antioxidant polyphenols)
• Flavonoids
• Mucilage and oleoresins

Traditional uses vs. modern interest

Historically, cloves have been used to:

• Relieve toothache (as a topical anesthetic)
• Soothe digestive upset
• Fight infections because of their antimicrobial qualities

In Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, cloves also earned a reputation as an aphrodisiac. That has led to interest in whether they can address issues like premature ejaculation or erectile difficulties.

What science says about cloves and sexual performance

1. Animal studies on sexual behavior

Several rodent studies suggest that clove extracts may influence sexual function:

• One study in male rats found that low-to-moderate doses of clove extract increased mounting frequency and improved ejaculatory latency.1
• Another rat study reported slight rises in testosterone levels and improved sperm quality after several weeks of clove oil supplementation.2

These findings hint at potential aphrodisiac effects, but animal models don’t always translate directly to humans.

2. Eugenol as a mild anesthetic

Eugenol—the main compound in cloves—can have numbing effects when applied topically. In theory, a diluted clove oil preparation could reduce penile sensitivity and delay ejaculation, much like a topical lidocaine spray. However:

• There’s no published clinical trial confirming that clove oil safely and effectively delays ejaculation in men.
• The delicate skin and mucosa of the genital area can be irritated by essential oils if not properly diluted.

3. Antioxidant and circulation support

Cloves are rich in antioxidants, which help counteract oxidative stress and support healthy blood vessels. Better blood flow is crucial for strong erections. While cloves alone aren’t a magic bullet, they may contribute to overall vascular health when included in a balanced diet.

What remains a myth?

• “Chomping on raw cloves before sex will make you last for hours.” No human study backs this up. The strong, sometimes irritating taste and sensation make this approach neither pleasant nor proven.
• “Clove oil capsules are a guaranteed fix for premature ejaculation.” There’s no standardized dosing, quality control, or medical endorsement for such products.

Potential “benefits of cloves sexually” in humans

While high-quality clinical trials are lacking, plausible mechanisms include:

• Mild local anesthetic effect (only with carefully diluted oil)
• Antioxidant support for vascular health
• Possible modulation of hormones in the long term (animal data only)

These effects, taken together, could contribute modestly to improved sexual stamina. But they’re best viewed as supportive, not curative.

Safety and practical considerations

Before you experiment with cloves for sexual performance, keep these points in mind:

• Essential-oil risks: Undiluted clove oil can burn or irritate skin and mucosa. Always dilute (e.g., 1–2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil) and patch-test on non-sensitive skin first.
• Allergies: Some people react to eugenol or other clove constituents. Stop use if you develop redness, itching or any discomfort.
• Dosage uncertainty: No established guidelines exist for oral or topical “erectile” or “delay” uses.
• Drug interactions: Clove oil can slow blood clotting and may interact with anticoagulants.

Tips if you choose to try cloves

1. Start small. If using a topical oil blend, dilute heavily and test on your forearm.
2. Combine with lifestyle measures proven to help sexual stamina:
   • Regular cardiovascular exercise
   • Pelvic-floor (Kegel) exercises
   • Stress management/mindfulness
3. Maintain open communication with your partner. Psychological and relational factors often play a larger role in premature ejaculation than any single supplement.

When to seek professional help

Persistent or distressing sexual concerns—like chronic premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction—warrant medical evaluation. These could signal underlying issues such as:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Hormonal imbalances
• Anxiety or depression

If you’re unsure what’s behind your symptoms, you might consider doing a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker.

Take-home message

• Cloves contain eugenol, which has mild anesthetic and antioxidant properties.
• Animal studies show potential aphrodisiac and hormone-modulating effects—but human data are sparse.
• Topical clove oil could, in theory, reduce penile sensitivity, but risks of irritation are real.
• Real gains in lasting power usually come from a holistic approach: medical evaluation, exercise, mental well-being and open partner communication.

Always keep perspective: no spice or supplement replaces proven therapies or lifestyle changes. If sexual performance issues persist, speak to a doctor—especially if you have other health concerns.

1. Murthy V, et al. “Aphrodisiac activity of Syzygium aromaticum in albino rats.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2000.
2. Singh A, et al. “Effect of clove oil on testicular function in adult rats.” Andrologia. 2012.