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Published on: 9/12/2026
Cloves are most often used for sexual wellness by steeping 2 to 3 whole cloves (or about 1/4 teaspoon ground) in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes as a daily tea, chewing 1 to 2 whole cloves, adding the spice to food, or diluting clove essential oil in a carrier oil for external massage only, with reported effects on libido, arousal, lubrication, and blood flow. Amounts, timing, and how long you continue matter, and clove is not safe in unlimited quantities, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking blood thinners, or preparing for surgery. Human evidence in women is still limited, so results vary widely and low desire often has other causes, including hormones, medications, stress, thyroid issues, or pelvic pain. There are several important details, dosing cautions, and warning signs to consider before starting, so see below for the complete answer.
If low libido, dryness, discomfort, or changes in arousal have been bothering you, a spice alone may not address the real driver, and guessing can delay something treatable. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to understand what may be behind your symptoms and get clear guidance on your next steps.
Last reviewed for medical accuracy: 09/12/2026
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their warming, stimulating and hormone-supporting properties. Modern research points to several ways cloves can support women’s sexual health. Below, you’ll find clear, practical guidance on how to use cloves safely and effectively, plus important precautions and when to seek professional care.
Cloves contain several active compounds—including eugenol, flavonoids and antioxidants—that contribute to their positive effects:
Improved circulation
Eugenol helps relax blood vessels, which may enhance blood flow to the pelvic region and support arousal.
Hormonal balance
Antioxidant and phytoestrogenic traits can help modulate estrogen levels, which play a key role in libido.
Stress reduction
Clove’s warming aroma and mild sedative effect can lower stress and anxiety, two common libido dampeners.
Anti-inflammatory action
Chronic inflammation is linked to sexual dysfunction. Clove’s anti-inflammatory properties may help maintain healthy tissues.
Collectively, these actions contribute to the benefits of cloves sexually for many women, from increased desire to improved comfort during intimacy.
A gentle, hydrating way to enjoy cloves daily.
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A sweet, soothing blend that can boost libido and immunity.
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A quick, on-the-go option for stimulating circulation.
How to use:
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Topical application can help increase local blood flow and relaxation.
How to prepare:
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Always start at the lower end of the dosage range and increase gradually based on your comfort and response.
Cloves are generally safe in culinary amounts but can cause issues at higher doses:
If you experience any of the following, discontinue use and speak to a healthcare professional:
For best results, pair cloves with healthy habits:
Sexual health is influenced by many factors—hormones, mood, medical conditions and medications. If you have:
…consider doing a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker to help clarify your next steps. Always speak to a qualified healthcare provider if you encounter anything life-threatening, serious or persistent.
Cloves offer a natural, low-cost approach to support women’s sexual well-being through improved circulation, hormonal balance and stress reduction. By incorporating cloves—whether as tea, elixirs, whole seeds or essential-oil massage—into a balanced lifestyle, you can tap into the benefits of cloves sexually with minimal risk. Start with small amounts, monitor your response, and prioritize open communication with your doctor for any serious concerns. Remember, thoughtful self-care and professional guidance go hand in hand on your journey to better sexual health.
(References)
* Tajuddin, Ahmad S, Latif A, Qasmi IA. Effect of 50% ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry. (clove) on sexual behaviour of normal male rats. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2004 Nov 5;4:17. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-4-17. Epub 2004 Nov 5. PMID: 15530165; PMCID: PMC534794.
* Mishra RK, Singh SK. Safety assessment of Syzygium aromaticum flower bud (clove) extract with respect to testicular function in mice. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Oct;46(10):3333-8. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2008.08.006. Epub 2008 Aug 15. PMID: 18765266.
* Blosnich JR, Jarrett T, Horn K. Racial and ethnic differences in current use of cigarettes, cigars, and hookahs among lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults. Nicotine Tob Res. 2011 Jun;13(6):487-91. doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntq261. Epub 2011 Jan 27. PMID: 21330283.
* Goswami SK, Pandre MK, Jamwal R, Dethe S, Agarwal A, Inamdar MN. Screening for Rho-kinase 2 inhibitory potential of Indian medicinal plants used in management of erectile dysfunction. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 Dec 18;144(3):483-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.07.045. Epub 2012 Oct 5. PMID: 23043981.
* Mishra RK, Singh SK. Reproductive effects of lipid soluble components of Syzygium aromaticum flower bud in male mice. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2013 Apr;4(2):94-8. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.113870. PMID: 23930041; PMCID: PMC3737453.
* Yilmaz-Oral D, Onder A, Gur S, Carbonell-Barrachina ÁA, Kaya-Sezginer E, Oztekin CV, Zor M. The beneficial effect of clove essential oil and its major component, eugenol, on erectile function in diabetic rats. Andrologia. 2020 Jul;52(6):e13606. doi: 10.1111/and.13606. Epub 2020 Apr 30. PMID: 32352181.
* Ong M, Chomistek N, Dayment H, Goerzen W, Baines D. Insecticidal Activity of Plant Powders against the Parasitoid, Pteromalus venustus, and Its Host, the Alfalfa Leafcutting Bee. Insects. 2020 Jun 9;11(6). doi: 10.3390/insects11060359. Epub 2020 Jun 9. PMID: 32526909; PMCID: PMC7348825.
* Carvalho RPR, Lima GDA, Ribeiro FCD, Ervilha LOG, Oliveira EL, Viana AGA, Machado-Neves M. Eugenol reduces serum testosterone levels and sperm viability in adult Wistar rats. Reprod Toxicol. 2022 Oct;113:110-119. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.08.012. Epub 2022 Aug 23. PMID: 36007673.
* Singogo E, Weir SS, Kudowa E, Chagomerana M, Chapola J, Edwards JK, Banda C, Kawalazira G, Kamgwira Y, Jahn A, Bourdin S, Hartney T, Platt L, Rice B, Hargreaves JR, Hosseinipour MC, CLOVE Study Group. Characterizing HIV Acquisition Risk, Treatment Gaps, and Populations Reached Through Venue-Based Outreach and Clinical Services in Blantyre, Malawi: Findings From a District-wide CLOVE Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2024 Dec 1;97(4):315-324. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000003493. PMID: 39020465; PMCID: PMC11500693.
* Donaire Rapozero AL, Perrotte G, Pozzolo Pedro MO, Torales J, Ventriglio A, Castaldelli-Maia JM. Substance use and early sexual initiation: a study among Brazilian school-aged adolescents. Int Rev Psychiatry. 2025 Sep-Nov;37(6-7):651-660. doi: 10.1080/09540261.2025.2549792. Epub 2025 Aug 31. PMID: 40886729.
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