Feeling constantly bloated after meals, waking up with bad breath no matter how much you brush, or noticing your energy crashing every afternoon? These little annoyances pile up fast and make you wonder if there’s a simple natural fix that actually works without popping another pill or drinking another expensive green juice. The good news is something as tiny and inexpensive as two cloves a day might quietly shift things in ways most people never expect… and by the end of this article, you’ll discover one surprising change on day 6-7 that leaves almost everyone speechless.
Keep reading — the real shock is coming.
What Are Cloves, Really?
Cloves are the dried flower buds of an evergreen tree native to Indonesia. They’ve been used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, not just as a spice but as a wellness booster.
The magic lies mostly in a compound called eugenol — a natural oil that gives cloves their warm, aromatic scent and most of their science-backed properties.
Why Only 2 Cloves a Day?
Two whole cloves (about 1–1.5 grams) deliver a concentrated yet gentle dose. It’s enough to notice differences without overwhelming your system or tasting like you’re chewing potpourri.
Research published in journals like Phytotherapy Research and Journal of Medicinal Food shows even small daily amounts can influence digestion, inflammation markers, and oral health positively.
Day-by-Day: What Science and Real People Report
Day 1–2: The First Thing You’ll Notice
Most people say their mouth feels cleaner longer. Bad breath fades noticeably — even coffee or garlic doesn’t linger like before. That’s because eugenol has strong antibacterial effects against oral pathogens (studies confirm it works as well as some commercial mouthwashes).
Day 3–4: Digestion Starts to Shift
Bloating and that heavy feeling after eating often decrease. Cloves gently stimulate digestive enzymes and relax the smooth muscle of the GI tract. One 2022 randomized study found participants who consumed clove extract reported 40% less post-meal discomfort.
But that’s just the warm-up…
Day 5–7: The Change That Surprises Everyone
Here’s where it gets interesting. Many people notice their afternoon sugar cravings drop dramatically. A small pilot study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed that compounds in cloves may help stabilize blood sugar response after meals — meaning fewer energy crashes and less mindless snacking.
And the biggest “whoa” moment? A visible difference in gum health. Swelling and redness often calm down within a week because of clove’s well-documented anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (dentists have used oil of cloves for over a century for exactly this reason).
7 Science-Backed Benefits You May Experience in Just One Week
- Fresher breath that actually lasts all day
- Reduced bloating and lighter feeling after meals
- Fewer sugar cravings in the afternoon
- Calmer, less inflamed gums
- Mild improvement in joint or muscle stiffness (thanks to eugenol’s anti-inflammatory action)
- Slight boost in antioxidant intake — cloves rank among the highest ORAC (antioxidant) spices
- Better protection against seasonal bugs — test-tube studies show strong antiviral and antibacterial effects
How to Eat 2 Cloves a Day (The Easy Ways)
Follow these simple methods — pick whichever fits your lifestyle:
- The Quick Chew Method
After breakfast and dinner, pop one whole clove in your mouth, chew slowly until it turns soft, then swallow or spit out the fibers. Takes 30 seconds. - Clove Tea (Tastes Better Than You Think)
Lightly crush 2 cloves, steep in hot water 5–7 minutes with a slice of lemon or ginger. Sip in the morning or evening. - Add to Food
Toss crushed cloves into oatmeal, rice, soups, or even coffee grounds before brewing.
Pro tip: Start slow if you’re sensitive to strong flavors. One clove the first day, two from day two onward.
Safety and Side Effects — What You Need to Know
Two cloves a day is generally considered safe for most healthy adults. However:
- Avoid if you’re on blood-thinning medication (cloves have mild blood-thinning effects).
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should stick to culinary amounts.
- Some people experience mild heartburn — if that happens, switch to clove tea instead of chewing.
Always listen to your body.
The Bottom Line
Eating just two cloves daily for seven days won’t magically cure everything — but the small, consistent changes in digestion, breath, cravings, and oral health can feel surprisingly powerful. Thousands of people (and growing research) suggest it’s one of the simplest, cheapest habits you can add to support your body naturally.
Try it for yourself this week and see which day brings your personal “wow” moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I eat more than 2 cloves a day?
Two to three is usually fine for most people, but more than 5–6 whole cloves daily may cause stomach irritation for some.
2. Is it better to chew cloves or drink clove tea?
Chewing gives faster oral benefits; tea is gentler on the stomach and easier to make a habit.
3. Will cloves really whiten my teeth?
They won’t bleach teeth like professional whitening, but they can reduce surface stains and plaque over time when chewed regularly.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, especially if you have medical conditions or take medications. Individual results may vary.