What Happens to Your Body When You Chew 2 Whole Cloves Every Morning on an Empty Stomach?
Many people wake up feeling sluggish, dealing with occasional digestive discomfort, or simply wanting to start the day with something natural instead of reaching for supplements. The frustration builds when coffee isn’t enough and over-the-counter options feel like a temporary fix. Yet there’s one tiny spice sitting in almost every kitchen that traditional wellness practices have praised for centuries — and modern research is starting to explain why. Keep reading, because the most surprising benefit shows up after about two weeks… and most people never expect it.
Why Cloves Have Been a Morning Ritual for Generations
Cloves are the dried flower buds of an evergreen tree native to Indonesia. They’ve been used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese wellness systems for over 2,000 years.
What makes them special is their exceptionally high concentration of active compounds — especially eugenol, eugenol acetate, and various polyphenols. A single clove contains more antioxidants (measured by ORAC value) than many berries we consider “superfoods.”
Research published in journals such as Food Chemistry and Journal of Medicinal Food shows cloves rank among the highest antioxidant spices on the planet. That alone makes them interesting for daily wellness routines.
5 Science-Backed Reasons People Are Adding 2 Cloves to Their Morning Routine
Here are the changes most commonly reported (and supported by preliminary studies):
- Fresh breath that lasts all morning
Eugenol has natural antibacterial properties. Studies show it helps reduce oral bacteria responsible for bad breath more effectively than some commercial mouthwashes. - Gentler digestion throughout the day
Multiple human trials (including one in Phytotherapy Research) found that clove extract supports healthy gastric mucus production and comfortable digestion. - Steady warmth and comfort
Cloves have a natural warming effect that many people notice within 20–30 minutes of chewing them. - Natural support for blood sugar balance after meals
Several small clinical studies (example: Journal of Natural Medicines 2019) observed improved insulin sensitivity when participants consumed small amounts of clove daily. - Seasonal immune support
The same antioxidant compounds that protect the clove bud also show immune-modulating effects in laboratory and animal research.
But that’s just the beginning…
How to Properly Chew 2 Cloves Every Morning (Step-by-Step)
- Choose whole, plump, dark-brown cloves (avoid powdered or broken ones for maximum potency).
- First thing after waking up — before coffee or breakfast — take 2 whole cloves.
- Place them in your mouth and gently chew until they become soft and release their aroma (about 30–60 seconds).
- You can swallow them whole afterward or spit out the fibrous parts if preferred.
- Rinse with water or brush teeth 20–30 minutes later to avoid temporary staining.
Pro tip: If the taste is too strong at first, start with 1 clove for a few days and work up to 2.
How Long Until You Notice Changes? (Realistic Timeline)
| Week | What Most People Report |
|---|---|
| 1–3 days | Fresher breath, slight warming sensation |
| 1 week | Morning digestion feels smoother |
| 2–3 weeks | Less afternoon sluggishness, fewer cravings for sweets (the “surprise” most people talk about) |
| 4+ weeks | Overall sense of warmth and steadiness |
Simple Ways to Make It Even More Enjoyable
- Add the chewed cloves to your morning warm water with lemon.
- Follow with a small piece of fresh ginger for a synergistic effect.
- Keep a small jar of cloves next to your bed so you never forget.
Safety & Things to Keep in Mind
- 2 cloves per day is considered safe for most healthy adults.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people on blood-thinning medication should consult their doctor first.
- Cloves are very potent — more is not better. Stick to 1–2 per day.
- If you have acid reflux, try taking them after a small sip of water instead of completely empty stomach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will chewing cloves stain my teeth?
A: Temporary light browning can happen, but it brushes off easily. Rinsing or brushing 20–30 minutes later prevents any lasting discoloration.
Q: Can I use ground clove powder instead?
A: Whole cloves are preferred because the active compounds are released slowly. If using powder, limit to ⅛ teaspoon max.
Q: Is it safe for children?
A: Not recommended for children under 12 due to the strong flavor and eugenol content.
Final Thoughts
Starting your day with just two whole cloves is one of the simplest, most affordable morning habits you can adopt. Thousands of people around the world already do it — and science is catching up to explain why it feels so good. Try it for two weeks and see how your body responds.
Important Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Cloves are a spice, not a medicine. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your wellness routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.
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