Clove Water on Empty Stomach: Benefits, Recipe and When to Drink It

Cloves have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and clove water — made by soaking whole cloves in water overnight — has become a popular morning ritual in many parts of the world. But does drinking clove water on an empty stomach actually do anything? The short answer: yes, for most people it does — and the evidence behind several of its benefits is surprisingly solid.

How to Make Clove Water

Making clove water is straightforward. There are two common methods:

Cold Steep (Overnight Method — Recommended)

1. Place 4–5 whole cloves in a glass of water (250–300 ml).
2. Cover and leave at room temperature overnight (8–12 hours).
3. In the morning, strain and drink on an empty stomach, 20–30 minutes before eating.

Hot Steep (Quick Method)

1. Add 4–5 cloves to one cup of boiling water.
2. Steep for 10 minutes.
3. Allow to cool slightly, strain, and drink before breakfast.

The cold steep method preserves more of the volatile compounds in cloves. Either way, do not consume clove water more than once daily.

7 Benefits of Drinking Clove Water on an Empty Stomach

1. Supports Digestive Health

Cloves stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, which is why drinking clove water before a meal may ease bloating, reduce gas, and support overall digestion. The compound eugenol, the primary active ingredient in cloves, has been shown to have carminative (gas-relieving) properties.

2. Anti-inflammatory Effects

Eugenol is one of the most studied natural anti-inflammatory compounds. Research published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology found that eugenol inhibits COX-2 enzymes, which is the same pathway targeted by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Regular consumption of clove water may contribute to lower chronic inflammation markers over time.

3. Powerful Antioxidant Source

Cloves have one of the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values of any food — higher than blueberries, pomegranates, and most spices. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals linked to cellular ageing and chronic disease. Consuming clove water delivers these antioxidants in a diluted, easily absorbed form.

4. May Help Regulate Blood Sugar

Several animal and small human studies suggest that compounds in cloves (including nigericin) may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes. Drinking clove water on an empty stomach before a meal could modestly blunt the glycaemic response — though this should not replace medical management of diabetes.

5. Antimicrobial Properties

Eugenol has well-documented antibacterial properties. Studies show it is effective against several strains of bacteria including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Drinking clove water first thing in the morning may support oral and gut microbiome health by reducing harmful bacterial load.

6. Liver Support

Animal studies suggest eugenol may help protect the liver from oxidative damage and support its detoxification pathways. While human data is limited, clove extracts have been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for liver health for centuries.

7. Boosts Morning Energy Without Caffeine

Many people report feeling more alert and energised after drinking clove water in the morning. This is likely due to the stimulating effect of eugenol on the digestive system and the warming sensation it creates, rather than any direct caffeine-like effect. It’s a caffeine-free way to kick-start your morning.

Who Should Avoid Clove Water?

When Is the Best Time to Drink Clove Water?

The optimal time is first thing in the morning, 20–30 minutes before breakfast. Drinking it on an empty stomach allows the active compounds to be absorbed quickly without competition from food. Avoid drinking it late at night as the warming, stimulating effect may interfere with sleep for some people.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cloves should I use for clove water?

Four to five whole cloves per 250–300 ml of water is the standard amount. Using more than six to eight cloves per day from all sources is not recommended, as high doses of eugenol can irritate the stomach or be harmful to the liver over time.

Can I drink clove water every day?

For most healthy adults, one glass of clove water per day is safe and well-tolerated. There is no strong evidence for harm with daily moderate use, though it’s wise to take occasional breaks (e.g., five days on, two days off) and avoid exceeding the recommended amount.

Does clove water help with weight loss?

Clove water is not a weight-loss remedy, but it may support weight management indirectly by improving digestion, stabilising blood sugar levels, and providing an appetite-suppressing warm drink as part of a morning routine. It contains virtually no calories.

Can I use ground cloves instead of whole cloves?

You can, but it’s harder to strain and can make the water very strong and bitter. Whole cloves release their compounds more gradually and are easier to work with for this preparation. If using ground cloves, use no more than ¼ teaspoon.

Is clove water the same as clove tea?

Not exactly. Clove tea is typically made by boiling cloves in water for several minutes, which releases more essential oil and creates a stronger, more pungent drink. Clove water (cold steep) is gentler and milder, making it more suitable for daily morning use on an empty stomach.

Mujahid Lone

Mujahid Lone runs HealthCoreTips as a self-taught health enthusiast, not a certified nutritionist or trainer. What he brings instead is rigor: every article starts with primary sources — WHO guidelines, Harvard Health, and peer-reviewed studies (BMJ, UK Biobank, and similar) — which are linked at the end of each post so you can check the evidence yourself. HealthCoreTips exists to translate that research into practical, jargon-free advice, without pretending to be a substitute for professional medical guidance.