secret hormonal benefits of clove tea
As a health expert with decades of experience, I’ve seen countless women struggle with hormonal imbalances—irregular cycles, PMS, mood swings, and more. It’s not just about what’s going on inside; it’s also about what we put into our bodies.
Clove tea—a fragrant, warming brew—has been used traditionally in many cultures. But recent research is uncovering its surprising hormonal benefits, especially for women over 30. In this post, I’ll walk you through what science says, how it works, and how you might safely incorporate clove tea into your life.
What Is Clove Tea, and Why Consider It for Hormonal Health?
Clove tea is made from the dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, the aromatic spice we commonly know as cloves. The powerhouse compound in cloves is eugenol, which contributes not only to the distinctive flavor and scent but also to its biological activity.
- Eugenol has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even hormone-modulating properties.
- Traditional herbalists have used cloves for menstrual pain, digestion, and mood balance.
- Modern science is beginning to back up some of these claims.
The Hormonal Changes Women Face After 30
As women enter their 30s and beyond, hormonal shifts become more noticeable. Common issues include:
- Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone
- More pronounced PMS or irregular cycles
- Insulin resistance or metabolic changes
- Premenopausal symptoms (for some)
These imbalances can affect mood, fertility, energy, and overall well-being. That’s why a safe, natural support like clove tea can be deeply appealing.
Scientific Evidence: How Clove (and Eugenol) Impacts Hormones
1. Balance of Estrogen and Progesterone
A recent animal study found that clove extract significantly altered reproductive hormone levels in female rats. High-dose clove extract raised estrogen levels and showed effects on progesterone.
- This suggests that compounds in cloves may support hormonal balance.
- Important caveat: these are early studies in animals—not yet large-scale human trials.
2. Anti-Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Reduction
Eugenol’s antioxidant activity has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in various models.
- In models of metabolic or hormonal disruption (e.g., diabetes in lab rats), eugenol helped restore sex hormone levels and reduced markers of inflammation.
- Because inflammation is a key culprit behind PMS, hormonal acne, and even irregular cycles, reducing it can support better hormonal health.
3. Potential for PCOS Support
In a rat model of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), eugenol improved certain hormonal and metabolic parameters.
- Reduced insulin resistance
- Improved lipid profile
- Reset hormonal imbalances
While promising, it’s not a substitute for medical treatment—but it may one day be an adjunct approach.
Real-World Women’s Health Benefits of Clove Tea
Putting science aside for a moment, here’s what women over 30 are reporting (and what traditional wisdom supports), combined with modern health insights:
- Eases Menstrual Cramps & PMS
- Eugenol can inhibit prostaglandins (the compounds that trigger uterine contractions), making cramps less intense.
- Regular, gentle consumption may help smooth out the menstrual cycle.
- Regulates Menstrual Cycle
- Through its influence on reproductive hormones, clove tea may support more regular cycles.)
- This is especially helpful for women experiencing hormonal shifts in their late 30s or early 40s.
- Supports Fertility and Ovulation
- Traditional uses of clove water suggest benefits for reproductive “tone” and blood flow. (quidiannaturals.co.uk)
- The antioxidant effects may also protect ovarian function.
- Alleviates Menopause-Related Symptoms
- Some women report fewer mood swings, night sweats, and hot flashes.
- While not a hormone replacement, clove tea may offer gentle support as part of a balanced lifestyle.
- Boosts Bone Health
- Cloves are a source of manganese, a mineral important for bone density—especially as estrogen levels decline.
- Improves Oral & Digestive Health
- The antimicrobial properties of cloves support gum health, especially during hormonal times.
- Clove’s carminative (gas-relieving) effect can soothe digestion, which is often linked to hormonal stress.
Safety, Precautions & How to Use Clove Tea Wisely
Clove tea can be beneficial—but just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. Here are some important considerations:
- Safe Dosage:
- Stick to 1–2 cups of clove tea per day (made with a few whole cloves).
- Avoid very high-dose clove oil or concentrated extracts without medical supervision.
- Who Should Be Careful:
- Women with estrogen-sensitive conditions (e.g., certain breast cancers) should consult their doctor.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: high doses of clove or clove oil may not be safe; talk to your OB/midwife first.
- People on certain medications: Eugenol may interact with liver enzymes.
- How to Prepare Tea:
- Boil water (about 1 cup).
- Add 3–5 whole cloves (you can lightly crush them to release more flavor).
- Let steep for 8–10 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm or cooled.
- When to Drink:
- For hormonal balance: try a cup in the evening or during your luteal (post-ovulation) phase.
- For cramps: begin a few days before your period and continue during flow.
Table: Hormonal Benefits of Clove Tea at a Glance
| Hormonal Issue | How Clove Tea Helps | Supporting Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Irregular cycles | May modulate estrogen/progesterone | Animal study showing hormone changes with clove extract (Greener Journals) |
| PMS / cramps | Blocks prostaglandins → less uterine contraction | Traditional herbal knowledge + modern review |
| PCOS / insulin resistance | Improved insulin sensitivity + hormone balance | Animal model of PCOS treated with eugenol |
| Menopause symptoms | Gentle estrogenic activity, less inflammation | Women’s health articles noting hot-flash reduction |
| Bone health | High manganese supports bone mineral density | Nutrient analysis and women-specific benefit article |
Real-Life Considerations & Storytelling
Let me share a brief anecdote: A friend of mine, Nadia, in her late 30s, began having mood swings and terrible PMS. She didn’t want to go on hormonal medication right away. Instead, she tried adding a nightly cup of clove tea.
Over a few cycles, she noticed:
- Less bloating
- More stable mood
- Surprisingly gentler cramps
She didn’t solve everything—hormonal imbalances are complex—but she found a gentle, supportive habit that complemented her other health routines: good sleep, balanced diet, and stress management.
Limitations & What We Don’t Know Yet
Before you view clove tea as a cure-all, here’s a reality check:
- Most of the strongest evidence comes from animal or preclinical studies, not large human trials.
- Effects may vary widely depending on dose, frequency, and individual sensitivity.
- Because cloves have phytoestrogenic potential, they may not be appropriate for everyone.
- Herbal liquids or teas should not replace medical treatment for serious hormonal disorders (like PCOS, menopause, or infertility) without consulting a healthcare provider.
Final Thoughts
For women over 30 navigating hormonal ups and downs, clove tea offers a quietly powerful, plant-based support—not a miracle fix, but a gentle companion. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hormone-modulating properties make it a thoughtful addition to your wellness toolkit.
If you’re curious, start small. Make one cup, observe how your body responds over a few cycles, and always listen to your inner wisdom (and your doctor).
Call to Action (CTA)
Curious to try clove tea for hormonal balance? Begin with one cup tonight, then keep a simple mood and symptom journal over the next 2–3 cycles. Share your experience—or any questions—below. And if you found this helpful, share with a friend who might benefit too!
Note on Sources:
This article references recent animal studies on eugenol and hormone levels (e.g., in PCOS and diabetic rat models) , as well as a 2024 rat study showing changes in estrogen and progesterone with clove extract.
For more practical, women-focused guidance on cloves and hormone health, see the detailed benefits summary from Quidian Naturals.