15% off £20

Code:OFFER
OffersBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchOnline OnlyBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutlet2 for £18 Mix & Match2 for £5 Mix & MatchIntroductory Offer2 for £60 Mix & Match2 for £2 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicWeledaBioglanGrass & Co.Natures AidNature's WayBetterYou3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline OnlyBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletIntroductory OfferShort DatedDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink Shop AllEasterComic ReliefVegan FoodShop all Vegan FoodMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksHot ChocolateTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornSweets & MintsChocolate Coated SnacksFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksDesserts & CreamsNutritionally Complete FoodCoconutHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadePukkaTwiningsHeath & HeatherNakdPerfectTedManuka DoctorRhealBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOnline Only2 for £5 Mix & Match2 for £2 Mix & MatchIntroductory OfferGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeSugar FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeNut FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeNew inSports NutritionBundlesSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneElectrolytesEnergy GelsSports CollagenCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutPost WorkoutKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredUSNApplied NutritionMyproteinGrenadePhDHuelTriActiveSiSSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceOnline Only2 for £60 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free3 for 2 Mix & Match2 for £64 Mix & MatchIntroductory OfferGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreePalm Oil FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inBeautyNatural Beauty Shop AllSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyFace CareShop all Face CareCleanser & TonerFace MoisturiserFace Oil & SerumFace WashFace Exfoliators & ScrubsFace MasksHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+ATrilogyChilds FarmBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for £18 Mix & MatchOnline OnlyOutlet3 for 2 Mix & MatchIntroductory OfferAlcohol FreeParfum FreeFluoride freePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkSlimming TeasHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksFruit, Nuts & SeedsJuices & Health ShotsApple Cider VinegarExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettUSNTrekEat WaterIdeal HealthNudie SnacksBraggGrenadeNatures AidNew NordicBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOnline OnlyGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeDairy FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessEnergyJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair Skin & NailsStress AnxietySleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaSolgarOptimum NutritionDr OrganicApplied NutritionBetterYouWildBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline OnlyBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for £18 Mix & MatchOutlet2 for £2 Mix & MatchDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeAlcohol FreeWheat FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inNew InBest SellersTrendingMedicines and HealthcareVeganShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergySkincareWomen's HealthMenstrual HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesEnergyWomen's HealthPeriods & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast

Cloves health benefits

dried cloves on wooden spoon
Popular in festive beverages and bakes, cloves are packed with benefits for the body. Discover the benefits they hold and how to include more in your diet.

You might associate them with festive beverages and spiced bakes. Not just something that’ll add a little extra spice to food and drink, cloves are also packed with potential benefits for the body…

First of all, what are cloves?

Cloves are a spice native to the Spice Islands – an archipelago in northern Indonesia. Nowadays, they’re grown across the globe and used in many different cuisines.1

When unprocessed, cloves are actually the flowers of the Syzygium aromaticum tree. They’re picked and dried to form the small, pointy cloves you can buy in shops today. It’s also possible to buy ground cloves, too.

Clove health benefits

You may just consider cloves as a lovely addition to dishes and sauces. The main reasons for this include the fact they:

  • Are packed with beta carotene

Just like carrots, cloves get their rich colour from beta carotene.2 This type of compound contains various antioxidants, plus it can famously be converted into vitamin A by the body. Vitamin A is needed for the immune system, the skin, and the eyes.3

  • Contain various other vitamins and minerals

As well as supporting the body’s production of vitamin A, cloves also contain high amounts of manganese. This mineral helps the body make enzymes which perform essential roles, such as helping digest food.4

  • Are high in antioxidants

As well as gaining antioxidants from numerous vitamins and minerals, cloves also contain a natural antioxidant known as eugenol. Antioxidants are essential as they help the body fight off free radicals which can cause oxidative stress and critical changes to the cells.5

  • Have antimicrobial properties

Cloves have also been studied for their ability to stop the growth of bacteria. This has made them a popular ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwashes.6 

How to include more cloves in your diet

The sweet yet spicy flavour of cloves has long made them an ingredient in sauces, curries, and even cakes! After some ideas on how to make use of cloves? Here are a few to get you started7:

  • Add ground cloves to any curry to enhance its flavour
  • Make some tasty mulled apple juice by steeping whole or ground cloves, orange peel, cinnamon, and honey in hot apple juice8
  • Mix up your own tasty chutneys and add in a dash of clove for flavour
  • Create your own batch of Indian garam masala by combining ground cloves with ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon9
  • Perk up plain rice by adding in a few whole cloves and a couple of cardamom pods when you’re cooking it
  • Shake ground cloves into the batter of a delicious ginger cake or biscuit
  • Add a pinch of ground cloves to a white sauce when making things like lasagna

Remember that cloves have a more pungent taste than many other spices so you should use them sparingly. Whole cloves will keep their flavour for longer and can easily be ground down in a pestle and mortar.

Shop our complete range of herbs, spices and seasonings and discover even more ways to liven up your kitchen over on the Health Hub.

Last updated: 8 April 2021

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers
Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.