Cloves: A Popular Spice, but Not a Cure for Cancer or Vision Loss
Cloves are a fragrant spice that has been used in cooking and traditional practices for centuries. Recently, social media posts have claimed that eating cloves or drinking clove tea can “remove all cancer cells from the body” and prevent vision loss.
These claims can sound convincing, but there is no reliable scientific evidence that cloves can cure cancer, eliminate cancer cells throughout the body, or prevent vision loss.
Cloves can certainly be part of a balanced diet, but they should not be considered a replacement for medical care or proven treatments.
What Makes Cloves Interesting?
Cloves contain several natural plant compounds, including eugenol, which contributes to their distinctive aroma and flavor.
Research has investigated eugenol and other compounds found in cloves for antioxidant and other biological properties. However, laboratory findings do not mean that consuming cloves has been proven to treat cancer in people.
The amount and form of a compound used in laboratory research can also be very different from what someone would consume in food or tea.
Can Cloves Remove Cancer Cells?
There is no evidence that a clove drink can remove all cancer cells from the body.
Cancer consists of many different diseases, and treatments depend on the type and stage of cancer. Proven treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or combinations of these approaches.
No spice, tea, or homemade recipe should be used instead of treatment recommended by a qualified healthcare professional.
What About Protecting Your Eyes?
The image also suggests that cloves can prevent vision loss. This claim has not been established by good clinical evidence.
Vision changes can have many causes, including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, retinal conditions, infections, and other problems. Some eye conditions can cause permanent damage if treatment is delayed.
If you experience sudden vision loss, new flashes or floaters, severe eye pain, or a sudden change in your vision, seek medical attention promptly.
A Simple Clove Tea
If you enjoy the flavor of cloves, you can make a simple tea as a warming beverage.
Ingredients
3–4 whole cloves
1 cup hot water
A small piece of lemon, optional
A little honey, optional
Instructions
Place the whole cloves in a cup.
Pour over hot water.
Let steep for about 5–10 minutes.
Remove the cloves.
Add lemon or a small amount of honey if desired.
This can be an enjoyable spiced drink, but it should not be presented as a cancer treatment or a way to prevent blindness.
Use Cloves in Everyday Cooking
Whole or ground cloves can add wonderful flavor to:
Chai and herbal-style teas
Baked goods
Applesauce and fruit desserts
Rice dishes
Marinades
Stews
Spice blends
Warm winter beverages
Using cloves as a culinary spice is very different from taking concentrated clove oil or large amounts of clove extracts.
A Note About Clove Oil
More is not necessarily better. Concentrated clove oil contains much higher levels of compounds such as eugenol and can be harmful when consumed in excessive amounts.
People taking medications or undergoing cancer treatment should speak with their healthcare professional before using concentrated herbal products or supplements, because some products may interact with medications.
The Bottom Line
Cloves are a flavorful spice that can be enjoyed as part of a varied and balanced diet. They contain interesting plant compounds that researchers continue to study.
However, cloves have not been proven to cure cancer, remove cancer cells from the body, or prevent vision loss.
Enjoy cloves for their flavor—but when it comes to cancer or serious vision problems, rely on qualified medical care and evidence-based treatment rather than viral health claims. 🌿🫖👁️
