4 benefits of cloves sexually

Cloves are a spice that some men may consider trying to, err, spice up their sex life. Research on the effectiveness of cloves as a natural aphrodisiac is ongoing, but some studies suggest cloves may increase blood flow, boost libido, help with premature ejaculation, and improve sperm count. Read on to learn more. 

Cloves are rich in nutrients with antioxidant properties that may benefit men’s sexual health. Keep in mind, though, that most studies on the sexual benefits of cloves have been in animals, so more research is needed to understand their effects in humans. 

Still, here are a few ways cloves could enhance your sexual experience. 

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1. May increase blood flow 

Cloves contain eugenol, an antioxidant compound that relaxes blood vessels and may improve circulation. By enhancing blood flow to the penis, cloves may heighten responses to touch and help achieve and maintain firmer erections during sexual activities. 

A 2020 animal study showed that locally injected eugenol improved erectile function in diabetic rats with diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction (ED), which could mean there are similar benefits for men with ED. 

2. May boost libido 

Cloves can stimulate the production of sex hormones, such as testosterone, which may increase libido and sex drive and improve sexual performance. 

In one animal study, administering low oral doses (15 mg/kg) of clove oil extract to male mice for 35 days increased testosterone levels. However, higher doses of the extract ended up decreasing testosterone levels in the mice, suggesting dosage is an important factor in the effects of cloves on sex hormones. 

Another animal study found that oral ingestion of 50% ethanolic clove extract significantly increased the sexual activity of male rats without causing adverse side effects. A newer animal study also found that clove leaf extract appears to boost sexual arousal and endurance in male rats.

Again, while these animal studies are promising, more research is needed to determine the impact of cloves on human hormone levels and libido. 

3. May help with premature ejaculation 

As the name implies, premature ejaculation (PE) is when climax occurs earlier than you or your partner would like, typically within 1 minute of starting to have sex (though there is no standard accepted time cutoff for PE). 

While there are already various treatments to help you last longer in bed — e.g. prescription medication or over-the-counter wipes, both of which you can get through Ro — cloves might also be able to address the condition. 

Eugenol, the main compound in clove oil, has been shown to have numbing properties that may desensitize the skin. So, the thinking is that the ingredient’s local anesthetic effect could have the power to reduce overstimulation, prolonging pleasure and delaying ejaculation. 

A small study of 22 men with PE found that applying topical 1% clove oil gel 10 minutes before sexual intercourse improved the time between penetration and ejaculation when compared to placebo. Again, though, this study was small — plus, there are risks associated with topical application of clove oil (e.g. skin irritation). 

So, you should avoid smearing clove oil (or any other new products) down there before talking to your healthcare provider. 

4. May improve sperm count and motility

The antioxidant and hormone-boosting properties in cloves may also improve male fertility. 

A 2021 animal study looked at the reproductive effects of water-based clove extract in 20 male rats and found the rats who ingested the clove extract experienced an increase in sperm count and motility. 

While the research examining cloves’ effects in animals is limited, this study did show statistically significant increases in numerous parameters: testicular weight, serum testosterone, sperm count, and motility.  

But again, these findings may be dose-dependent. A mouse study found that lower doses of clove extract had positive effects on sperm count and motility, but higher doses worsened these parameters. More may not be better in this case. 

If you’ve ever searched for the “sexual benefits of cloves” (which you probably have since you’re reading this article), then you might be curious about the benefits of cloves and honey sexually. 

After all, social media (see: TikTok) is full of content about the supposed sexual power of cloves, honey, and oranges. So do these ingredients work synergistically to improve sexual health and function? 

Honey’s reputation as an aphrodisiac stretches back centuries, with some cultures associating honey with increased fertility. And animal studies suggest honey may increase testosterone levels, boost sperm count, and improve erectile function. 

Because of both ingredients' potential effects, it's possible a honey-clove mixture could boost sexual stamina and performance.

Ultimately, though, there isn’t enough research on the combined effects of cloves and honey to say with certainty whether the combination can actually improve sexual health. Mixing the two into tea or desserts can make for a tasty treat, so it doesn’t hurt to try if you're curious. 

Cloves may offer more than a unique flavor and potential perks for your sex life. Research is limited, but cloves may have the following health benefits.

May support oral health 

Thanks to their natural analgesic (pain-relieving) and antimicrobial properties, cloves may support oral health. Diluted clove oil or gel applied topically may offer temporary pain relief for toothaches or sore gums. 

Cloves also have antibacterial properties that may fight oral bacteria associated with gum disease and cavities. 

May strengthen the immune system 

Cloves contain micronutrients essential for a strong immune system, including vitamins C and K, manganese, and magnesium. Plus, they also have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which may boost the body’s natural defenses.

Regulate blood sugar

Some evidence suggests clove extract may improve how the body uses insulin, helping lower blood sugar levels in healthy people and people with prediabetes. 

In one small study, participants who took 250 mg of clove extract daily for 30 days reduced their blood sugar levels after eating compared to baseline. Improved blood sugar regulation can have beneficial effects on the body and help prevent the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Contain antioxidants 

Cloves are rich in antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals in the body, protecting against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress damages cells and contributes to the development of chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer. By helping combat oxidative stress, cloves may contribute to overall health and longevity. 

Decrease inflammation 

Cloves contain anti-inflammatory compounds, including eugenol and beta-caryophyllene, that may reduce systemic inflammation. Inflammation has been shown to contribute to chronic conditions, such as arthritis and cancer. 

So, by reducing inflammation, cloves may support joint health and have protective effects against certain conditions that are the result of long-term inflammation in the body.

Cloves are generally safe for most people when consumed in small amounts, but larger amounts can be harmful. 

In other words, moderation is key — as is consulting a healthcare provider before giving cloves (or any new ingredient, for that matter) a go.  This is especially true if you have any health conditions or are taking certain medications.

Here are a few potential health risks of cloves:

• May increase risk of bleeding: Cloves contain compounds that may slow blood clotting, so they may increase your risk of bleeding. Caution should be taken for those who are already taking blood thinners. 

• May cause skin irritation: If you apply clove oil or gel topically, it may cause skin irritation or burning. If you use it for a toothache, it could also damage your gums. Make sure you dilute a concentrated clove oil with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin. 

• May affect blood sugar: Some research suggests that cloves may lower blood sugar. So if you already have low blood sugar, or if you are diabetic and taking medication, check with your healthcare provider before taking cloves.

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There is some evidence to suggest that cloves could potentially have a few sexual benefits for men, but more human research is needed to know for sure. Here’s what we do know right now:

• In theory, cloves may enhance men’s sexual function by increasing blood flow, boosting libido, and improving sexual stamina and endurance. 

• While animal studies can show promise in using cloves as a natural aphrodisiac, there isn’t enough research to determine the benefits of cloves sexually and for overall health in humans. 

• Other potential health benefits of cloves include strengthening the immune system, regulating blood sugar, and decreasing inflammation. 

• If you’d like to try cloves to improve your sexual health, talk to a healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take certain medications (as some drugs may contribute to sexual dysfunction).

• Your provider can offer guidance on potential medication interactions and appropriate usage of cloves for sexual health.