Safety and cautions

Contraindications: Clove: eugenol may slow blood clotting, so use with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs may raise bruising and bleeding. Stop clove at least 2 weeks before planned surgery, and use caution with bleeding disorders. Clove and oregano may lower blood sugar, so watch your levels if you take diabetes medicines. Clove can also change how the liver handles some medicines (CYP enzymes) (WebMD). Oregano: pregnancy and breastfeeding safety is not established, so stay to food amounts, and people allergic to the mint family may react. Oregano has been linked to liver injury in a US study of supplements (Drugs.com Natural Products). Clove oil is likely unsafe by mouth for children. Check the product label for its exact ingredients. Always check with your prescriber or pharmacist, especially if you take blood thinners or other regular medicines.

Herbs can interact with prescription medicines and other supplements. Check with your prescriber or pharmacist first, and do not use herbs in pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless a doctor agrees.

Information last checked: 6 November 2026.