Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, where it is used for various digestive complaints, including bloating, indigestion, and sometimes constipation. The rationale is that clove contains volatile oils, most notably eugenol, which are believed to stimulate digestive secretions and promote gut motility. In folk practice, clove may be prepared as a tea or included in herbal mixtures aimed at relieving sluggish digestion and mild constipation.

However, the scientific evidence supporting the use of clove specifically for constipation is minimal. Few, if any, rigorous clinical trials have examined its effectiveness for this purpose in adults. Most available studies focus on clove’s antimicrobial, analgesic, or anti-inflammatory properties rather than its impact on bowel movements. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that clove oil may influence gut motility, but these findings have not been robustly replicated in human populations. Therefore, while clove’s use for constipation is supported by traditional herbal practice, it is not strongly validated by contemporary clinical research, and its efficacy remains largely anecdotal.

More about clove
More about Constipation (adults)

Other ingredients used for Constipation (adults)

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