What Happens When You Add Cloves and Honey to Green Tea? 7 Benefits to Know

Green tea with cloves and honey is a simple beverage that combines the goodness of tea with the aromatic flavour of spices and the natural sweetness of honey. Green tea contains antioxidants, cloves are rich in beneficial plant compounds, and honey can soothe an irritated throat. Together, these ingredients may support digestion, overall wellness and skin health when consumed as part of a balanced diet. However, their benefits depend on individual health, dietary habits and the quantity consumed.
What Happens When You Add Cloves and Honey to Green Tea


1. Provides Antioxidant Support

One of the main benefits of green tea with cloves and honey is its combination of plant compounds with antioxidant properties.

Green tea contains catechins, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which help protect cells against oxidative stress caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Excessive oxidative stress can contribute to cellular damage over time.


Cloves also contain antioxidants, particularly eugenol, a compound that has been studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding a small amount of cloves to green tea can introduce these beneficial plant compounds into your diet.

Honey contributes flavour and contains varying amounts of antioxidant compounds, depending on its floral source and processing. While this drink can complement a healthy eating pattern, it should not be considered a substitute for a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains.


2. May Support Better Digestion

A warm cup of green tea with cloves and honey may be a comforting addition to your daily routine, particularly after a meal.

Green tea contains plant compounds that are being studied for their effects on digestive health. Cloves have also been traditionally used in different cultures to address digestive discomfort, including gas and indigestion. However, strong clinical evidence confirming that drinking clove-infused green tea relieves these problems remains limited.

Honey contains certain compounds that may influence gut bacteria, although its effects vary according to its composition and the amount consumed. It can also make the beverage more pleasant to drink.

If you experience frequent bloating, persistent stomach pain or recurring indigestion, consult a healthcare professional rather than relying solely on home remedies.


3. May Complement a Weight Management Plan

Green tea is often associated with weight management because it contains catechins and caffeine, both of which have been studied for their potential effects on energy expenditure and fat oxidation.

Some research suggests that green tea may have a modest effect on body weight, but the results are not consistent enough to consider it a reliable weight-loss solution. Adding cloves does not establish that the beverage burns more fat, and there is insufficient human evidence to confirm that this combination accelerates weight loss.

Honey can make green tea taste sweeter without using refined sugar, but it still contains calories and sugars. Using too much may increase your overall calorie intake.

For better results, drink green tea with little or no added sweetener and combine it with regular physical activity, balanced meals, adequate sleep and sustainable eating habits. No single drink can replace these essentials.

4. May Help Support Overall Immunity

Your immune system relies on a combination of adequate nutrition, sufficient sleep, physical activity and other healthy habits. Green tea with cloves and honey can be part of this routine.


Green tea provides catechins, while cloves contain eugenol and other plant compounds that have demonstrated antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies. However, laboratory findings do not necessarily mean that drinking clove tea can prevent or treat infections in humans.

Honey is particularly well known as a traditional remedy for soothing coughs and irritated throats. Research suggests that honey may help relieve cough symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections in some people.

Although these ingredients offer potentially useful properties, the drink cannot guarantee stronger immunity or prevent illnesses. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening.

Important: Honey should never be given to infants younger than 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism.

5. May Contribute to Healthier-Looking Skin

A healthy complexion depends on several factors, including nutrition, hydration, sun protection, sleep and skincare. Green tea with cloves and honey provides some beneficial plant compounds, but its direct effects on skin when consumed as a beverage have not been firmly established.


Green tea's catechins have been investigated for their potential role in protecting skin cells against oxidative stress. Cloves contain eugenol, which has shown anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in laboratory research.

Honey is also used in certain topical skincare products because it attracts moisture and has properties that may help support wound care in specific formulations.

However, drinking this combination will not necessarily clear acne, reverse ageing or eliminate skin problems. For healthier skin, focus on a balanced diet, adequate water intake and daily sun protection. Persistent acne or irritation may require treatment recommended by a dermatologist.

6. Offers a Warm and Comforting Way to Unwind

Green tea with cloves and honey has a distinctive aroma and mildly sweet flavour that can make it an enjoyable addition to a relaxing routine.

Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid studied for its potential effects on relaxation and attention. It also contains caffeine, which can increase alertness and affect sleep in sensitive individuals.


Cloves add a warm, spicy aroma, while honey softens the tea's naturally bitter taste. Together, these ingredients can make a comforting drink to enjoy during a break or as part of an evening routine.

However, there is limited evidence that adding cloves and honey to green tea produces a sedative effect or treats anxiety and insomnia. Since green tea contains caffeine, drinking it close to bedtime may interfere with sleep. If you are sensitive to caffeine, choose a decaffeinated option or enjoy the beverage earlier in the day.

7. May Help Support a Healthy Inflammatory Response

Inflammation is a natural part of the body's response to injury and infection. However, persistent, excessive inflammation is associated with several long-term health conditions.

Green tea catechins have been investigated for their potential anti-inflammatory effects. Similarly, eugenol in cloves has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory and preclinical studies.

Honey also contains bioactive compounds that have been studied for their potential effects on inflammation. Nevertheless, the amount and activity of these compounds can vary considerably between honey varieties.


Including green tea with cloves and honey in a balanced diet may help you obtain a range of plant-derived compounds. However, evidence is insufficient to conclude that this drink treats chronic inflammation, arthritis, heart disease or other inflammatory conditions.

If you have an existing medical condition, continue following your prescribed treatment and discuss any complementary remedies with your healthcare professional.

How to Prepare Green Tea With Cloves and Honey

You can prepare this beverage at home with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 green tea bag or 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves
  • 2–3 whole cloves
  • ½–1 teaspoon of honey, according to taste
Method:


  1. Heat the water until it is hot but not vigorously boiling.
  2. Add the cloves and let them steep for around 3–5 minutes.
  3. Add the green tea and steep according to the tea's instructions, usually for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Strain the tea if you have used loose leaves or whole cloves.
  5. Allow the beverage to cool slightly before stirring in the honey.
  6. Enjoy it warm.
You can adjust the quantity of cloves and honey according to your taste. Avoid using excessive amounts of cloves, particularly concentrated clove oil, which is not equivalent to the small quantities used in food.

Are There Any Side Effects of Green Tea With Cloves and Honey?

Although the ingredients are commonly used in food and beverages, the drink may not suit everyone.

  • Caffeine sensitivity: Green tea may cause restlessness, palpitations or difficulty sleeping in sensitive individuals.
  • Stomach discomfort: Green tea, particularly when consumed on an empty stomach, may cause nausea or digestive discomfort in some people.
  • Added sugar: Honey contains sugars and calories. People managing diabetes or blood glucose levels should account for it in their diet.
  • Blood-thinning medicines: Concentrated clove products may affect bleeding risk. People taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines should consult their healthcare professional before using cloves medicinally.
  • Pregnancy and existing conditions: If you are pregnant, have a medical condition or take regular medication, seek professional advice before consuming large amounts of cloves or using concentrated herbal preparations.
Moderation is important. A small amount of culinary cloves and honey in an ordinary cup of green tea is different from taking concentrated extracts or essential oils.

Green tea with cloves and honey is a flavourful beverage that combines the antioxidants found in green tea with the beneficial plant compounds in cloves and the soothing qualities of honey. It may complement a healthy lifestyle, particularly when you enjoy it in moderation and limit added sweeteners.

However, claims that this drink rapidly burns fat, cures digestive problems, treats infections or guarantees glowing skin are not supported by sufficient clinical evidence. For lasting health benefits, focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, good sleep and appropriate medical care.