I’m going to start by saying: I was skeptical.
My 83-year-old mom called me and said, “I dropped my blood sugar from 210 to 98 with clove tea.”
My response: “Mom, that’s not how this works.”
Her response: “I’ve been testing every day for three weeks. Look at my numbers.”
So I looked. And honestly? The numbers don’t lie.
The Background: My Mom’s Diabetes Journey
My mom has been diabetic for probably 15 years. Type 2.
She manages it… let’s call it “loosely.” She still eats dark chocolate daily and has candy most days. She’s 83 and has decided she’s not giving up everything she enjoys.
Her blood sugar has been consistently high for years. Fasting readings usually in the 190–220 range. Her doctor has been on her about it.
A few months ago, one of her friends told her about clove tea, claiming it could help lower blood sugar naturally.
Mom decided to try it. She didn’t tell me until she’d been doing it for three weeks.
The “Method” (If You Can Call It That)
Here’s what she did:
Every Morning:
- 4 whole cloves
- Hot water (like making tea)
- Steep for 10 minutes
- Drink it
Every Evening:
- Same thing: 4 cloves, hot water, 10 minutes
That’s it.
She didn’t change anything else. Still eating dark chocolate. Still having candy. Still not exercising (she’s 83—leave her alone).
Just added clove tea twice a day.
The Results (According to Her Numbers)
Week 1:
- Starting fasting blood sugar: 210
- End of week average: 187
- Drop: 23 points
Week 2:
- Starting average: 187
- End of week average: 154
- Drop: 33 more points
Week 3:
- Starting average: 154
- End of week average: 98
- Drop: 56 more points
Total drop: 112 points in three weeks.
My Reaction: Skepticism
When she told me this, I immediately thought:
- “She’s testing wrong.”
- “The meter’s broken.”
- “She changed something else and doesn’t realize it.”
- “This is coincidence.”
So I asked questions.
Me: “Are you using a different glucose meter?”
Mom: “Same one I’ve used for two years.”
Me: “Did you change your medications?”
Mom: “Nope. Same prescriptions.”
Me: “Are you eating differently?”
Mom: “If anything, I’m eating worse. I had cake at Barbara’s birthday last week.”
Me: “Are you exercising more?”
Mom: “I’m 83. I walk to the mailbox. That’s my exercise.”
Me: “Are you testing at different times?”
Mom: “Same time every morning. Same time every evening. I write it down.”
I ran out of alternative explanations.
So I Looked Into It (Briefly)
I’m not a researcher. I’m not a doctor. But I can Google.
Here’s what I found about cloves and blood sugar:
- Cloves contain compounds that may improve insulin function
- May help cells absorb glucose more effectively
- Could have anti-inflammatory properties affecting blood sugar support
But:
- Most studies are small
- Not a lot of human trials
- Not enough to make definitive medical claims
In other words, there’s some science suggesting it might work, but not enough to rely on solely.
What My Mom Says
“I don’t care about the science. I care that my numbers went down.”
Fair point, Mom.
My Test: I’m Trying It Too
Because I can’t just take her word for it, I’m testing this myself.
Baseline (before clove tea):
- Average fasting blood sugar: 96
- Average post-meal spikes: usually peak around 140
The experiment:
- Drinking clove tea twice a day (same as Mom)
- Testing fasting blood sugar every morning
- Testing post-meal numbers as usual
- Duration: 30 days
Current status (12 days in):
- Average fasting blood sugar: 91 (down 5 points)
- Post-meal spikes seem slightly lower (need more data)
Conclusion so far: Too early to say definitively, but maybe this is a natural way to lower blood sugar.
Important Disclaimers
- I’m Not a Doctor – This is my mom’s experience. Don’t take it as medical advice.
- This Might Not Work for You – Everyone’s body responds differently.
- Don’t Stop Your Medications – Clove tea is a supplement, not a replacement.
- Check with Your Doctor – Cloves can interact with some medications.
- This Isn’t a Magic Cure – My mom still has diabetes.
What I Actually Think Is Happening
Honestly? I don’t know.
Possible explanations:
- Cloves Actually Work – Some compounds may improve insulin function.
- Placebo Effect – Believing it would work may have made my mom more mindful.
- Hydration – Drinking extra water might have improved her numbers.
- Coincidence – Could be natural variation.
- Some Combination – Small effects add up.
The honest answer: I don’t know which explanation is right.
But I do know my mom’s blood sugar is better than it’s been in years. And the only thing she changed was adding clove tea.
The Risk-Reward Calculation
Cost of trying clove tea:
- $8 for a container of whole cloves
- 10 minutes twice a day
- Minimal risk (check for drug interactions)
Potential benefit:
- Could improve blood sugar
- At minimum, you’re drinking more water
- Worst case: nothing happens
Downside is minimal. Potential upside is worth exploring.
What I’m NOT Saying
- Clove tea will cure diabetes
- It works for everyone
- Stop your medications
- It replaces proper diabetes management
What I AM saying:
My mom tried something. Her numbers improved dramatically. I’m testing it myself. Risk seems low, potential benefit seems worth exploring.
Your Turn (If You Want to Try It)
- Check with Your Doctor First – Especially if on medications.
- Establish Your Baseline – Track your blood sugar for a week before starting.
- Change One Thing – Only add clove tea.
- Test Consistently – Same times every day. Track everything.
- Give It Time – My mom saw results in three weeks.
- Share Your Results – If it works, tell me. If not, tell me too.
The Bottom Line
I started this skeptical. I’m ending it still somewhat skeptical, but intrigued.
My mom’s numbers improved. My numbers might be improving slightly. There’s some science suggesting it’s possible.
Is clove tea a miracle diabetes cure? No.
Is it worth $8 and three weeks to see if it helps? Maybe.
I’ll update this article after my 30-day test. Subscribe to get notified.
And if you try it yourself? Let me know.
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