Dr. Berg: The Bedtime Drink Made From a Spice Once Worth Gold

Here’s a fun bit of history: according to Dr. Eric Berg, cloves were once so valuable that people traded them for gold. Today, those tiny dried buds are sitting in a jar in plenty of kitchens, probably right next to the ham glaze.

He points out that cloves have a long track record. They’ve been used in Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years, and he says they were even burned and inhaled during the Black Plague because of their reported antiviral and antibacterial properties. Early dentists, he adds, used clove oil to numb tooth pain long before modern numbing agents existed.

So why is he talking about cloves now? Because he says you don’t need anything fancy to put them to work, and one simple use is a warm drink before bed. Here’s how he explains it, plus the recipe and a few other ways he suggests using cloves.

Summarized from a video by Dr. Eric Berg, DC, on the Dr. Eric Berg DC YouTube channel. This article is a summary of the video “The Benefits of Drinking Clove Water at Night.” All ideas belong to the video’s creator, and Dr. Berg did not write or review this article. Watch the original video below.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Dr. Berg says cloves have strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, plus a natural numbing effect.
He suggests drinking clove water about 30 minutes before bed to support digestion, relaxation, and sleep.
He also describes using clove oil for teeth, muscles, joints, and skin.
The recipe is simple: 4 to 5 cloves, 1 cup of water, and a few minutes of simmering.

Why He’s So Into Cloves

The key compound here is eugenol, the oil responsible for much of the clove’s punch. Dr. Berg says he found patents covering clove oil in mouthwash, toothpaste, and gingivitis treatments, which led him to dig into studies. He cites research that compares clove oil with common products:

Benzocaine (a dental numbing agent): clove oil reportedly worked faster and lasted longer for toothaches
Hydrocortisone: eugenol was said to be equal or better at reducing skin swelling and redness
Tea tree oil: clove oil reportedly cleared candida and fungus faster
Lidocaine: clove oil showed longer-lasting numbing effects

His take is that there are virtually no side effects, which he sees as a big plus.

Tooth Pain and Oral Care

This is where clove really shines, in his opinion. Dr. Berg suggests a few options:

Suck on a whole clove
Dab clove oil on the tooth and gum with a cotton swab
If there’s a cavity with an exposed nerve, apply it directly into the cavity

He says it can also help with plaque and other biofilms, and some people use clove water as a mouthwash for fresher breath.

Clove Oil for Muscles, Skin, and Bugs

Beyond the mouth, he shares several external uses:

Muscle and joint pain: a couple of drops in olive or coconut oil, rubbed into the sore area. He also mentions mixing drops into Epsom salts and water, since the magnesium may help muscles too.
Cold sores: a couple of drops mixed with beeswax or coconut oil, since he notes herpes simplex is a virus and clove is antiviral.
Bug spray: a few drops in a spray bottle. He says he uses it on his cattle in summer to keep flies away.
Wounds: a couple of drops in aloe, applied over the wound, to support healing and act as an antiseptic.

What Clove Water May Do at Night

Now for the main event. Dr. Berg likes drinking clove water before bed because he finds it relaxing, and he lists a range of potential benefits:

Liver support: stimulating enzymes that help break things down
Digestion: easing bloating, gas, and indigestion, especially after a meal
Respiratory help: he mentions bronchitis, mucus, colds, coughs, and asthma, and calls it a natural antibiotic without the side effects
Brain function: some people use it for memory, concentration, and focus
Heart and circulation: he describes it as great for anything related to blood flow
Immune support: thanks to its antimicrobial nature
Sleep: he calls it a natural sedative without the downsides of sleeping pills, and says it contains some tryptophan, which may boost serotonin and melatonin

How to Make Clove Water (His Way)

Add 4 to 5 cloves to 1 cup of water.
Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, covered. He stresses the lid, since much of the benefit is in the vapors that return to the water.
Let it cool for about an hour. He likes to keep it in the fridge afterward.
Drink it about 30 minutes before bed.

Tip from Dr. Berg: it can taste a little bitter, so for kids he suggests about half a teaspoon of dissolved raw honey. He actually finds it pretty tasty either way.

Practical Tips

Clove oil is very concentrated. Always dilute it in a carrier like olive or coconut oil before it touches your skin.
Do a small patch test first to check for irritation.
Never give honey to babies under 12 months old.
Check with your doctor or dentist before using cloves if you’re pregnant, take blood thinners, or are preparing for surgery.
For tooth pain that doesn’t go away, see a dentist rather than relying on home remedies alone.

Source & Credit

Expert: Dr. Eric Berg, DC
Channel: Dr. Eric Berg DC
Video: “The Benefits of Drinking Clove Water at Night” (7:17)
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEcssz8NOhg
Publish date: Sep 27, 2024

About This Summary

This article summarizes the views of Dr. Eric Berg, DC, as presented in his YouTube video. The opinions and claims expressed belong to the video’s creator and do not necessarily reflect those of LuvNutrition.online.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before changing your diet, using essential oils, or taking supplements.