Herb & supplement monograph

Allspice Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Allspice interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Allspice is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Allspice is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Allspice

122 medications have a known interaction with Allspice, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Allspice using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Allspice interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

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What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Allspice combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Allspice affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Allspice is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Allspice interacts with

Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, combining allspice with an antiplatelet or anticoagulant drug might increase the risk of bleeding.
Eugenol, a constituent of allspice, is reported to have antiplatelet activity. However, this interaction has yet not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Allspice: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Allspice is a popular cooking spice from a Caribbean evergreen tree that has long been used in folk medicine for digestion, pain, and infections. There is very little high-quality human research to support these medicinal uses, so it is best thought of as a flavorful food rather than a proven treatment. Amounts used in cooking are generally considered safe, but concentrated extracts and the essential oil should be used carefully.

Scientific name: Pimenta dioica
Family: Myrtaceae
Part used: Dried unripe berries, leaves, and essential oil
Common forms: Whole or ground spice, tea, extract, essential oil

People commonly use it for

Digestive upset and gas
Muscle and joint pain (topical)
Toothache and oral discomfort
Antimicrobial uses
Flavoring in food and drinks

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Food amounts are generally safe, but concentrated extracts and essential oil need caution and lack strong safety data.

PregnancyLikely Safe

When used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of allspice when used in la...

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingLikely Safe

When used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of allspice when used in la...

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Allspice comes from Pimenta dioica, a tropical evergreen tree in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). It is native to Central America, the Caribbean, and southern Mexico, with Jamaica being especially well known for it. That is why it is sometimes called Jamaica pepper or pimento.

The small, round berries are picked while still green and unripe, then dried until they turn reddish-brown. The name "allspice" comes from its flavor, which tastes like a blend of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Most people know it as a kitchen spice used in baking, sauces, and stews.

Beyond cooking, the berries, leaves, and essential oil have been used in traditional medicine for digestion, pain, and other complaints. These uses come mostly from folk tradition rather than strong scientific proof.

Uses & effectiveness

People have traditionally used allspice for stomach upset, gas, muscle and joint aches, toothaches, and as a general antimicrobial. In folk medicine it has also been applied to the skin and gums.

The evidence for these uses is limited. Most of the research is from laboratory studies (test tubes) or animal experiments, which suggest allspice contains compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity. These early findings are interesting but do not prove that allspice treats any disease in people.

There are very few well-designed human clinical trials on allspice for any health condition. Because of this, allspice cannot be recommended as a treatment for any specific illness. It remains best valued as a flavorful spice, and any medicinal benefit should be viewed as unproven.

How it works

Allspice contains a mix of natural plant compounds. The most studied is eugenol, the same aromatic compound found in cloves, which gives allspice much of its scent and is thought to have mild numbing, anti-inflammatory, and germ-fighting effects.

The spice also contains other compounds such as polyphenols and tannins that act as antioxidants in laboratory tests. Antioxidants help neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals.

It is important to know that these mechanisms are mostly based on lab and animal research. Just because a compound does something in a test tube does not mean it will have the same effect in the human body at amounts people normally consume.

Safety & precautions

When used in normal amounts as a cooking spice, allspice is generally considered safe for most people. Problems are more likely with concentrated extracts, large medicinal doses, or the essential oil.

The essential oil is very concentrated and should never be swallowed undiluted. Eugenol-rich oils can irritate the skin and mouth and, in large amounts, may be harmful to the liver. Always dilute essential oils and keep them away from children.

People with allergies to allspice or other myrtle-family plants should avoid it. Anyone with a bleeding disorder or who is scheduled for surgery should be cautious with concentrated products. For pregnancy and breastfeeding, normal food amounts are likely fine, but medicinal or concentrated amounts should be avoided because their safety has not been studied. When in doubt, talk with your pharmacist or doctor.

Side effects

As a food spice, allspice rarely causes problems. Some people may experience mild stomach upset when eating large amounts.

Skin contact with allspice or its essential oil can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive people. Applying the essential oil to the gums or skin can cause burning or redness.

Serious side effects are uncommon but more likely with concentrated essential oil, which contains a lot of eugenol. Swallowing large amounts of eugenol-rich oil has been linked to nausea, dizziness, and potential liver harm. Stop use and seek care if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Allspice: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Allspice from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Reports by condition

Dermatitis Immunologic

Orally and topically, allspice can cause allergic dermatitis in sensitive people. A case report describes a 41-year-old female with a history of allergic reactions to certain foods and drinks, with symptoms including lip angioedema, generalized hives and urticaria, vomiting, difficulty breathing, sneezing, ocular pruritus, and lacrimation, which responded to oral diphenhydramine. Skin testing and oral challenge identified positive reactions to allspice.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no established standard medicinal dose for allspice. Most people only encounter it in the small amounts used to flavor food, which are considered safe.

For supplements, teas, or extracts, there is not enough reliable research to recommend a specific amount. If you choose to use a product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed them.

The essential oil is highly concentrated and should only be used externally and well diluted, never taken by mouth without professional guidance. Before using allspice for any health purpose, check with your pharmacist or doctor, especially if you take medications or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Allspice & Pregnancy

Likely Safe

When used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of allspice when used in larger amounts as medicine; avoid using.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Allspice & Breastfeeding

Likely Safe

When used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of allspice when used in larger amounts as medicine; avoid using.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 5 references that drive our Allspice monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
Kanerva L, Estlander T, Jolanki R. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from spices. Contact Dermatitis 1996;35:157-62. PubMed
Chen SJ, Wang MH, Chen IJ. Antiplatelet and calcium inhibitory properties of eugenol and sodium eugenol acetate. Gen Pharmacol 1996;27:629-33. PubMed
Niinimaki, A. Delayed-type allergy to spices. Contact Dermatitis 1984;11(1):34-40. PubMed
Regula P, Edelman D, Ferastraoaru D, Ramesh M, Hudes G. Severe allergic reaction to allspice, a hidden food allergen. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2022;129(2):241-2. PubMed

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Allspice

44 brands in our database make a supplement containing Allspice.

Amazon Elements 36 products Amvilab 48 products Balance of Nature 8 products Barlean's 224 products BiOptimizers 50 products CHK Nutrition 71 products Clinical Synergy Professional Formulas 33 products Cohala Wellness 6 products DaVinci Benefits Line 62 products Designs for Health 295 products Dr. Clark Store 116 products ecoNugenics 102 products Elevate Recovery Supplements 35 products For Wellness 1 product Gaia Herbs 700 products GaiaKids 66 products Hawaii Pharm 4,726 products Herb Pharm 3,320 products Herbal Terra 3,138 products KaraMD 17 products Mannatech 39 products MediPlan Diet Services 4 products Modere 8 products Muscle Feast 157 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Allspice

145 products in our database contain Allspice. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Allspice: Common Questions

Does Allspice interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 122 medications with a known interaction with Allspice. Use the checker above to see how Allspice interacts with a specific drug.

How are Allspice interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Allspice with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Allspice interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

Is Allspice the same as a mix of several spices?

No. Despite its name, Allspice is a single spice made from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica tree. It is called "Allspice" because its flavor resembles a blend of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Can Allspice help with an upset stomach?

Allspice has been used traditionally to ease gas and digestive upset, but there is little solid scientific proof that it works. Using it as a normal spice in food is fine, but do not rely on it as a treatment.

Is Allspice safe during pregnancy?

Using Allspice in normal cooking amounts is likely fine. However, concentrated extracts, large medicinal doses, and the essential oil should be avoided because their safety in pregnancy has not been studied.

Is Allspice essential oil safe to use?

Allspice essential oil is very concentrated and should never be swallowed undiluted. It can irritate the skin and gums, so it should only be used externally and well diluted, ideally with professional guidance.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Allspice

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Allspice — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 145 products with Allspice →

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