Cloves are far more than a fragrant spice for desserts and teas—they’re tiny nutritional powerhouses loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and essential oils that promote overall wellness.
Celebrated for centuries in traditional medicine, cloves can support the immune system, soothe digestion, ease pain, and enhance daily health. Here are 20 innovative ways to combine cloves with other natural ingredients, along with step-by-step instructions for each remedy:
1. Cloves & Honey – Soothe Your Throat
Honey coats the throat while cloves fight inflammation and bacterial growth. Combine 1 teaspoon of ground cloves with 2 tablespoons of raw honey and take it 2–3 times a day for relief.
2. Cloves & Garlic – Boost Immunity & Heart Health
Garlic strengthens the immune system and helps manage cholesterol, while cloves amplify its antibacterial properties. Crush 1 garlic clove, mix with 2 ground cloves, and drink with warm water once daily.
3. Cloves & Cinnamon – Support Healthy Blood Sugar
Cinnamon slows sugar absorption, and cloves help regulate glucose levels. Boil 1 cinnamon stick with 4–5 cloves in 250 ml of water and sip before meals.
4. Cloves & Ginger – Aid Digestion & Reduce Nausea
Ginger calms the stomach, while cloves reduce bloating. Simmer 1 teaspoon grated ginger with 3 cloves in water, strain, and drink after meals.
5. Cloves & Milk – Strengthen Immunity & Improve Sleep
Warm milk contains tryptophan to help relax the body, and cloves support immune health. Heat 250 ml of milk with 2 cloves and enjoy before bed.
6. Cloves & Turmeric – Reduce Inflammation & Joint Pain
Turmeric fights inflammation, and cloves enhance its absorption. Mix 1 teaspoon turmeric with 2 crushed cloves in hot water, adding a pinch of black pepper.
7. Cloves & Lemon – Detox & Refresh Your Breath
Lemon boosts liver function while cloves neutralize toxins and bacteria. Squeeze half a lemon into warm water, add 3 cloves, and drink on an empty stomach.
8. Cloves & Apple Cider Vinegar – Support Gut Health
ACV promotes healthy gut bacteria, while cloves calm digestive irritation. Mix 1 tablespoon ACV, 1 teaspoon honey, and 3 crushed cloves in warm water before meals.
9. Cloves & Coconut Oil – Natural Oral Care
Coconut oil draws out toxins, and cloves act as antiseptics. Add 2 drops of clove oil to 1 tablespoon coconut oil and swish for 5–10 minutes daily.
10. Cloves & Green Tea – Strengthen Immunity
Green tea contains catechins, and cloves are rich in antioxidants—together, they fight infection. Brew green tea with 2–3 cloves for a morning boost.
11. Cloves & Thyme – Clear Airways & Reduce Mucus
Thyme is an effective expectorant, and cloves open the airways. Steep 1 teaspoon dried thyme with 3 cloves in hot water, drinking twice daily.
12. Cloves & Chamomile – Relax & Promote Sleep
Chamomile eases the mind, while cloves enhance its calming effect. Add 2 cloves to a chamomile tea bag, steep, and sip before bedtime.
13. Cloves & Peppermint – Relieve Headaches & Increase Focus
Peppermint relaxes tension, and cloves improve circulation to the brain. Brew peppermint tea with 2 cloves, or inhale steam from both essential oils.
14. Cloves & Basil – Reduce Stress & Support Adrenal Health
Basil helps lower cortisol, while cloves stabilize blood sugar. Crush 5 basil leaves with 2 cloves in warm water and drink mid-morning.
15. Cloves & Fennel – Ease Gas & Bloating
Fennel relaxes digestive muscles, and cloves reduce fermentation. Chew ½ teaspoon fennel seeds with 2 cloves after meals.
16. Cloves & Orange Peel – Immunity & Cold Support
Orange peel is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and cloves fight bacteria and viruses. Steep dried orange peel with cloves in tea during cold season.
17. Cloves & Licorice Root – Protect Your Stomach
Licorice soothes ulcers, and cloves combat harmful bacteria like H. pylori. Brew 1 teaspoon licorice root with 2 cloves in hot water and drink warm.
18. Cloves & Aloe Vera – Soothe Skin & Treat Acne
Aloe calms irritated skin, and cloves fight acne-causing bacteria. Mix 1 teaspoon clove powder with 2 tablespoons aloe gel and apply as a face mask.
19. Cloves, Honey & Black Seed – Immune Boost
Black seed oil enhances immunity, amplified by honey and cloves. Mix 1 teaspoon black seed oil, 1 teaspoon honey, and 2 crushed cloves daily.
20. Cloves & Cardamom – Freshen Breath & Aid Digestion
Cardamom neutralizes odors, and cloves cleanse both the mouth and stomach. Chew 1 cardamom pod with 1–2 cloves after meals.
Conclusion:
Though small, cloves are remarkably potent, offering natural support for immunity, digestion, oral health, sleep, and inflammation. Integrating just a few of these remedies into your routine can provide a simple, natural boost to overall wellness.