1. Instant Toothache Relief
This is perhaps the most famous use for cloves, and for good reason—it works remarkably well. Place a whole clove next to the painful tooth and hold it there with your tongue. The eugenol naturally numbs the area within minutes. Alternatively, apply a tiny amount of clove oil to a cotton ball and place it against the affected tooth.
Clove oil is so effective for dental pain that eugenol is actually used in many dental products and temporary filling materials. However, use sparingly—undiluted clove oil can irritate gums if overused.
2. Gum Disease Prevention
Make a clove mouthwash by simmering 5-6 whole cloves in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Let it cool, strain, and use as a mouthwash twice daily. This helps reduce bacteria that cause gum disease, freshens breath, and can help heal mouth sores.
The antibacterial properties of cloves make this rinse particularly effective for maintaining oral health and preventing infections.
3. Natural Teeth Whitening
Mix ground cloves with baking soda and a few drops of water to create a paste. Use this once or twice a week as a natural teeth whitening treatment. The mild abrasive action combined with clove’s antibacterial properties helps remove surface stains while keeping your mouth healthy.
Don’t use this daily as it can be too abrasive for enamel, but occasional use produces noticeable brightening.
Digestive System Support
4. Bloating and Gas Relief
Chew on 2-3 whole cloves after meals to prevent bloating and gas. Cloves stimulate digestive enzyme production and help food move through your system more efficiently. They also have carminative properties, meaning they help prevent gas formation.
This simple habit can make a significant difference if you regularly experience digestive discomfort after eating.
5. Nausea Treatment
Clove tea provides quick relief from nausea. Steep 4-5 crushed cloves in hot water for 10 minutes, strain, and sip slowly. The aromatic compounds help settle your stomach, while the warmth of the tea provides additional comfort.
This works well for motion sickness, morning sickness (though pregnant women should consult their doctor first), and general stomach upset.
6. Appetite Stimulation
If you’ve been ill or are recovering from an illness and have lost your appetite, cloves can help. The strong aroma and flavor stimulate digestive juices and can help restore interest in food. Add ground cloves to warm milk or tea before meals.
Respiratory Health
7. Cough Suppressant
Mix 2-3 drops of clove oil with a tablespoon of honey for a natural cough suppressant. The eugenol in cloves has natural anesthetic properties that soothe throat irritation, while honey coats the throat and has its own antimicrobial benefits.
Take this mixture 2-3 times daily when dealing with persistent coughs.
8. Sinus Congestion Relief
Add 5-6 drops of clove oil to a bowl of steaming water, place a towel over your head, and inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes. The warming properties of cloves help break up mucus and open nasal passages.
This method works particularly well when combined with eucalyptus oil for even more powerful decongestion.
9. Bronchitis Support
Make a clove chest rub by mixing 3-4 drops of clove oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Massage this mixture onto your chest and upper back. The warming sensation helps loosen chest congestion, while the antimicrobial properties fight the infection causing bronchitis.
Use this in combination with medical treatment, not as a replacement for professional care with serious respiratory infections.
Pain and Inflammation Management
10. Headache Relief
Apply diluted clove oil to your temples and the back of your neck to relieve tension headaches. Mix 2 drops of clove oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil like coconut or almond oil. The cooling sensation and pain-relieving properties can provide quick relief.
Some people also find relief by adding a few drops of clove oil to a diffuser and inhaling the aroma.
11. Arthritis Pain Reduction
Create a warming massage oil by combining 10 drops of clove oil with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. Massage this into painful joints to reduce inflammation and pain. The warming effect increases blood flow to the area, while eugenol acts as a natural analgesic.
Use this daily for chronic arthritis pain, or as needed for acute flare-ups.
12. Muscle Pain Treatment
The same massage oil used for arthritis works excellently for sore muscles. Apply it after workouts or whenever you experience muscle tension. The anti-inflammatory compounds in cloves help speed recovery and reduce soreness.
Skin Health and Beauty
13. Acne Fighter
Mix 2-3 drops of clove oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and apply to acne-prone areas. The antibacterial properties kill acne-causing bacteria, while the anti-inflammatory effects reduce redness and swelling.
Always dilute clove oil before applying to skin, and do a patch test first to ensure you don’t have sensitivity.
14. Anti-Aging Face Mask
Combine ground cloves with yogurt and honey for a powerful anti-aging face mask. The antioxidants in cloves fight free radicals that cause premature aging, while yogurt and honey moisturize and nourish skin.
Use this mask once a week for best results.
15. Scar and Blemish Fading
Regular application of diluted clove oil can help fade scars and dark spots. Mix 1 drop of clove oil with 1 teaspoon of rosehip or vitamin E oil and apply to affected areas nightly. The compounds in cloves promote healing and even skin tone.
Be patient with this remedy—results take several weeks to become noticeable.
Immune System and Overall Health
16. Immune System Booster
Make a daily immune-boosting tea by simmering 4-5 cloves with a slice of fresh ginger and a cinnamon stick in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Add honey and lemon juice after straining. This powerful combination provides antioxidants, antimicrobial compounds, and immune-supporting nutrients.
Drink this regularly during cold and flu season for additional protection.
17. Blood Sugar Management
Studies suggest that cloves may help regulate blood sugar levels. Add ground cloves to your morning coffee or oatmeal. The compounds in cloves appear to improve insulin function and help cells absorb glucose more effectively.
This should complement, not replace, any diabetes medications or management plans prescribed by your doctor.
18. Circulation Improvement
Cloves have warming properties that stimulate blood circulation. Add them to herbal teas or take clove supplements to improve circulation, especially to extremities. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reaching your cells.
This is particularly beneficial for people who suffer from cold hands and feet.
Household and Personal Care
19. Natural Insect Repellent
Cloves repel mosquitoes, moths, and other insects naturally. Place whole cloves in a mesh bag and hang in closets to keep moths away. For personal use, mix clove oil with witch hazel in a spray bottle and apply to skin or clothing.
You can also stick cloves into citrus fruits and place around your home for a decorative, aromatic insect deterrent.
20. Air Purifier and Deodorizer
Simmer cloves with orange peels and cinnamon sticks on your stove to naturally purify and scent your home. The antimicrobial properties of cloves actually kill airborne bacteria while making your space smell amazing.
This is especially nice during holidays or when you want to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
How to Use Cloves Safely
While cloves are generally safe, proper usage ensures you get benefits without side effects.
Proper Dilution for Topical Use
Never apply undiluted clove oil directly to skin—it’s extremely concentrated and can cause irritation or burns. Always dilute with a carrier oil using a ratio of 1-2 drops clove oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
For sensitive skin, use even more dilution—up to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil per drop of clove oil.
Internal Consumption Guidelines
When consuming cloves internally, moderation is key. A safe daily amount is 2-5 whole cloves or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves. Higher amounts can cause digestive upset or more serious side effects.
Clove oil should be consumed in very small amounts—typically no more than 1-2 drops mixed thoroughly with food or in capsule form.
Who Should Avoid Cloves
Certain people should use caution or avoid cloves altogether:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid medicinal amounts
- People with bleeding disorders (cloves slow blood clotting)
- Those scheduled for surgery within two weeks
- Children under 2 years old should not be given clove oil
- People with liver disease should avoid large amounts
Potential Side Effects
When used appropriately, cloves rarely cause problems. However, excessive use can lead to:
- Upset stomach and digestive issues
- Skin irritation from undiluted oil
- Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
- Liver damage from excessive clove oil consumption
- Increased bleeding risk
Choosing Quality Cloves
The quality of your cloves affects their medicinal effectiveness.
Whole vs. Ground Cloves
Whole cloves retain their potency much longer than ground cloves. Buy whole cloves and grind them as needed for maximum freshness and therapeutic benefit. Whole cloves should be plump, oily to the touch, and release a strong aroma when scratched.
Store in an airtight container away from light and heat to preserve their properties.
Selecting Clove Oil
Look for 100% pure, therapeutic-grade clove oil from reputable sources. It should list Syzygium aromaticum as the only ingredient. Avoid oils that contain additives, fragrance oils, or synthetic compounds.
Quality clove oil is typically sold in dark glass bottles to protect it from light degradation.
Creating Your Clove Medicine Cabinet
Having cloves prepared in different forms makes it easy to use them whenever needed.
Keep these on hand:
- Whole cloves for chewing and teas
- Ground cloves for cooking and topical preparations
- Clove essential oil for concentrated remedies
- Carrier oils for dilution
- Small bottles for pre-mixed solutions
Preparing remedies in advance means you’ll actually use them when the need arises rather than letting the opportunity pass because preparation seems inconvenient.
Combining Cloves with Other Natural Remedies
Cloves work synergistically with other natural healing ingredients, often producing enhanced effects.
Popular combinations include:
- Cloves and cinnamon for blood sugar support
- Cloves and ginger for digestive health
- Cloves and turmeric for inflammation
- Cloves and honey for respiratory issues
- Cloves and coconut oil for skin health
Experiment with combinations to find what works best for your specific needs.
Scientific Evidence and Traditional Wisdom
Modern research increasingly validates traditional uses of cloves. Studies have confirmed antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. Research has also shown potential benefits for dental health, diabetes management, and liver protection.
However, many traditional uses still lack robust clinical trials. This doesn’t mean they don’t work—it simply means more research is needed. The thousands of years of traditional use provide strong anecdotal support.
Approach clove remedies with informed optimism. They’re backed by both tradition and emerging science, but they’re not magic cures. Use them as part of a comprehensive approach to health that includes proper nutrition, exercise, stress management, and appropriate medical care.
Making Cloves Part of Your Wellness Routine
The key to benefiting from cloves is consistent, appropriate use. Choose 2-3 remedies that address your specific health concerns and incorporate them into your daily routine.
Maybe you start your day with clove tea, use clove mouthwash after brushing your teeth, and apply diluted clove oil to sore joints before bed. These simple practices, maintained over time, can produce noticeable improvements in your health and wellbeing.
Remember that natural remedies work best when supported by healthy lifestyle choices. Cloves are powerful allies in your wellness journey, but they work most effectively as part of a holistic approach to health.
These 20 genius ways to use cloves for your health provide accessible, affordable options for addressing common health concerns naturally. From dental pain to digestive issues to skin problems, cloves offer solutions that have stood the test of time. Keep this versatile spice in your natural medicine cabinet and discover for yourself why it’s been treasured for millennia.
