The Healing Power of Cloves: Natural Home Remedies for Better Health

Cloves are small but mighty. Known as “Laung” in many cultures, these dried flower buds have been a part of kitchens and medicine cabinets for centuries. Their warm, slightly sweet flavor makes them a staple spice, but beyond cooking, cloves are loaded with antioxidants, essential oils, and bioactive compounds that support health in powerful ways.

Modern research is now confirming what traditional healers have known for ages: cloves can help with pain relief, digestion, immunity, oral health, and much more. In this article, we’ll explore 15+ natural home remedies with cloves that you can safely try, along with practical tips and precautions.

1. Natural Toothache Relief

Tooth pain is one of the most common uses of cloves. The compound eugenol in clove oil acts as a natural anesthetic and antibacterial agent.

How to use: Dip a cotton ball in diluted clove oil (mix with olive or coconut oil) and place it on the affected tooth. Alternatively, chew a whole clove near the painful area for mild relief.

Why it works: Eugenol numbs nerves and kills bacteria, making it a quick and effective home remedy until you can see a dentist.

Extra tip: Using clove-infused mouth rinses regularly can also prevent gum infections.

2. Fresh Breath and Oral Hygiene

Bad breath is often caused by bacteria in the mouth. Cloves not only freshen breath but also fight germs that cause oral issues.

How to use: Chew 1–2 cloves slowly after meals for fresher breath. You can also gargle with warm water infused with a drop of clove oil.

Why it works: Cloves neutralize odor-causing bacteria while leaving a refreshing aroma.

Long-term benefit: Regular use can reduce plaque, gum swelling, and mouth infections.

3. Better Digestion and Reduced Bloating

Cloves stimulate digestive enzymes that help break down food more efficiently, reducing gas and indigestion.

How to use: Make clove tea by steeping 3–4 cloves in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Drink after heavy meals.

Why it works: Cloves improve peristalsis (movement of food through the intestines) and ease discomfort from bloating or nausea.

Extra tip: Pair clove tea with ginger for a stronger digestive tonic.

4. Relief from Nausea and Motion Sickness

Feeling queasy? Cloves can calm the stomach and reduce nausea.

How to use: Suck on a whole clove or drink clove-infused water before travel.

Why it works: The aromatic oils in cloves soothe the stomach lining and reduce the urge to vomit.

Best for: Morning sickness, car rides, or after overeating.

5. Cough and Cold Remedy

Cloves have expectorant and antimicrobial properties, making them excellent for soothing coughs, sore throats, and congestion.

How to use: Boil 3–4 cloves with a teaspoon of honey and drink warm. You can also inhale steam with a few drops of clove oil in hot water.

Why it works: Cloves loosen mucus, reduce throat irritation, and fight germs causing infections.

Extra tip: Pair cloves with cinnamon and black pepper for a powerful homemade cough remedy.

6. Natural Immune Booster

Cloves are loaded with antioxidants that help the body fight free radicals and boost immunity.

How to use: Add clove powder or 1–2 whole cloves to soups, smoothies, or teas.

Why it works: Regular small intake strengthens the body’s defense system against infections.

Extra tip: Combine with turmeric and honey for an extra immunity boost.

7. Joint and Muscle Pain Relief

The anti-inflammatory compounds in cloves can ease muscle soreness, arthritis pain, and swelling.

How to use: Mix clove oil with coconut oil and massage gently into the affected area.

Why it works: Eugenol reduces inflammation and improves blood circulation.

Note: Always dilute clove oil to avoid skin irritation.

8. Natural Headache Remedy

Cloves can ease tension headaches thanks to their cooling and pain-relieving effects.

How to use: Crush a few cloves, mix with rock salt and warm milk, and drink. Or apply clove paste on the forehead for relief.

Why it works: The aroma of cloves increases blood flow and reduces nerve tension.

9. Regulating Blood Sugar

Cloves may help in managing blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity.

How to use: Drink clove tea daily in moderation or add powdered cloves to meals.

Why it works: Active compounds in cloves support better glucose metabolism.

Caution: If you take diabetes medication, consult your doctor before regular use.

10. Improving Liver Health

Your liver plays a key role in detoxifying the body. Antioxidants in cloves help protect it from damage.

How to use: Incorporate cloves regularly into your cooking.

Why it works: Compounds like eugenol reduce oxidative stress and promote healthy liver function.

11. Fighting Infections Naturally

Cloves have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that help fight infections.

How to use: Use clove oil in diluted form for minor skin infections or add cloves to herbal teas.

Why it works: Clove oil stops the growth of harmful microorganisms.

12. Skin Benefits: Acne and Blemishes

Cloves can be a natural remedy for acne thanks to their antibacterial effects.

How to use: Mix clove oil with aloe vera gel and apply on pimples (spot treatment only).

Why it works: Cloves kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce swelling.

Note: Test on a small area first to check skin sensitivity.

13. Boosting Energy and Reducing Fatigue

Cloves naturally stimulate circulation and improve oxygen flow, giving you a natural energy lift.

How to use: Add clove powder to your morning tea or chew 1–2 cloves when feeling low.

Why it works: Better circulation helps fight tiredness and improves focus.

14. Supporting Respiratory Health Long-Term

Beyond treating coughs, cloves can improve lung health when consumed regularly.

How to use: Drink clove tea 2–3 times a week.

Why it works: Cloves reduce inflammation in airways and help clear mucus.

15. Weight Management Support

Cloves can help with metabolism and fat breakdown when combined with a balanced diet.

How to use: Add cloves with cinnamon and ginger to tea for a natural metabolism booster.

Why it works: The thermogenic properties of cloves slightly increase calorie burning.

16. Natural Stress and Anxiety Relief

The calming aroma of cloves can help reduce stress and anxiety.

How to use: Add clove oil to a diffuser or inhale clove steam.

Why it works: The warm scent has a grounding effect on the nervous system.

Precautions to Keep in Mind

Always use clove oil in diluted form.

Avoid consuming large amounts of cloves, as they may cause irritation or digestive upset.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before using cloves as a remedy.

People on medication (especially for diabetes or blood disorders) should seek medical advice before frequent use.

Conclusion

Cloves are a humble spice with extraordinary healing power. From soothing toothaches and easing digestion to supporting immunity, liver health, and skin care, they offer a wide range of natural remedies. While they should always be used in moderation, incorporating cloves into your daily routine can provide safe, effective, and affordable ways to support better health.

Nature often hides big remedies in small packages — and cloves are a perfect example of that truth.