5 Ways to Use Cloves to Improve Your Health — Traditional Remedies and Their Benefits
For centuries, cloves have held an important place in traditional healing practices around the world. Known for their warm aroma and strong flavor, these tiny flower buds from the clove tree have been used as natural remedies for digestive discomfort, oral health issues, respiratory illnesses, and more. Modern research has also taken interest in cloves, especially because they contain eugenol, a compound recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
In this article, you will learn about five traditional ways cloves have been used to support overall health, along with simple recipes you can prepare at home. While these remedies may offer comfort and natural support, they should not replace medical treatment, especially for chronic or serious conditions.
1. Remedy for Digestive Discomfort
Cloves have long been valued for their potential to ease digestive problems. In traditional medicine, they are known to calm bloating, reduce gas, and support the digestive process after heavy meals. Their natural anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe irritation along the digestive tract, and clove extracts have historically been used to support ulcer healing.
Ingredients:
5 whole cloves
1 cup (250 ml) of water
Preparation and Use:
Bring the water to a boil. Once it reaches boiling point, add the cloves and turn off the heat. Cover the pot and allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes. After steeping, strain and drink while warm.
This drink is often consumed twice a day for about three days. Many people find that the warm infusion helps ease fullness, gas, and stomach discomfort. However, if digestive symptoms persist, medical advice is recommended, as these issues can sometimes indicate underlying conditions.
2. Supporting Oral and Dental Health
Cloves are well-known for their antimicrobial activity, which is why clove oil is a common traditional remedy for toothache relief. The natural compounds found in cloves may help slow the growth of bacteria that contribute to gum disease, cavities, and oral infections. In addition, cloves can freshen the breath and reduce unpleasant odors.
Ingredients:
2 sprigs of parsley
3 whole cloves
2 cups (400 ml) of water
Preparation and Use:
Boil the water in a pot. Once it boils, add the parsley and cloves. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and let the mixture steep for 10–15 minutes.
Strain and drink this infusion up to three times daily for optimal effect. Some people also use it as a warm mouth rinse. The combination of parsley and cloves provides a refreshing, cleansing effect and may help reduce oral discomfort. However, severe gum problems or persistent tooth pain should always be evaluated by a dentist.
3. Traditional Liver-Supporting Beverage
Among the many beneficial compounds in cloves, eugenol stands out for its antioxidant properties. In folk medicine, cloves have been used to support liver function and help counter the effects of oxidative stress. Some traditional healers even recommend clove infusions to support liver detoxification processes. While such uses are popular in herbal traditions, scientific evidence remains limited, and these remedies should be viewed as supportive rather than curative.
Ingredients:
5 whole cloves
1 cup (200 ml) of water
1 tablespoon (15 g) of honey
Preparation and Use:
Boil the water, and after it reaches a full boil, add the cloves. Cover and allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and add honey while it is still warm.
This drink is typically consumed once a day for about two weeks. Honey adds pleasant sweetness while offering additional antioxidants. Although this remedy is popular, individuals with diagnosed liver diseases should consult a healthcare provider before consuming herbal preparations.
4. Natural Support for Cough and Respiratory Health
Cloves are often used as a home remedy during colds and flu-like illnesses. Their warming nature, combined with their strong aroma, makes them a comforting addition to blends meant to ease coughs, throat irritation, or chest congestion. In traditional medicine, cloves are believed to help loosen mucus, soothe irritated tissues, and support the immune system.
Ingredients:
3 whole cloves
1 cup (200 ml) of water
Juice of half a lemon
1 tablespoon (15 g) of honey
Preparation and Use:
Bring the water to a boil. Add the cloves and lemon juice, then turn off the heat. Allow the mixture to steep for about 10 minutes. Strain and add honey before drinking.
This infusion is usually taken at night before bed. The warmth may comfort the throat, while lemon offers vitamin C and honey provides a soothing coating effect. This drink can be a pleasant addition to your routine during seasonal colds, though it should not replace medical treatment for more serious respiratory conditions.
5. Important Precautions
Despite their many beneficial properties, cloves are not suitable for everyone. Traditional medicine advises caution in the following situations:
People with liver failure should avoid clove-based remedies because eugenol can affect liver metabolism.
Individuals with Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory bowel conditions may experience irritation from cloves.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are generally advised to avoid concentrated clove preparations.
Anyone taking blood-thinning medication should speak with a doctor before consuming cloves regularly.
Cloves are powerful, aromatic, and highly concentrated, so moderation is always important.
Final Thoughts
Cloves are a versatile and culturally significant spice with a long history of use in traditional healing. From digestive ease and oral care to potential immune support, these small buds offer a natural path toward wellness when used correctly. However, they work best when combined with a balanced lifestyle, a healthy diet, and appropriate medical care.
