🌿 Herb of the Month: CLOVE
A tiny bud with a powerful purpose.
There’s something so comforting about the scent of clove. It’s warm … rich … spicy … like home. Whether it reminds you of holiday baking, simmer pots on the stove, or a cozy mug of chai, clove has a way of making everything feel grounded and safe.
But clove isn’t just a kitchen spice.
This tiny dried bud has been treasured for centuries as a natural wellness tool — supporting the body, comforting the home, and helping families care for common needs long before pharmacy aisles existed.
So this month, we’re slowing down and learning clove together … one simple step at a time. 🌿
What Is Clove?
Clove comes from the dried flower buds of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum). Once harvested, the buds are dried until they take on their familiar deep brown color and bold, spicy aroma.
Clove can be used in a few forms:
Whole cloves (great for teas, simmer pots, and cooking)
Ground clove (perfect for baking and spice blends)
Clove essential oil (very potent — must be diluted properly)
It’s one of those “small but mighty” herbs that deserves a spot in every natural home.
A Little Clove History (It’s Honestly Fascinating)
Clove has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years.
Originally native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia (often called the Spice Islands) clove became one of the most valuable spices in the world. It wasn’t just used for flavor — it was treasured for wellness support, food preservation, and even ceremonial purposes.
Clove traveled through ancient trade routes across Asia, the Middle East, and eventually Europe, where it was considered a luxury. At times in history, clove was so prized it was traded like currency.
And even now … it’s still one of the most beloved traditional herbs for both home + body support.
Why Clove Is So Loved in Natural Wellness
Clove is known for being deeply warming, cleansing, and supportive. It contains a powerful natural compound called eugenol, which is one reason it has traditionally been used for comfort and cleansing.
Here are some of the most common reasons people reach for clove:
1) Clove for Immune Support
Clove has been used for generations as a natural immune tool … especially during seasonal struggles.
People love it because it:
supports the body’s natural defenses
offers antioxidant protection
brings warmth and comfort during “sniffly” seasons
Easy way to use it: simmer clove with cinnamon and orange slices, or add a pinch of ground clove to tea.
2) Clove for Digestion + Gut Comfort
Clove is also known for soothing digestion. Traditionally, it’s been used for:
gas and bloating
nausea
sluggish digestion
Easy way to use it: add a pinch to warm tea after meals … or to a homemade chai blend.
3) Clove for Oral Care (Teeth + Gums)
This is probably clove’s most well-known traditional use.
For centuries, people used clove to support:
tooth discomfort
gum irritation
breath freshness
This is why you’ll still find clove in natural mouth rinses and oral blends today.
4) Clove for the Home
Clove isn’t just for your body … it’s amazing for creating a toxin-free home environment.
People use it to:
make homes smell clean and cozy
support natural seasonal cleaning routines
freshen air without synthetic fragrances
Simple Ways to Use Clove at Home
Here are a few beginner-friendly ideas you can try right away:
☕ Add it to food
oatmeal
coffee
smoothies
baked goods
chai tea
🍊 Make a Clove Simmer Pot
In a pot of water, simmer:
orange slices
1–2 cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp whole cloves
Let the scent fill your home with warmth and peace.
🍯 Try Clove Honey (small batch)
Add a pinch of ground clove to raw honey and stir.
Use in tea or on toast when you want a little seasonal support.
Important Clove Safety Notes (Please Read 💛)
Clove is powerful, and that’s a gift … but we use it wisely.
Whole and ground clove are generally safe in small food amounts
Clove essential oil is extremely potent
Always dilute clove essential oil properly before applying to skin
Avoid internal use of essential oils unless under trained guidance
If you’re pregnant, nursing, or managing a medical condition … it’s always wise to ask your provider first
Want My Printable Clove Guide?
If you’d like a simple Clove Quick Guide you can save, print, or keep on your phone (with benefits + easy recipes + safety tips) I’d love to send it to you.
📬 To Request the Clove Guide:
Send me a direct message on socials and say “Clove Guide” 💌 … click the contact page above … send me a text message at (507) 403-8119.
I’ll send it right over to you!
Looking Ahead … Next Month’s Herb 🌿
Next month we’ll be focusing on a fresh and powerful herb that so many people love for memory, focus, hair care, and immunity …
✨ Rosemary ✨
I can’t wait to dive into it with you!
A Verse to Reflect On
“Lord my God, I called to You for help, and You healed me.”
Psalm 30:2
This verse reminds me that while herbs are a beautiful part of creation … our true source is always Him. We can use what He made with gratitude, wisdom, and trust — but never forget who the Healer is.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for the gifts You placed in the earth — the plants, herbs, and tools that can support our bodies and bring comfort into our homes. Help us to use them with wisdom, balance, and humility. Teach us to care for our bodies as stewards of what You’ve entrusted to us. And when we feel overwhelmed, run down, or uncertain … remind us that You are our peace and our provider. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Peace & Love friends!
Laurie