Clove, also called Lavang in Ayurveda, is most commonly known for its uses as a cooking spice and its presence in herbal teas.  However, this aromatic, flavorful spice contains a wealth of healing potential and has been traditionally used for thousands of years in treating cough, colds, nausea, fever, infection, general toxicity, and so much more. 

Clove is a very pungent (spicy) herb that comes from the dried flower bud of the evergreen tree.  In spite of its spicy taste, clove is said to be cooling by the ancient texts, showing the unique qualities of this herb even further.  Because of this special effect that clove possesses, it is considered balancing for all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), although it will still increase Pitta (heat) when taken in excess. 

Clove can be used in treating a wide variety of ailments with very effective results.  It has been known to sooth a cough and sore throat in an instant by simply sucking on a couple of buds (yes it really works, I’m chewing some now!!).  Similarly, it can relieve congestion, asthma, hiccough, and laryngitis just as easily.  When taken in herbal formulas such as Mahasudarshana it is used as a powerful antimicrobial, treating everything from bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitical infections while also removing toxins from the system.  When applied externally, it can give great pain relief and alleviate toothache, headache, and joint pain.     

Clove is classified as a stimulant and is great for boosting the digestive fire, speeding up the metabolism, increasing circulation, and even awakening the mind.  Its penetrating, energizing properties are great for removing sluggishness throughout the system, making teas such as a spiced chai a great morning tonic for getting you going each day.  If you are suffering from sleepiness after food or unwanted weight gain, taking some powdered clove with honey before each meal can bring you much relief (keep reading for detailed instructions below)! 

Health Benefits of Clove

• Removes congestion, phlegm, and mucus
• Relives cough (chronic too!), sore throat, asthma, sinusitis, and laryngitis
• Reduces fever, cold, flu, and nausea
• Relieves pain and inflammation
• Treats toothache, headache, migraines, back pain, and joint pain
• Increases the digestive fire without increasing Pitta (except if taken in excess)
• Boosts the metabolism, aids in weight loss
• Removes toxins from the system
• Anti-fungal, beneficial in Candida overgrowth
• Anti-viral
• Antibacterial
• Anti-parasitical
• Powerful antioxidant properties
• Protects the liver
• Relieves thirst
• Awakens the mind
• Reduces depression and a dull, foggy mind
• Diuretic
• Promotes breastmilk production 
• Relieves nausea during pregnancy
• Increases the libido
• Treats impotence and premature ejaculation
• Treats amenorrhea (lack of menstruation), scanty menstruation, and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
• Relieves menstrual cramping

How to Use Clove

For Cough, Sore Throat, Congestion, Hiccough, and Laryngitis

Suck on 2 to 3 clove buds until the flavor has been removed.  Spit out the buds after they become tasteless and repeat as often as needed.     

If this method is too intense due to the strong flavor of cloves, a second best option will be to mix 1/4 teaspoon of clove powder with 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.  Blend these herbs in 1 teaspoon of honey and slowly lick this mixture until it is gone.  Wash down with a few sips of warm water.

For Fever and Flu

Boil 2 cups of water.  Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add in 7 to 10 clove buds, 2 tablespoons of tulsi leaf, 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon of dry ginger, and a large pinch of black pepper.  Simmer and steep for at least 15 minutes, strain, and add honey (optional) once cooled to a drinkable temperature.  Drink this tea every 2 to 3 hours until the fever drops or the flu symptoms subside. 

For Morning Sickness and General Nausea

Boil 2 cups of water.  Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add in 7 to 10 clove buds and 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon of dry ginger.  Simmer and steep for 8 to 10 minutes, strain, and add honey (optional) once cooled to a drinkable temperature.  Drink this tea as needed during pregnancy to relieve persistent nausea and “morning” sickness (and to improve overall digestion!). 

For Sluggish Digestion and Metabolism, Detoxification, and Weight Loss

Take 1 teaspoon of clove powder in 1 teaspoon of honey before each meal.  For extra potency, add in 1/2 teaspoon of Trikatu Churna (avoid for Pitta) and increase the honey to 1-1/2 teaspoons.  Follow with a few sips of hot water.  Be consistent for noticeable results.

For Parasites and Candida Overgrowth

Take 1 teaspoon of the vidanga with 1/2 teaspoon of clove powder in 1 cup of warm water. Take this three times daily, before meals for 30 days while following a clean, low sugar, and low carb diet.

Or try our Parasite Cleansing Tincture!

For Poor Circulation

Take 1/2 teaspoon of clove powder with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a large pinch of ginger powder.  This can either be taken in 1 cup of warm water or 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey (or both).  Take this twice daily, once upon awakening and again around 2 to 3 pm. 

For Depression and a Dull, Foggy Mind

Take 1/2 teaspoon of clove powder with 1 teaspoon of Brahmi powder and a large pinch of ginger powder.  Blend these herbs in 1/2 cup of warm water and take three times daily after meals.   

Headache or migraine

Make a paste by mixing 1 tablespoon of clove powder and 1 teaspoon of ginger powder with 2 to 3 teaspoons of castor oil.  Apply this paste onto the forehead, taking several minutes to massage around the effected area.

Simultaneously, take 1/2 teaspoon of clove powder with 1 teaspoon of Brahmi powder and a large pinch of ginger powder.  Blend these herbs in 1/2 cup of warm water and take them every two to three hours until the symptoms have subsided.