There’s a good chance your grandmother had a little jar in her kitchen with cloves soaking in honey — and she probably reached for it more often than you’d expect. Long before “wellness” became a buzzword, women were relying on clove and honey benefits to soothe sore throats, calm upset stomachs, and get through cold season. This humble combination is still one of the most versatile duos in home remedies, and in this guide, we’re walking through eight practical ways to use it, plus how to make and store your own clove-honey mix safely.
Quick Answer: What Are Clove and Honey Good For?
Clove and honey are traditionally used together to soothe sore throats and coughs, ease toothache discomfort, support digestion, freshen breath, and offer gentle comfort during cold season. Clove contains a compound called eugenol with natural antiseptic properties, while honey is known for its antibacterial and soothing qualities. Together, they make a simple home remedy — though they aren’t a substitute for medical treatment when symptoms are serious or persistent.
Why This Combination Works: Eugenol Meets Honey
It’s not magic — it’s chemistry, and it’s actually pretty simple to understand.
Clove’s Secret: Eugenol
Cloves get their distinctive warm, spicy scent from a natural compound called eugenol. Eugenol has mild numbing and antiseptic properties, which is part of why clove has been used for centuries to ease tooth and gum discomfort. It’s also thought to have mild anti-inflammatory qualities.
Honey’s Role: Soothing and Antibacterial
Honey has natural antibacterial properties and a thick, coating texture that soothes irritated tissue — whether that’s a scratchy throat or an inflamed gum. It also acts as a natural carrier that makes clove easier and more pleasant to take.
A Gentle Reminder
To be clear, clove and honey are supportive home remedies, not miracle cures. They can offer comfort and mild relief for everyday issues, but they don’t replace medical care for serious or ongoing health concerns.
1. Sore Throat and Cough Relief
This is probably the most popular use of clove and honey, and for good reason — it’s simple and genuinely soothing.
Recipe
- Lightly crush 1–2 whole cloves
- Mix into 1 teaspoon of raw honey
- Let it sit on your tongue slowly, then swallow
You can repeat this two to three times a day as needed. If your cough or sore throat lasts more than a week or two, it’s worth checking in with a doctor.
2. Toothache Relief (Temporary)
Clove oil has long been associated with dental comfort, and the clove-honey combo can offer similar, gentler relief.
- Place a whole clove near the sore tooth and gently bite down to release its oils, or
- Dab a small amount of clove-infused honey directly onto the affected gum
Important: This is a temporary comfort measure only. Toothaches are almost always a sign something needs professional attention — please see a dentist rather than relying on home remedies for ongoing dental pain.
3. Digestion and Bloating Support
Clove has traditionally been used to help settle the stomach after a heavy meal.
- Chew one clove slowly after meals, or
- Stir a pinch of ground clove into warm water with a teaspoon of honey and sip slowly
Many women find this a comforting after-dinner ritual, especially when bloating or sluggish digestion is an issue.
4. Immunity Support During Season Changes
When the seasons shift and everyone around you seems to be sniffling, a little extra self-care goes a long way. A warm clove-honey drink, taken regularly, is a comforting addition to your routine — think of it as supportive self-care rather than a shield against illness.
5. Nausea Relief
Feeling queasy? Clove has traditionally been used to help calm an unsettled stomach.
- Steep 2–3 whole cloves in hot water for 5 minutes
- Strain, add a teaspoon of honey, and sip slowly
This gentle tea can be a comforting option for mild, everyday queasiness — though persistent or severe nausea should always be evaluated by a doctor.
6. Bad Breath Remedy
Clove’s strong, pleasant aroma makes it a natural breath freshener.
- Chew a single clove after meals
- Or rinse with clove-infused warm honey water
It’s a simple, natural alternative for freshening breath between brushings.
7. Menstrual Comfort Tea
Many women turn to warm clove tea during their cycle for a little extra comfort.
Recipe
- Simmer 3–4 whole cloves in a cup of water for 5–7 minutes
- Strain and stir in a teaspoon of honey
- Sip warm during the first day or two of your period
It’s a cozy, comforting ritual — pair it with a heating pad and a little rest for extra relief.
8. Warm Clove-Honey Drink for Winter Wellness
When the weather turns cold, this warm drink feels like a hug in a mug.
Recipe
- Boil 2 cups of water with 4–5 whole cloves for 8–10 minutes
- Strain into a mug and let it cool slightly
- Stir in a tablespoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon if you like
Sip this in the evening as part of your winter wind-down routine.
How to Prepare and Store Clove-Honey Mix at Home
Making your own jar is easy and keeps well for weeks.
- Lightly crush a handful of whole cloves (this helps release their oils into the honey)
- Add them to a clean, dry glass jar and cover completely with raw honey
- Seal tightly and let it infuse for at least 3–5 days before using, shaking gently every day
- Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and always use a clean, dry spoon to avoid introducing moisture
Properly stored, this mix can last several months.
Safety: How Much Is Too Much?
Clove and honey are generally safe kitchen staples in normal food amounts, but a few precautions are worth keeping in mind.
- Moderation matters: A teaspoon or two of clove-honey a day is plenty; concentrated clove oil is much stronger and should not be taken internally without medical guidance
- Pregnancy caution: If you’re pregnant or nursing, talk to your doctor before using clove regularly, as concentrated forms may not be recommended
- Blood-thinning medications: Clove may have mild blood-thinning properties, so if you’re on blood thinners or have an upcoming procedure, check with your doctor first
- Honey and infants: Never give honey in any form to babies under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism
When in doubt, a quick conversation with your doctor or pharmacist is always the safest move, especially if you’re managing a health condition or taking medication.
Cultural Context: Clove and Honey in South Asian Home Remedies
In South Asian households, clove (laung) and honey (shehad) have been paired together for generations as part of everyday kitchen medicine. From soothing a child’s cough to easing a grandmother’s toothache, this combination shows up in home remedies passed down through families long before “natural wellness” had a name. It’s a beautiful reminder that some of the most effective self-care rituals have been sitting in our kitchen cabinets all along.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does clove and honey do for the body?
Clove contains eugenol, a compound with mild antiseptic and numbing properties, while honey is soothing and naturally antibacterial. Together, they’re traditionally used to ease sore throats, support digestion, freshen breath, and offer comfort during cold season.
How do you make clove and honey for cough?
Lightly crush one to two whole cloves and mix them into a teaspoon of raw honey. Let the mixture sit on your tongue slowly before swallowing, and repeat two to three times a day as needed.
Can I take cloves and honey daily?
In small culinary amounts, most people can enjoy clove and honey daily as part of a wellness routine. That said, it’s best to keep portions moderate and check with your doctor if you have any underlying health conditions or take medication regularly.
Is clove safe during pregnancy?
Whole cloves used in small amounts for cooking are generally considered fine, but concentrated clove or clove oil is best avoided during pregnancy unless your doctor says otherwise. Always check with your healthcare provider before adding new remedies during pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something comforting about knowing that clove and honey benefits have been trusted by generations of women before us — from soothing a sore throat to settling a nervous stomach before bed. These remedies won’t replace medical care when you truly need it, but as part of your everyday self-care routine, they’re a simple, natural way to feel a little more cared for. Keep a jar in your kitchen, and let it become part of your own wellness ritual.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, managing a health condition, or taking medication.
