The Healing and Magickal Properties of Clove in Wiccan Practice

Once a coveted costly spice obtainable only by the wealthy, the benefits of clove by far outweigh its sweet, aromatic flavor.

Evergreen clove trees are indigenous to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia, but today they're cultivated across the globe, making this exotic spice readily available. The whole spice is harvested from beautiful crimson flower clusters that appear between the dark green leaves in the summer months.

Cloves have been traded since the earliest of times. The first written evidence of trade was discovered in the remains of the ancient city of Terqa on the banks of the Euphrates, circa 1720 BCE.

Historical records show that cloves were widely used in ancient Chinese medicine and cuisine and chewed as a breath freshener.

By the 17th century, colonial powers realized the value of this noble spice, and they moved in to take control of all trade routes. To gain a monopoly, they burned the trees and local farmers' stock in the same way they'd destroyed all local trade in nutmeg and mace.

Most people know clove for its culinary flavors, but we'll explore its many other uses in this article.

Clove has impressive medicinal benefits, making it essential for your natural medicine chest. In recent years, science has proven many of the medicinal properties that natural healers have known for centuries.

Tinctures, elixirs, decoctions, infusions, creams, and gels can be made with dried whole and powdered clove, as well as an essential oil.

These are a few of clove's medicinal properties that are acknowledged by scientific research.

Studies have shown that the natural antioxidants in cloves stop oxidative damage from free radicals more efficiently than vitamin E, a known potent antioxidant.

Gum disease can be prevented by regularly rinsing with a mouthwash of clove, basil, and tea tree oil. Research indicates that clove suppresses the growth of up to two kinds of bacteria that cause gum disease.

Another study showed clove essential oil killed three strains of bacteria, including E. coli, that can cause food poisoning.

Science has identified compounds in clove that may help maintain blood sugar levels. Nigericin, in particular, increases sugar uptake from the blood into cells and increases insulin secretion.

Together with a balanced diet and moderate exercise, clove can be of benefit to people with diabetes.

Compounds in cloves are shown to improve bone density and strength. Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, it can help prevent osteoporosis.

Not only is clove shown to promote healthy gums, but it can also be as effective in preventing cavities as fluoride.

Studies have confirmed that clove successfully relieves toothache and is a topical anesthetic as well.

Clove relieves itching and inflammation. Tests have shown that clove gel significantly reduces skin irritation.

It's proved to be successful in treating anal fissures, too, when applied in a cream.

Gastric mucous plays a vital role in protecting the stomach lining. If it's too thin, it will cause inflammation and even ulcers. Properties in clove have proven to increase mucous production.

If, however, you already have a bleeding ulcer, avoid clove because it can encourage bleeding.

Lab research has discovered that in precise doses, clove can be toxic to cancer cells. It's been shown to inhibit and disrupt colon, cervical, and breast cancer cells, amongst others.

Note that clove contains an ingredient, eugenol, which is toxic in high doses and can cause liver damage. Eugenol also interacts with anticoagulant medication and can promote bruising and bleeding. If you're receiving treatment for a chronic health condition or have recently had major surgery, first speak to your doctor before using clove.

The potency of clove as a natural healer more than compensates for its limited magickal properties. However, those it does have are powerful enough to make you want to add it to your spells and rituals.

Clove is a masculine energy aligned with the planet Jupiter and the element of fire.

The core of clove's magick revolves around protection, purification, healing, and mental clarity. Any situation needing a boost from these properties will benefit from its presence.

All meditation and divination practices can be enhanced by burning clove incense or essential oil because of its ability to clear the mind.

Dreamwork profits from clove's mind-clearing properties as well. Sew dried whole cloves into a dream pillow with rose, jasmine, or lavender flowers. Sprinkle the mix with a few drops of clove essential oil before stitching up.

It's also said that if you deeply inhale the fragrance of clove immediately after waking up, your mind will be clear for the rest of the day. So place a few dried, whole cloves in a small screw-top bottle and keep it next to your bed. Open the lid and draw in their sweet, spicy perfume before you get up.

For health and vitality, grind three dried cloves into a powder. Mix into a tablespoon of raw honey and eat it before breakfast every day. Clove improves gastrointestinal health, and a healthy gut contributes to a healthy body. The number three in numerology aligns with the planet Jupiter and signifies hard work, courage, and spirituality.

Purify and protect your home or business by putting whole dried cloves with a few drops of clove essential oil in potpourri bowls or small thin muslin bags. Place them close to doors and windows. If you're concerned about cyberattacks, put one next to each digital device.

To cleanse a space, burn dried whole cloves or clove incense. You can also cleanse correspondences and magick tools by running them through the smoke of burning clove or incense.

Clove is a commanding spice that can make an impact if used correctly and with the best intentions. Its core magickal properties can be used in countless ways, for good or evil, so think carefully before you harness it in your work.

Particularly when it comes to love and money, emotions can run high, and we may only focus on our needs, ignoring the bigger picture.

When we're not considering all potential outcomes, we can end up regretting our actions. As the saying goes – be careful what you wish for; you may just get it.

At night, just before bedtime: