Spring’s in the air, the days are longer, and the smell of barbecues and blooming daffodils is officially back in the UK. But while we’re busy soaking up vitamin D and pretending it’s warm enough for sandals, there’s something else worth dusting off this season: your spice rack.

Because nestled between the cinnamon and nutmeg is a tiny, fiery bud that’s packed with power—especially for women. Yep, we’re talking about clove.

From balancing hormones to calming menstrual cramps, cloves have been helping women long before wellness went mainstream. And the best part? You’ve probably already got some hiding in the back of your cupboard.

So pop the kettle on (we’ll need it later) and let’s explore the 7 incredible ways clove supports women’s wellness—no expensive supplements or wizardry required.

🌸 What Are Cloves, Really?

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, originally from Indonesia. They look like tiny nails (in the friendliest way possible) and smell like Christmas. But don’t be fooled by their festive vibe—cloves are packed with eugenol, a compound responsible for their powerful antibacterial, analgesic (pain-relieving), and anti-inflammatory properties¹.

“Did you know… clove oil is still used in dental surgeries for its numbing effect²?”

They’re a staple in Ayurvedic medicine, traditional African remedies, and old-school nan wisdom. But let’s zoom in on what clove can do for you—especially if you identify as a menstruating, birthing, hormone-juggling woman.

🛠️ Before We Begin: What You’ll Need

To enjoy the benefits of clove, you don’t need a PhD or a Himalayan infusion pot. Just these household basics:

Equipment

• Clean glass jar with lid
• Kettle or pot
• Mug or teacup
• Sieve or tea strainer
• Pestle and mortar (optional)

Ingredients

• Whole cloves (preferably organic)
• Water
• Optional: ginger, honey, lemon, cinnamon, coconut oil

💥 1. Eases Menstrual Cramps (Without the Side Effects)

Let’s face it—period pain is not cute. But rather than popping painkillers every month, consider this: Clove has natural pain-relieving properties, thanks to its high eugenol content³.

Studies show eugenol inhibits prostaglandins, the hormone-like substances that trigger uterine cramps⁴. It’s like a botanical ibuprofen—but gentler on your liver.

How To Use:

1. Boil 1 cup of water.
2. Add 4–5 crushed cloves.
3. Steep for 10 minutes.
4. Strain, sip, and repeat twice a day during your period.

“Nature’s cramp soother—straight from your spice rack.”

🔁 2. Supports Hormonal Balance & Regular Cycles

Cloves may help stabilise hormonal fluctuations, especially during PMS, irregular cycles, or peri-menopause. Why? They contain phytoestrogens—plant-based compounds that mimic oestrogen in the body⁵.

This is especially helpful for:

• Late or irregular periods
• Light periods due to hormonal dips
• Postnatal womb cleansing

In traditional West African and Indian cultures, clove-infused teas are often given to women after childbirth to support recovery and clear retained tissue⁶.

Nan tip: Start drinking clove tea 5 days before your expected period.

🩸 3. Helps Cleanse the Womb Naturally

In traditional Nigerian herbalism, cloves are used in “womb cleansing” blends to clear old blood, tissue buildup, and even help prep the body for pregnancy⁷.

While modern science doesn’t use the phrase “womb cleanse,” studies confirm that cloves support circulation, detoxification, and reduce oxidative stress, all of which benefit reproductive organs⁸.

Recipe: Womb Cleanse Tea Blend

• 5 whole cloves
• ½ stick of cinnamon
• 1 slice of fresh ginger
• 1 cup boiling water

Steep for 10–15 minutes, strain, and drink once daily for 7 days after your period ends.

“Traditionally used in Nigeria to cleanse and prepare the womb for fertility.”

⚠️ Skip this remedy if pregnant or trying to conceive this cycle. Always consult a healthcare provider before herbal routines.

🦠 4. Promotes Vaginal Health (Freshness Without Chemicals)

Let’s normalise the conversation: vaginal odour, yeast infections, and bacterial imbalance affect most women at some point.

Clove’s antifungal and antibacterial properties make it a gentle option for maintaining intimate health⁹. In traditional use, clove-infused water is cooled and used as an external rinse.

How To Make a Clove Rinse:

• Boil 2 cups water with 6–7 cloves
• Let cool completely
• Strain and use as a gentle external wash

🧼 “For freshness you can feel, without fragrances you can’t pronounce.”

Never insert clove or oil internally. For external use only.

💡 5. Boosts Fertility (Traditionally)

Here’s the thing: fertility isn’t just about baby-making—it’s about optimising your reproductive health.

While not a miracle fix, cloves can:

• Increase blood flow to pelvic organs
• Support uterine tone
• Combat oxidative stress (a known factor in infertility)¹⁰

Many traditional remedies pair cloves with cinnamon or fennel in pre-conception tonics. Some women swear by clove tea for “kickstarting” delayed ovulation or cleansing after hormonal contraceptives.

“Clove water is said to awaken the womb after long rest—like switching on a sleepy engine.”

📌 Again, if trying to conceive actively this cycle, avoid during ovulation and implantation phase.

🦷 6. Nurtures Gum Health in Pregnancy

Pregnancy can make gums sensitive and prone to inflammation due to hormonal shifts. Clove oil has long been used in dentistry to soothe gum pain and fight bacteria¹¹.

Quick DIY: Natural Gum Soothe

• 1 drop clove oil
• 1 tsp coconut oil

Rub gently on inflamed areas or swish for 1–2 minutes and spit.

“Pregnancy-safe oral care with zero side-eye from your midwife.”

🍼 Safe for occasional use during pregnancy when diluted properly—but always check with your healthcare provider first.

✨ 7. Clears Skin and Fights Hormonal Acne

Cloves’ antibacterial nature makes them a powerful spot-treatment for acne, especially those angry hormonal chin zits.

Thanks to its circulation-boosting powers, clove oil can also help fade scars and improve overall glow. Just remember—a little goes a LONG way.

How To Use for Skin:

• Mix 1 drop clove oil with 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
• Apply as a spot treatment at night
• Wash off in the morning

💡 Stat alert!
Cloves have one of the highest antioxidant ratings (ORAC score: over 290,000!)—beating even blueberries¹².

🧪 8. BONUS: DIY Clove Tea for Everyday Vitality

Use this tea as a base for womb wellness, mood support, or immunity boosts.

Ingredients

• 5 whole cloves (crushed)
• 1 cup boiling water
• Optional: cinnamon, lemon, honey

Instructions

1. Crush cloves gently
2. Add to mug and pour in boiling water
3. Steep 10–12 minutes
4. Strain and enjoy warm

💡 Store leftovers in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 48 hours.

🔁 Tips & Safety

🍃 Why Choose Quidian Naturals Cloves?

At Quidian Naturals, we believe herbs should be powerful, pure, and accessible. That’s why our cloves are:

• Ethically sourced
• Small-batch dried for maximum potency
• Loved by women across the UK and beyond

📥 Grab your free “Clove for Women’s Wellness” guide at [quidiannaturals.co.uk]—complete with recipes, routines, and rituals.

🧭 In Summary

Whether you’re struggling with cramps, balancing hormones, trying to glow up your skin, or just want to feel a bit more in tune with your cycle—clove has got your back (and your womb, and your brain, and your gums).

💬 “This isn’t just a spice—it’s a sisterhood remedy, passed down through pots, prayers, and plenty of practice.”

So next time your kettle’s boiling, toss in a few cloves and toast to your health—the spicy, sisterly, soul-nourishing way.