Clove & Onion – Earth Medicine for Winter Wellness

At Sweet Earth, we believe some of the most powerful healers grow humbly in the garden. Clove and onion are two such earth-born allies — potent plant medicines that have supported health and wellbeing for centuries. These are remedies I continue to honour in my own home.

When winter rolls in, it’s to the garden I go to harvest a basket of onions — humble bulbs ready to absorb any coughs or colds that may find their way inside. It’s not unusual to see little saucers of sliced onion placed around the homestead during the colder months, or stuffed in socks before bed — quietly working to detoxify the air and support those I love most.

Cloves — the aromatic flower buds of the evergreen clove tree — are known for their warming, antimicrobial magic. Onions, one of the oldest cultivated vegetables, are mineral-rich and brimming with natural medicine. Together, they create a beautifully synergistic remedy, lovingly aligned with holistic wellness and daily vitality. Two powerful healers I keep on hand in the kitchen all year round.

10 Ways Clove & Onion Support Your Wellbeing

1. Strengthens the Immune System - Cloves contain eugenol, a potent antimicrobial compound, while onions are rich in quercetin — a flavonoid that helps regulate inflammation and enhance immune function.

2. Supports Clear Breathing & Respiratory Relief - Cloves act as a natural expectorant, helping loosen phlegm and clear the chest. Onions soothe the throat and calm inflammation. Try a slice or two of onion in your water diffuser along with a 4-6 drops of clove oil.

3. Enhances Digestive Harmony - Clove supports the release of digestive enzymes, easing bloating and indigestion. Onion acts as a natural prebiotic, feeding your gut flora and encouraging a healthy microbiome. Pop a clove or two along with your sliced onion, in your winter casseroles this season — your tummy flora will thank you!

4. Helps Stabilise Blood Sugar - Cloves can improve insulin sensitivity, while onion’s sulphur compounds support blood sugar balance and metabolic health. Keep some dried clove buds on the bench to chew after meals.

5. Nurtures the Heart - Cloves help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, and onions — packed with heart-loving flavonoids — help lower blood pressure and support circulation.

Try dicing an onion with some cloves and ginger in honey and keep it on the kitchen bench as a nourishing winter tonic.

6. Natural Pain & Inflammation Relief - Cloves have long been used to relieve toothaches thanks to their numbing effects. Onion’s anti-inflammatory properties make this duo powerful allies for easing sore joints, headaches, and general body tension.

7. Gentle Detox, Liver & Kidney Support - Clove supports liver detoxification and is lovely as a warming tea. Onion, a natural diuretic, assists kidney function and gently stimulates elimination. Add a slice of onion to your clove tea and sip slowly, for an all round support.

8. Oral Health Helper - Clove oil is renowned for its antibacterial powers in treating toothaches, bad breath, and gum infections. Onions surprisingly offer antimicrobial support, too! We love supporting Australian local business and source most of our oils from Australian Wholesale Oils.

9. Glowing Skin, Naturally - The antioxidants in cloves and sulphur compounds in onions help reduce blemishes, soothe breakouts, and support collagen production — giving skin that healthy, nourished glow.

10. Encourages Hair Growth - Onion juice is well known for stimulating hair growth. When paired with clove oil, this combo helps reduce scalp irritation, boost circulation, and strengthen hair at the root. Simmer together and use as a hair rinse once cooled.

Earthy Rituals & Remedies

1. Clove-Studded Onion Remedy - A beloved old folk remedy. Pierce a peeled onion with whole cloves and leave overnight. Simmer in tea or broth the next day to draw out its healing gifts.

2. Warming Clove & Onion Tea - Perfect for the sniffles or when your body needs a little love. You’ll need:– 3–4 whole cloves– 1 small onion, chopped– 1 cup water– A spoon of raw honey (optional). Boil together for 5–10 mins, strain and sip slowly.

3. Overnight Infused Healing Water - Place a clove-studded onion in a jar of water with extra cloves. Let it infuse overnight. Sip in the morning for gentle immune and gut support.

4. Topical Paste for Aches & Pains - Make a paste with onion juice, ground cayenne pepper and powdered clove. Apply to sore muscles or joints to relieve inflammation and tension.

5. Mouth Rinse for Oral Care - Simmer cloves and chopped onion in water, then cool. Use as a daily mouth rinse to freshen breath and support gum health.

6. Hair & Scalp Nourishment Mask - Blend onion juice with a few drops of clove oil and massage into the scalp. Leave for 10–15 minutes before washing with your Sweet Earth botanical shampoo bar. It’s earthy — but powerful!

Rooted in Tradition, Re-Membering with Ancestorial Wisdom.

I just adore finding magic in the simplest of things — and few combinations embody this more than the humble onion and the mighty clove. Whether sipped in tea, infused in water, added to a wholesome meal, or lovingly applied to skin and scalp, this traditional pair offers grounded, nature-based support for everyday wellbeing. Rooted in tradition, re-membering with ancestorial wisdom. All-ways.

Stay warm, stay rooted,

With love, Hala xo 🌿

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