Sore Throat
Health Benefits

Cloves - An Effective, Natural Sore Throat Remedy

| Modified on Dec 20, 2024
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A sore throat is never welcome company. With the right natural remedies, you can get rid of this pesky "visitor" in no time at all and be back on your way to good health. Cloves are one of the most effective, fastest-acting natural remedies, so consider giving them a try the next time a sore throat comes "knocking on your door.

How Earth Clinic Readers Use Cloves for Their Sore Throats

Essma told us how cloves have traditionally been used in Pakistan as an effective natural remedy.

[YEA] My in laws are from Pakistan; many of their home remedies are similar to those in Ayurveda, and my mother in law's suggestions are unbelievably effective for the kids' ailments.

So to soothe a sore throat (not a cure but will help you sleep and function), keep a clove or a few cloves (the spice) in the back of your mouth. You can bite it a few times to release the oils. Cloves have numbing properties so maybe that is how it works. Anyway, everyone I have shared this with has found relief for their sore throats/night coughs with this!

Donny also likes to use whole cloves for sore throats.

[YEA] I rarely get sick. I am in pretty good shape, don't always exercise like I should, but I don't allow myself to get out of shape. However, every now and then I do catch something. Caught a sore throat the other day and instead of buying medicine from the store, I decided to go natural on the problem. I'm drinking only citrus juices (grapefruit is my preference), water, and tea with lemon and honey. For on the go relief I may take an aspirin (no more than 3 in 24 hours), and I take a couple whole cloves (not garlic, the spice), nibble on them a bit, and hold them between my teeth/cheeks and just suck on them. A little bitter, but instantly numbs the sore throat, and on the plus side, keeps your breath fresh and smelling like cinnamon! Excellent strategy, and I WILL use it in the future.

Are Over-the-Counter Sore Throat Remedies Helpful?

When they feel the first signs of a sore throat, many people rush to the pharmacy to get some over-the-counter treatment for their sore throats. While these treatments are not necessarily the "most detrimental" in the scheme of medication, they do little to actually relieve a painful sore throat. Also, these over-the-counter treatments can actually upset the natural balance of the body. Earth Clinic readers have suggested many natural home remedies for treating sore throats, including cloves.

The 3 Health Benefits of Cloves as an Effective Natural Sore Throat Remedy

Cloves are a common ingredient in baked goods and teas because of their spicy flavor and delicious aroma. Studding cloves into a ham before baking is another common use of cloves (remember how good the house smells while the ham is baking?). Whether you are a fan of this pungent spice or not, you should consider trying the clove treatment for your sore throat.

Cloves are so effective for sore throats and other ailments because cloves have antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties.

1. Antifungal

Cloves help to naturally eradicate fungus, viruses, and other forms of infection, attacking the underlying cause of your sore throat.

2. Anti-inflammatory

Cloves are an effective anti-inflammatory, naturally relieving the inflammation in your throat.

3. Anesthetic

Cloves are also a natural anesthetic, making cloves a great natural pain reliever.

Make a Delicious Clove Tea

If you don't want to suck the cloves, you can make a hot tea with clove. Steep the cloves in the water with your tea bag and strain the tea before drinking.

Enjoy this wonderful remedy and the added bonus of the delicious taste. Scroll down the page to find out how Earth Clinic readers use cloves as a natural sore throat cure. Let us know about your favorite natural sore throat remedies.

Related Links:

10 Best Natural Remedies for Soothing a Sore Throat
10 Cold and Flu Home Remedies
Cloves Health Benefits
Natural Cold Remedies for the Elderly
Top 10 Natural Remedies for Flu


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

9 User Reviews


Posted by WD (Pennsylvania) on 05/19/2022
★★★★★

Just tried the cloves...have a bad sore throat 3 days now...feels lot better on just one clove....thanks so much


Cloves
Posted by Binds (Mumbai) on 02/20/2014
★★★★★

After reading about the cloves remedy for sore throat, I tried it and found immediate relief...


Cloves
Posted by Gc (Aberdeen, Uk) on 06/15/2012
★★★★★

I've had a sore throat for the past three days. Swallowing has been very painful. Yesterday I had couple of cloves after dinner and immediately the pain reduced. I'm feeling much better this morning with the pain largely gone. Still feel a lumpiness, but it's on its way out!


Cloves
Posted by Essma (Dallas, TX) on 03/13/2009
★★★★★

My in laws are from Pakistan; many of their home remedies are similar to those in Ayurveda, and my mother in law's suggestions are unbelievably effective for the kids' ailments.

So to soothe a sore throat (not a cure but will help you sleep and function), keep a clove or a few cloves (the spice) in the back of your mouth. You can bite it a few times to release the oils. Cloves have numbing properties so maybe that is how it works. Anyway, everyone i have shared this with has found relief for their sore throats/night coughs with this!


Cloves
Posted by Avidcooker (Raleigh, NC) on 12/23/2007
★★★★★

Yes, I am a true believer of holistic medicine and cloves definately work great for sore throats. When I feel the sore throat coming on, I suck on 2 cloves, biting on them just a little so that the oil form within gets released. I keep it in my mouth for q hour or so, 3 times a day. And the sore throat is gone within 12 hours. I've never had to go to a doctor for this condition even as a child... the cure is there right at home.


Cloves
Posted by Hema (Jakarta, Indonesia) on 11/05/2007
★★★★★

Hi all, I came across this website after getting really tired of doctor's medication which have not made me better and have in fact made my stomach sensitive. I was searching for a remedy for sore throat and tried cloves. After sucking/chewing 4-5 cloves in a day, my throat felt MUCH better and the next day it was totally gone!! I was so GRATEFUL dat I didnt need antibiotics 4 it!

I also have a sinus infection and share similar symptoms as many here. Ive been trying ACV for the past few days and have gotten up each morning with yellowish-green phlem coming outof my nose. Its making me feel like ACV is cleansing my sinuses. The great part is my face and head feels very light d whole day after dat!! From now, this website is on my 'favourites' list and is my best friend! thank you.

Replied by Yvonne
(Oregon)
01/21/2023

What is AVC

EC: Apple cider vinegar


Cloves
Posted by Donny (Miami, FL) on 05/31/2007
★★★★★

I rarely get sick. I am in pretty good shape, don't always exercise like I should, but I don't allow myself to get out of shape. However, every now and then I do catch something. Caught a sore throat the other day and instead of buying medicine from the store, I decided to go natural on the problem. I'm drinking only citrus juices (grapefruit is my preference), water, and tea with lemon and honey. For on the go relief I may take an aspirin (no more than 3 in 24 hours), and I take a couple whole cloves (not garlic, the spice), nibble on them a bit, and hold them between my teeth/cheeks and just suck on them. A little bitter, but instantly numbs the sore throat, and on the plus side, keeps your breath fresh and smelling like cinnamon! Excellent strategy, and I WILL use it in the future.


Cloves
Posted by Penny (USA) on 02/01/2006
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Whole cloves cure and numb sore throats. I carry cloves everywhere I go. At first sign of a sore throat, I place one or two between my cheek and teeth after crunching them just a little bit. This numbs the throat and kills the germs that cause the problem. If I awaken at night, even one clove can save me from a sore throat coming on, if I place it in my mouth in this manner. I had to tell my family, 'No, it does not stain my teeth. No, I never choke on it, and yes, I do sleep on my back, etc.'


Cloves
Posted by Melanie (Lafollette, Tennessee)
★★★★★

I saw where whole cloves would work for sore throats and since we don't like to give any non-natural things to our children we tried it and yeppers it worked..