Herbs in Witchcraft - Cloves

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Cloves are commonly used in witchcraft and natural healing. Well-known as a natural remedy for pain, this spiky little spice also holds many magical properties.

Herbs in Witchcraft - Cloves with whole cloves on a wooden spoon

You may think of cloves only as something you add to a pumpkin pie or stick into your Christmas ham, but these tiny buds are good for more than just adding flavor to winter dishes. They have their own healing and magical properties, and a long history in herbal medicine. Let's explore.

Healing Properties of Cloves

Cloves have been used in herbal healing around the world, and they're known for their warming properties. A add a few drops of clove essential oil to a carrier oil and massage your belly to stimulate digestion. Try this blend on sore muscles, as well.

The oil can also be added to a steaming bowl of water and inhaled to ease a cold. It also has some expectorant properties, so definitely try this if you have a cough.

Cloves also bring relief from pain, and they have been used as a toothache remedy for centuries. Today, you can apply the oil to a mouth wash. Our ancestors may have chewed a whole clove to feel the sweet relief from nagging pain. This is not a permanent solution, though, as overuse can damage the gums.

They also contain anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to adding them to your food, you can use whole cloves in tea blends to ease inflamation. The essential oil can also be used in skincare to help reduce acne inflammation.

There are also benefits to your mental health. Clove has a relaxing and comforting aroma that can reduce anxiety and enhance focus. Add some oil to your diffuser if you're feeling uptight.

Cloves should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding or anyone with bleeding disorders. Always consult a professional before partaking in herbal healing. Plants are powerful, so use your common sense and make sure you have all the information you need before you start putting things on or in your body.

Magical & Spiritual Properties of Cloves

Cloves hold a variety of magical energies. With their shape and warming properties, they're believed to call in love and lust. They're also helpful for banishing and purification. Use cloves in spells to heighten divination and increase wealth. Some believe cloves can help bring luck and boost courage, self-belief, and personal growth.

Here are some of the correspondences for cloves.

Chakras - solar plexus, heart, throat
Planets - Sun, Jupiter
Element - fire
Astrology - Sagittarius

Witchcraft Uses

With its warming properties, clove is known as an aphrodisiac. Use it in romance and lust spells. A sensual massage oil seems like a fun place to start.

Create a variety of magical oils to anoint yourself, your tools, your candles, or whatever else you may need.

Add whole cloves to spell jars or charm bags to keep the energy pure.

Add clove to magical tea blends to call in your intention.

Use whole cloves to create a pomander or other fragrant crafts.

Add them to a warming simmer pot to enhance focus and ease your worries.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Where would you use cloves in your practice?

Pork & Apple Hot Pot on white platter with green linen

Recipes for the Kitchen Witch

As a pungent, warming spice, clove is more of a flavor enhancer than a main ingredient. It's flavor is quite strong, so you'll probably notice it's only used in scant amounts in recipes so as not to overwhelm the other flavors.

Even though it's small but mighty, this spice can make your dishes sing and bring it's powerful magick to whatever you're cooking. Whether you're crafting a romantic dinner for two or calling in abundance with a holiday feast, a sprinkling of clove will make everything awesome.

Here are a few recipes to help you make use of this magical spice.

I hope this has given you some ideas of how to weave cloves into your witchcraft practice. Every plant has its own energy, even these tiny dried flower buds. They may be small, but they're very powerful. I hope they help you make beautiful magick.