Here are 10 of the most interesting alternative uses for cloves:
1. Mouthwash
Pour half a teaspoon of dried and crushed mallow and three cloves of cloves into a glass of boiling water. Let stand for 10 minutes, strain through a strainer and cool. A glass of infusion should be enough for two uses. Mallow has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the gums, and cloves get rid of harmful microbes.
2. Toothache remedy
Cloves are also one of the most popular folk remedies for toothache. Simply place the clove next to the painful tooth and secure with a cotton swab. This method will help relieve pain before visiting the dentist.
3. Deodorant
To make an effective, skin-friendly powder deodorant, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 4 cloves of cloves to a small container with a lid. Close the container tightly, mix thoroughly and leave for one day. The baking soda will acquire a distinctive aroma, and you will get a very pleasant deodorant to use, which should be applied in the same way as talcum powder.
4. Nausea and bad breath
If you feel slightly nauseous (for example, while traveling), try a natural and harmless remedy. Just chew the cloves for a few minutes. In addition, it is an effective remedy for preventing bad breath.
5. Digestive infusion
If you are worried about poor digestion, you can prepare an infusion of 5 cloves, 1 orange and 2 cardamom seeds and 1 teaspoon of honey. Wash the orange and cut it into thin slices. Place in the pan along with the cloves and cardamom seeds. Pour 1.5 liters of water and cook for 30 minutes. Turn off the heat, dissolve the honey and cover with a lid. Leave for 30 minutes, then strain the liquid, pour it into a glass bottle and store in the refrigerator.
6. Scent bags
Spicy spices help absorb and fight unpleasant odors, making them great for scenting laundry. Fill a cloth bag with cloves, adding cinnamon, nutmeg, lavender or black pepper if desired, and place in drawers or linen closets.
7. Air freshener
Here is an interesting recipe for making an aromatic spray based on cloves and cinnamon.
You will need:
- 1 large cup of water;
- 1 cup vinegar;
- 1 large spoon of vanilla or citrus extract;
- 1 teaspoon cloves;
- 1 vanilla stick.
Pour all ingredients into a saucepan and heat over low heat for about 5 minutes. Let cool, strain and pour the resulting mixture into a spray.
8. Home decoration
Using cloves in combination with citrus fruits can make a wonderful Christmas decoration for your home. Simply insert cloves into oranges or tangerines and place on a plate for decoration.
9. Insecticidal spray with garlic and cloves
Garlic is a powerful natural repellent, so you can use it to make an insect repellent spray. Add two cups of water to the crushed garlic and a few cloves. Let it brew and add another 3 liters of water. You will receive a natural insecticide for plant protection, which is recommended to be applied in the evening or early morning.
10. Carpet cleaning
To deodorize carpets and make them easier to clean, you can resort to using aromatic spices. This way, cloves with their long-lasting scent will leave a pleasant scent on your carpets. Crushed cloves are sprinkled on the carpet and left to act for several minutes, then vacuumed thoroughly. To prevent the spices from staining the pile, be sure to test in an inconspicuous place. Other beneficial spices include cinnamon, thyme, nutmeg, rosemary and ginger.
