Don't You Just Love Clove?
Oh, clove. It’s sugar, it’s spice, it’s both naughty and nice. Its deep, warm scent is as comforting and tranquil as it is sexy and mysterious. Clove’s one-of-a-kind flavor adds richness and complexity to a variety of different cuisines, and its essential oil is a beautiful complement to any aromatherapy orchestra. Clove-Mint Zum Bar is a tried-and-true favorite, and we’re positively stoked about our Zum Lab Clove-Orange Bar. Mmmm. What else can you do with these lovely little flower buds? Worry not, we’ve got plenty of ideas.
- On your stovetop, simmer cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves in a big pot of water for the coziest housewarming ever.
- Ancient Romans used to suck on cloves to freshen their breath. Dental hygiene has improved considerably since the time of Halitosis Maximus, but this trick still works!
- Indulged in some garlic or onions? Want to keep your friends? Brush your teeth with a mixture of baking soda and ground clove to get that nasty stank out of your mouth for good.
- Stud an orange with cloves for super-lazy yet super-effective potpourri.
- Step out of your sweet potato rut: top your next baked beauty with olive oil, fresh rosemary, and a sprinkle of – you guessed it – ground clove. This combo is delicious on pears, too!
- Clove is a natural antiseptic. Shake up water and drops of clove oil in a spray bottle, then attack your scummy shower.
- A homemade clove tea can work wonders on a sore throat. Combine cloves with cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and/or star anise in a filter bag for an ultra-soothing steep.
- Clove adds a heavenly depth to DIY grilled chicken marinade (or eggplant for the veg loveys). Try this Middle Eastern-inspired concoction: two parts olive oil to two parts balsamic vinegar and one part almond butter, with coriander, oregano, garlic, clove, cinnamon, black pepper, cumin, lime wedges, and a squirt of sriracha. Perfect stuffed in a pita with Greek yogurt, chopped dates, fresh mint, and pickled carrots…and then stuffed in your face.
- Don’t settle for that stubborn stink that can remain on food storage containers even after you’ve scrubbed them relentlessly. Add a few drops each of clove, rosemary, and spearmint essential oils to hot soapy dishwater for some extra odor-fighting power.
- For a pore-purging face mask that smells (and tastes) like straight-up dessert, mix honey and ground clove, wet your hands with hot water, and apply to your face. Try your best to let it sit for several minutes…you’ll want to lick it all off.