AnnaMaria
When discomfort from leg pain, rheumatism, varicose veins, or arthritis becomes a daily struggle, many people instinctively turn to painkillers, creams, or even surgical options. But long before pharmaceuticals existed, traditional healers reached for nature’s pharmacy—and two of the most powerful ingredients they turned to were cloves and garlic. When used together, these two simple ingredients create a potent anti-inflammatory and circulation-boosting remedy that has stood the test of time.
Cloves and garlic are both loaded with compounds that support joint health, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation. When prepared correctly and used consistently, this natural remedy may help soothe aching legs, ease arthritic joints, reduce the appearance and discomfort of varicose veins, and improve flexibility and mobility.
Let’s explore the science behind this traditional combination, how to prepare it, and why it might just be one of the most underrated home remedies for chronic pain and poor circulation.
Why Cloves and Garlic?
Both cloves and garlic have been used for centuries in natural medicine. They’re not only staples in the kitchen but also powerful natural healers.
Garlic is known for its sulfur-rich compounds like allicin, which have strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardiovascular benefits. Garlic helps reduce joint swelling, improves circulation, and can ease muscle and nerve pain. It also supports detoxification, which is important when chronic inflammation is present.
Cloves, on the other hand, are rich in eugenol, a compound with strong pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Clove oil is often used in dental care for numbing tooth pain, but it can also work wonders on sore muscles and joints when applied topically or used in internal remedies.
Together, garlic and cloves create a synergistic blend that targets the root of many pain-related conditions—inflammation and poor circulation.
Conditions This Remedy May Help With
1. Leg Pain and Cramps
Many people experience leg pain due to muscle fatigue, nerve issues, or poor blood flow. Garlic helps improve circulation, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach the muscles. Cloves soothe nerve endings and reduce inflammation, making this blend a great natural choice.
2. Rheumatism
Rheumatism includes a variety of conditions that cause chronic pain and stiffness in joints and muscles. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature of garlic and cloves can help calm the immune system and reduce joint flare-ups.
3. Varicose Veins
Varicose veins develop when blood pools in the veins, often due to poor valve function and weak vein walls. Garlic strengthens blood vessels and supports circulation, while cloves can reduce the swelling and discomfort associated with inflamed veins.
4. Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic joint pain. Garlic and cloves both combat the inflammation and oxidative stress that contribute to joint degeneration, helping to improve mobility and reduce morning stiffness.
The Traditional Remedy Recipe
There are two powerful ways to use this remedy: internally through a tincture or paste, and externally as a massage oil or poultice. Here’s how to make both.
Internal Use: Garlic & Clove Tonic
Ingredients:
– 10 fresh garlic cloves, peeled
– 1 tablespoon whole cloves
– 250 ml raw apple cider vinegar
– 250 ml pure honey
Preparation:
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Chop or crush the garlic cloves to activate the allicin.
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Lightly crush the whole cloves using a mortar and pestle.
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Combine all ingredients in a clean glass jar with a tight lid.
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Shake well and store in a cool, dark place for 7 days, shaking daily.
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After 7 days, strain the mixture and store it in a dark glass bottle.
How to Use:
Take 1 tablespoon daily in the morning on an empty stomach. For severe inflammation or pain, you can take a second tablespoon at night before bed.
This tonic supports internal healing, improves blood flow, and reduces systemic inflammation.
External Use: Clove-Garlic Massage Oil
Ingredients:
– 5 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon whole cloves
– 100 ml extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil
Preparation:
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Place the minced garlic and whole cloves in a small saucepan.
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Add the oil and warm it gently over low heat for 10–15 minutes. Do not let it boil.
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Allow the mixture to cool completely.
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Strain and store the oil in a dark glass bottle.
How to Use:
Massage this oil into painful joints, varicose veins, or sore leg muscles 1–2 times daily. It’s best to apply it at night and wrap the area with a warm cloth to boost absorption.
You can also use this as a compress: soak a cloth in the oil, apply to the affected area, and cover with a towel for 30 minutes.
What to Expect
Many people report noticing improvements in circulation, reduced swelling, and less morning stiffness within the first week of consistent use. However, like most natural remedies, results improve over time. After 3–4 weeks of daily use, users often report the following benefits:
– Easier movement and less joint stiffness in the morning
– Reduced visible swelling in varicose veins
– Fewer nighttime leg cramps
– General improvement in energy due to better circulation
Supportive Lifestyle Tips
To enhance the effects of this remedy, consider making a few complementary changes:
– Stay active: Gentle exercise like walking or yoga improves blood flow to the extremities.
– Stay hydrated: Proper hydration supports detox and joint lubrication.
– Eat anti-inflammatory foods: Add turmeric, ginger, leafy greens, and omega-3s to your diet.
– Avoid prolonged standing or sitting: Move often to prevent blood pooling in the legs.
– Elevate your legs at night: This helps with varicose veins and improves drainage.
Barbara O’Neill’s Perspective
Barbara O’Neill often speaks about the power of food as medicine and emphasizes reducing inflammation, supporting circulation, and cleansing the body naturally. While she hasn’t spoken specifically about this exact combination, the core principles of this remedy align with her teachings. She encourages using nature’s own resources—like garlic for the blood and cloves for pain relief—as first-line defenses against chronic illness and discomfort.
She often recommends simple but effective practices, such as poultices, herbal tonics, and food-based healing, all of which are reflected in this approach.
Precautions
– Garlic and cloves are powerful. If you’re on blood-thinning medications, talk to your doctor before using them in high doses.
– Do a patch test with the oil before applying it all over, especially if you have sensitive skin.
– If you have gastrointestinal sensitivity, start with smaller doses of the tonic.
– Not recommended for pregnant women in medicinal quantities without professional guidance.
Final Thoughts
When chronic pain limits your freedom, it’s easy to feel discouraged. But nature has gifted us with tools to restore comfort and mobility—without side effects or costly medications. This simple but powerful blend of garlic and cloves can help your body fight inflammation, improve circulation, and reduce pain from within and outside.
It’s not a miracle cure, but it’s a gentle, consistent way to support your body’s healing. With just a few kitchen ingredients, you can start turning your pain story around—one dose at a time. If you’ve been battling arthritis, varicose veins, or lingering leg pain, give this remedy a try. Nature is often the best healer of all.
