Two powerful ingredients – fresh garlic and whole cloves – are crushed together in a stone mortar to create a fragrant, potent paste that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. This simple mixture combines the antimicrobial power of garlic with the numbing and anti-inflammatory properties of cloves, making it useful for both internal and external applications.

Garlic contains allicin, a natural compound that helps fight infections, reduce inflammation, and support the immune system. Cloves are rich in eugenol, which acts as a natural pain reliever, antiseptic, and circulation booster. When crushed together, these ingredients form a paste that can be used in a variety of ways.

The Garlic & Clove Paste Recipe

What you need

• 2 cloves of fresh garlic, peeled
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• A stone mortar and pestle

How to make it
Place the garlic cloves and whole cloves into the stone mortar. Using the pestle, firmly crush and grind the ingredients together until they form a coarse, fragrant paste. Continue grinding until the mixture is well combined and reaches your desired consistency.

How to use it

• For immune support: Take a small pinch of the paste (about the size of a pea) and swallow it with a glass of warm water once daily. The potent compounds can help strengthen your immune system.
• For toothache or gum pain: Apply a tiny amount of the paste directly to the affected area. The eugenol in cloves provides natural numbing relief.
• For topical use on skin: Mix a small amount of the paste with a carrier oil (such as coconut or olive oil) and apply it to sore muscles or joints. Do not apply undiluted paste directly to sensitive skin.
• For cooking: Use the paste as a flavorful addition to soups, stews, marinades, or salad dressings.

Why this works

The allicin in garlic and the eugenol in cloves are released when the cell walls are broken through crushing. This creates a concentrated paste that delivers both ingredients’ benefits in a form that your body can absorb quickly.

Important safety notes

This paste is very strong. Start with a very small amount to see how your body reacts. Do not apply undiluted paste to broken or irritated skin. If you are on blood-thinning medication, consult your doctor before using garlic regularly.

A simple, powerful mixture

Garlic and cloves, crushed together in a mortar, create one of the simplest and most effective natural remedies you can make at home. Whether used internally or externally, this paste is a testament to the healing power of whole ingredients.

For more natural remedies, you might love this 2-ingredient clove and oregano tea or even a simple flaxseed and lime water for a great start to your day, and don’t forget to check out this nutrient-rich tomato and leafy green herbal tea too!