Why Clove Essential Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Natural Routine
Clove essential oil is one of those powerhouse tools I always keep in my wellness stash. Its bold, spicy aroma feels warm and comforting—especially when the seasons change. Whether I’m reaching for it in my home, my barn, or my pet kit, it always seems to deliver.
But let’s get specific: The secret behind clove oil’s reputation is eugenol, its primary active compound. Eugenol is well-studied and research shows it may help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, fungi, and even mold. No wonder it’s been used for everything from preserving food to tending wounds for centuries.
If you love natural products that smell great – and you’ve got dogs or horses in your life – clove oil can be a must have. It’s warm, spicy, and versatile for both home and barn. Below I’ll share my favorite ways to use clove essential oil for people, dogs, and horses, plus important safety tips (especially for our pets). Let’s dive in!
WHAT IS CLOVE ESSENTIAL OIL?
Clove essential oil is steam-distilled from the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, native to Southeast Asia. In ancient China, clove was used in court ceremonies to freshen breath. In Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, it was a go-to for digestion, discomfort, and energy. Fast forward a bit, and it became known in the West for its role in dental care—remember those old-school clove-scented toothache remedies? That’s no coincidence. Dentists have long used eugenol from clove for its benefits.
HOW I USE CLOVE ESSENTIAL OIL AT HOME
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an easy Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth to support gum and tooth health. I like to supercharge my oil pulling by adding clove. Traditionally done with Sesame oil, it's common nowadays to use coconut oil.
I mix 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil with 1 drop of clove essential oil. Swish this blend gently in your mouth for 5-15 minutes. Start with a shorter time if you’re new. I found it tricky at first, so I set a smaller goal and worked up gradually—that made it much more manageable.
Then spit it out into a trash can (avoid the sink and drain clogs).
According to this review of natural remedies for oral health, clove oil and its main constituent, eugenol, have been studied and found to have effective antibacterial activity against 5 bacteria known to cause dental caries.
According to this study on Science Direct, Clove can also act as an anesthetic, which is why clove has been a traditional remedy for toothaches. With regular use (a few times a week), oil pulling with a drop of clove may help freshen breath and soothe minor gum discomfort.
Home Cleaning
DIY Clove All-Purpose Cleaner: Ditch the harsh chemical cleaners and make a natural cleaner with clove oil. I use this simple recipe: In a 16 oz spray bottle, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, and 10–15 drops of clove essential oil (you can also add 15 drops of lemon oil for an extra kick and uplifting scent.)
Shake well before each use and spray on countertops, sinks, garbage cans, or anywhere you need to eliminate odors. Clove’s spicy aroma will make your home smell like a cozy fall day. I love using this in the bathroom – it leaves everything smelling fresh and naturally clean.
Tip: Always test a small hidden spot first, especially on granite or wood, since vinegar can potentially dull some finishes.
Home Scents
Clove’s spicy, festive aroma makes it a go-to for fall and winter diffuser blends. I pair it with cinnamon, orange, and a little vanilla for a “holiday cheer” vibe. It also blends beautifully with fir, spruce, or frankincense.
Just one drop is plenty—especially around pets. Always diffuse in a ventilated area, and let your animals leave the room if they choose. For more detailed info on diffusing essential oils with pets, check out my dedicated blog HERE.
Here's a favorite diffuser blend, especially around the holidays.
Cozy Vibes
1 drop Clove
3 drops Orange
2 drops Spruce
DIY Perfume
On the topic of aroma, did you know you can even use clove oil in DIY natural perfumes? Its spicy note adds depth and warmth to homemade fragrance blends.
I use it occasionally to change things up from cinnamon or other spices (usually just 1 or 2 drops in a perfume mix), because it’s very bold – but that one drop can transform a blend into something exotic and comforting.
If you’re a natural scent lover looking to ditch synthetic perfumes, you’ll love experimenting with essential oils. (For an easy place to start, check out my DIY natural perfume blog where I show how to create your own signature scent using oils!). Clove can be the perfect base note for a fall-inspired perfume or a unisex cologne, lending a rich, cozy vibe.
Now that we’ve covered some of my favorite practical home uses, let’s shift from the physical to the emotional benefits of clove oil – and how it can positively impact not just you, but also your dogs and horses.
Emotional Benefits of Clove Oil for People, Dogs, and Horses
Clove isn’t just valued for cleaning or discomfort – it’s also cherished in aromatherapy for its emotional and energetic benefits. In fact, clove essential oil is often called “the oil of boundaries.” Its warm, protective scent has a way of grounding you and helping you feel empowered.
Traditionally, people have used clove’s aroma to bolster feelings of courage, self-confidence, and personal strength. When life gets overwhelming or you’re feeling a bit “small,” diffusing a little clove (or simply inhaling it from the bottle) can be like an emotional fortifier – it helps you say “no” when you need to and stand up for yourself.
I like to think of it as an oil that lights a little fire in your spirit, encouraging you to release any victim mentality and reclaim your personal power.
But what about our animals? Yes-you can use essential oils to support your animals’ emotional well-being too. Horses and dogs are very responsive to scents and energy.
I’ve found that using clove oil in the barn can help a nervous or insecure horse feel more secure and grounded. For example: I might put a drop of clove oil on a wooden clothespin and hang it outside the stall for one of my more anxious horses – the subtle aroma sends a “you are safe and strong” message. I love to pair this with lavender, one of my go-to essential oils for relaxation. Clove’s boundary-setting energy can help a tense horse (or even a timid rescue dog) feel more confident, much like it helps us humans release fear and step into courage.
Always introduce oils to animals slowly and let them choose to engage or walk away – if your dog turns his nose up, respect that. Often though, I’ve seen a curious horse take a few sniffs of clove oil from the bottle and then visibly relax.
If you’re new to using essential oils with your animals, I’ve created free starter ebooks to help you get started with confidence—check them out here:
In short, clove essential oil can create an emotional shield of sorts – promoting courage, confidence, and a sense of protection for you and your four-legged friends. It’s a beautiful way to nurture the heart and mind, not just the body.
How to Use Clove Oil in the Barn
Now let’s head out to the barn! Clove oil is a fantastic natural remedy for many barn and stable needs. Here are some of my favorite barn uses for clove oil.
Cleaning Grooming Brushes: Ever notice that musty smell on your horse’s brushes? I do a brush soak every couple of weeks: fill a bucket with hot water and a few splashes of white vinegar, then add about 10 drops of clove oil. Soak your plastic curry combs, brushes, hoof picks, etc., for 10–15 minutes (avoid soaking wooden handles too long to prevent warping).
After soaking, rinse and dry the tools in the sun if possible. They’ll smell fresh and spicy-clean. This is such an easy way to keep your grooming kit hygienic and your animals’ skin healthy.
Hoof Care: Clove oil shines when it comes to hoof health. If you’ve dealt with gunky hoof issues, you know how persistent they can be. I make a simple hoof spray by mixing 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 10 drops of clove oil and 10 drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle.
Spray it onto the frog and sole of the hoof daily until the black, smelly goo is gone. Important: Clove is strong, so don’t go overboard. And avoid applying clove oil above the hoof (like on skin) without heavy dilution, as it can irritate.
Stable Cleaner: I love using clove oil to naturally clean around the barn. You can make a big batch of barn cleaner by combining a gallon of water, 1 cup of vinegar or vodka, 20–30 drops of clove oil, and 20–30 drops of lemon oil. Use this solution to scrub down stall walls, wash feed buckets, or even spray on mats.
Natural Fly Spray Booster: Bugs tend to not like clove! This oil can be a secret weapon in homemade fly sprays. Adding clove oil to your fly spray mix can significantly ramp up its bug-repelling power.
Research has found that clove oil can be an effective insect repellent – in one study, clove (along with thyme) provided up to 3½ hours of mosquito protection when applied properly.
Note: Always shake natural fly sprays well and patch test on one spot of your horse’s coat to ensure there’s no sensitivity. If you’re looking for a good recipe, check out my DIY fly spray guide on the blog – click HERE.
Swap or Boost Other Remedies: Clove plays well with other essential oils – and can even stand in for them at times. In the barn, two other “powerhouse” oils are oregano and tea tree (melaleuca). If you have a barn blend you love with oregano or tea tree, you can boost it by adding a couple drops of clove.
For example, I sometimes add clove to my tea tree hoof spray for extra strength, or if I run out of oregano oil, I’ll use clove instead in a pinch.
By using clove essential oil in these ways around the barn, you create a healthier environment for your animals and avoid harsh chemicals. The barn smells spicy-fresh, your horse’s hooves stay cleaner, and even the flies keep their distance.
Safety Tips: Dilution and Quality (Especially for Dogs & Horses)
We’ve talked about all the amazing ways to use clove essential oil—but when it comes to using it with animals, safety is everything. The two most important factors? Dilution and quality.
Clove oil is considered a “hot” oil in aromatherapy, meaning it can cause irritation to the skin or mucous membranes if applied undiluted. That’s true for people—and especially true for dogs and horses. Always dilute well and when in doubt, less is more.
Just as important is the quality of the oil. Not all essential oils are created equal, and this matters even more when you’re using them around animals. Poor-quality or adulterated oils can contain synthetic solvents, fillers, or impurities that may trigger unwanted reactions—especially in sensitive systems like those of our pets.
Think of it like food: you wouldn’t feed your dog or horse spoiled or low-quality ingredients. The same goes for essential oils. A pure, fresh clove oil is not only more effective—it’s safer.
This is why I only use and recommend oils from the company I personally trust—because I’ve seen it for myself. I’ve had the opportunity to visit their farms, help with planting and harvesting, and witness the entire process from seed to seal. They perform multiple tests to ensure every batch is pure and free of anything synthetic. That kind of transparency gives me full confidence that what I’m using is safe—not just for me, but for my horses and dogs too. Want to see the oils I use and trust with my animals and home? Click HERE to check them out.
And remember: always watch your animal’s behavior. Horses and dogs are great at letting us know what works for them—if they turn away, wrinkle their nose, sneeze, or leave the area, that’s their way of saying “no thanks.” Honor that response, and know you can always try again later—or with a different oil.
When used thoughtfully and with care, clove oil can be a safe, empowering part of your natural care routine. It’s a true multitasker—connecting the dots between ancient traditions and modern wellness needs. Whether you’re supporting your immune system, deep-cleaning the house, freshening up the barn, or simply adding a warm, cozy scent to your space, clove always finds a way to deliver.
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