4. It Helps Absorb Odors and Freshen the Home
Onions naturally absorb odors, and cloves add an aromatic, spicy scent. When cloves penetrate the onion, the fragrance spreads gradually and helps neutralize:
- cooking smells
- cigarette smoke
- mildew
- pet odors
- household odors
Many people use this method in kitchens, basements, bathrooms, or bedrooms to keep the air clean and fresh without sprays or synthetic chemicals.
5. It Helps Repel Insects and Pests
Cloves are known to repel pests due to their strong essential oil aroma, especially eugenol. Onions have a pungent scent that insects dislike as well.
Together, they help deter:
- mosquitoes
- fruit flies
- ants
- moths
- flies
- some spiders
This makes the clove-onion combination ideal for outdoor seating areas, kitchens, and pantries.
6. It Creates a Calm, Healing Atmosphere in the Home
Aromatic compounds affect the nervous system. The scent of cloves has traditionally been used to reduce stress, promote mental clarity, and ease tension.
Onions, when cut, release molecules that help open the sinuses and promote easier breathing.
People often report:
- feeling calmer
- breathing more deeply
- sleeping more comfortably
- reduced nighttime restlessness
This makes the remedy especially popular in bedrooms and relaxation spaces.
7. It Supports the Body During Colds, Coughs, and Congestion
Even if not consumed, the vapors from cloves and onions are believed to support the body during respiratory discomfort. When placed near someone who is sick, the combination may:
- help thin mucus
- reduce stuffiness
- ease nighttime coughing
- support faster recovery
- create a cleansing environment
This method has been passed down through generations because it provides relief without medication, making it especially useful for children.
8. The Combination Helps Reduce Mold and Microbial Growth
Mold thrives in damp, stagnant air. The antimicrobial vapors released from cloves and onion help discourage mold growth and reduce mold spores in the air.
While not a replacement for cleaning, placing cloves in an onion may help:
- protect closets
- keep storage rooms fresher
- reduce moisture odors
- discourage mold in bathrooms or basements
This remedy is ideal for homes in humid or rainy climates.
9. It Acts as an All-Natural Home Air Freshener
Unlike commercial air fresheners that contain artificial fragrances and chemicals, the onion-and-clove remedy is 100% natural and safe.
A clove-studded onion emits:
- a warm, spicy aroma
- a comforting herbal scent
- gentle, earthy undertones
- a cleansing fragrance
It doubles as both a functional remedy and a natural home fragrance.
10. It Helps Reduce Dust Mites and Micro Irritants
Cloves contain compounds that repel mites and other microscopic pests. Onions release sulfur vapors that may help inhibit the activity of dust-based microbes.
A clove-inserted onion placed near:
- mattresses
- bedding
- carpets
- closets
…may help reduce irritants that trigger sneezing or nighttime symptoms.
11. It Symbolically Represents Protection in Many Cultures
Beyond the science, cloves and onions have long been used symbolically to ward off negativity, illness, and “bad air.”
Even without spiritual beliefs, many people use this remedy to create a feeling of safety, comfort, and renewal in their homes.
The symbolism includes:
- cleansing spaces
- renewal of energy
- protection from illness
- welcoming positive energy
Whether literal or symbolic, this creates a mentally soothing environment.
How to Make a Clove-Inserted Onion Remedy
The process is simple, traditional, and takes only a few minutes.
How to prepare it:
- Peel an onion halfway or leave the skin on.
- Insert several whole cloves into the onion.
- Place it in a bowl, jar, or small plate.
- Position it in the room where you want cleansing or respiratory support.
The scent intensifies over time as the onion releases moisture into the cloves.
Best places to use it:
- bedroom nightstands
- kitchen counters
- living rooms
- windowsills
- children’s rooms (placed safely out of reach)
- near sick beds
- near entryways to purify air
Replace the onion every 3–7 days depending on humidity and smell.
Putting cloves into an onion may sound simple, but this ancient remedy carries powerful benefits supported by both tradition and modern science.
