Hormones, Hormones, Hormones! Between the increase in use of hormone-based drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro and the long overdue learning about perimenopause and menopause. Hormones are finally getting the spotlight they deserve. Before I shifted my diet and started paying attention to my hormones, I thought feeling tired, bloated, moody, and dealing with breakouts was just part of life. My energy crashed by midday, my skin was dull and full of congestion, my emotions swung unpredictably. I had no idea that my daily food choices were keeping me in a cycle of inflammation, insulin spikes, and hormonal chaos.

Now I understand the importance of my hormones. They regulate mood and emotions, control energy and metabolism, influence sleep, boost’s reproduction, build muscle strength, support skin, hair and aging, help with stress and strengthen immunity, the list is looong. I know once I started paying attention to my hormones my skin issues cleared up, I dropped some weight and felt I functioned much better in the world. Sounds great, how do you ‘check in’ with your hormones without turning your life into a science experiment. Well, what if I told you there was a cheat code to get all the benefits I mentioned from one place, and you might even already have this magic spice in your Pantry. 

Enter Cloves

I’m obsessed with this small but mighty spice. Anytime I feel inflamed, maybe from a long flight, a simple weather change or stress is a big one for me. The anti-inflammatory properties of Cloves help reduce swelling and pain. I sometimes get psoriasis or hives when stressed. Cloves contain eugenol which is a potent compound that fights oxidative stress and helps regulate cortisol, aka the stress hormone. Less cortisol = better mood stability + fewer hormonal disruptions!  

Cloves are a game changer for our hormonal health. For those dealing with PMS or menopause symptoms,  Cloves enhance progesterone production, helping ease bloating, cramps, and mood swings. They also support  estrogen regulation, keeping skin fresh and our metabolism firing. Men benefit too! Cloves have been studied for their role in testosterone enhancement, helping with energy, muscle recovery, and overall vitality.  

I like to think of Cloves as the sexy spice. Forget about eating pineapple, incorporating cloves into your diet will have you smelling and tasting great down there. It works orally too, the antimicrobial effects kill bacteria  and give you fresh breath, whilst in turn improving fertility, so yes this humble spice is doing the most.  

Ways to prepare and use Cloves 

Incorporating cloves into your routine doesn’t require a culinary degree or a wellness guru certification. Here are some easy, practical ways to make cloves your new best friend.

Clove Tea (My Daily Ritual)

Brew 4–5 whole cloves in a cup of hot water. If you’re traveling, a kettle will do, but at home, I prefer a saucepan on the stove. Cover it—don’t let those precious vapors escape, there’s alot of goodness in them! Bring it to a boil for about 5 minutes. I like to make a big batch and store it in the fridge. Reheat for a cozy evening cuppa which helps me sleep, something I struggle with. Or use it creatively—like in a spray bottle to ward off mosquitoes (yes, really).

DIY Clove Oil for Skin and Cramps

Dilute clove essential oil with a carrier oil (like coconut or almond) and massage it onto your skin to boost  circulation and relieve cramps. No essential oil? No problem. Just brew cloves as above, strain them, and mix the liquid with your favorite carrier oil.

Clove Steam Facial

Feeling congested or dull-skinned? Add a few cloves to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and let the steam work its magic.

Chew on It

In Ayurveda, chewing a clove after meals is a traditional remedy for digestion and fresh breath. It’s a simple, effective way to support gut health—which, by the way, is closely tied to hormone balance.

Spice Up Your Meals

Add ground cloves to smoothies, soups, or even coffee for a warm, spicy health boost. I use a mortar and pestle to grind mine, but a food processor works too. A pinch goes a long way!

Balancing hormones and food isn’t about restriction—it’s about nourishment. When I stopped fighting my body and started listening to what it actually needed, everything else fell into place naturally. The glow, the energy, the calm—it wasn’t from a pill or a quick fix. It was from finally giving my body the right fuel. 

If you’re feeling stuck, fatigued, or just not yourself, maybe it’s time for a hormonal reset. Trust me— your skin, body, and mood will thank you. If nothing else, drink your Clove tea on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, let the antibacterial properties do their thing. This will give you your reset. These tiny buds deliver big results. Incorporate Cloves into your daily life, and let this humble spice become your secret weapon for overall well-being!”