Putting cloves into an onion is a traditional home practice seen in cooking, natural-remedy circles, and old household tricks. While many viral posts exaggerate the effects, there are a few real, practical benefits — mostly related to aroma, flavor, and mild antimicrobial properties, not miracle cures.
Here’s the truth:
🌿 1. Natural Air Freshener
Onions release sulfur compounds and cloves release warm, spicy oils.
Together, they create a natural deodorizer for small spaces.
People sometimes place a clove-studded onion:
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in kitchens
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near trash areas
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in refrigerators
It neutralizes odors without chemicals.
🍽️ 2. Deep, Aromatic Flavor in Cooking
In many cuisines (especially French and Mediterranean), cooks stud an onion with 3–6 cloves and add it to:
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soups
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broths
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stews
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rice dishes
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roasts
It gives a warm, subtly sweet, aromatic flavor that’s hard to achieve otherwise.
This method is called a “cloute onion” (or “onion clouté”).
🌬️ 3. Mild Aromatherapy for Colds & Congestion (Traditional Use)
This is folk medicine, not scientifically proven, but many families use it because:
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Onion vapor can help moisturize dry air
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Clove oil contains eugenol, which has mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
People sometimes put a clove-studded onion near the bedside during colds to help ease breathing slightly.
👉 It won’t cure illness, but it’s generally harmless and may provide a comfort effect.
🦟 4. Mild Insect Repellent
Both cloves and onions release strong scents that certain insects dislike.
Placing one near windows or picnic areas may help deter:
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flies
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gnats
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some ants
It’s not a guaranteed repellent, but it can help in small spaces.
🍯 5. A Base for Home Remedies (Traditional, Not Medical Treatment)
Some families use these together to make:
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infused teas
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cough syrups
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immune-support broths
These blends may soothe a sore throat due to warmth and moisture, not because they “remove toxins.”
⚠️ What It Doesn’t Do
Despite viral claims, putting cloves in an onion does NOT:
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detox your lungs
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cure infections
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eliminate toxins
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act like antibiotics
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dramatically boost immunity
It’s best understood as a natural fragrance, flavor enhancer, or comfort remedy.
If you want, I can also share:
✅ 5 ways to use a clove-studded onion in cooking
✅ A simple throat-soothing tea recipe using onion + clove
✅ A DIY natural air freshener method
Just tell me!
