In a world filled with artificial supplements and high-priced health trends, some of the most powerful remedies are still found in the kitchen. One surprising yet effective combination is cloves and orange peel tea. This simple, aromatic drink blends the warm spice of cloves with the citrusy brightness of dried orange peels—and together, they offer more than just a pleasant taste.
For centuries, both ingredients have been used in traditional wellness practices, prized for their ability to support digestion, immunity, and even oral health. Whether you’re looking for a cozy drink to unwind or a natural way to give your body a boost, cloves and orange peel tea might be the small but mighty solution you didn’t know you needed.
Let’s explore how this humble tea can fit into your wellness routine and support your overall health naturally.
Why Cloves and Orange Peel Make a Powerful Pair
Cloves are dried flower buds from the Syzygium aromaticum tree, often used in cooking and natural remedies. Orange peels, especially when dried, are packed with citrus oils and antioxidants that are often tossed aside after eating the fruit. When brewed together, they create a tea rich in plant compounds that support multiple body systems.
Nutritional Highlights:
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Cloves: Contain eugenol (a compound with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties), manganese, and antioxidants.
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Orange Peels: High in vitamin C, flavonoids, and pectin, supporting digestion and immune response.
Together, they provide a warming, flavorful tea that may promote better digestion, fresher breath, and clearer skin—all with no added sugar or caffeine.
1. Supports Healthy Digestion
One of the most common traditional uses for cloves and orange peels is to soothe the stomach.
Cloves have been used in herbal medicine to help reduce gas, bloating, and mild stomach cramps. They may stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and bile, which helps your body break down food more efficiently.
Orange peels, with their natural pectin and bitters, are thought to help relieve indigestion and promote the movement of food through the digestive tract.
How to use:
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Drink a cup after meals to support smoother digestion
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Add a small piece of ginger or fennel seeds for added digestive comfort
2. May Support Immune Health
Especially during colder months or times of stress, many people turn to natural ways to give their immune system extra support.
Cloves have antimicrobial properties, which means they may help the body combat minor bacteria or fungi. Studies suggest that clove extract shows promise in supporting immune defenses due to its high antioxidant levels.
Orange peel, though often overlooked, contains even more vitamin C per gram than the fruit itself. It’s also rich in hesperidin and other bioflavonoids, which are plant-based compounds that support immune function.
Tip: Sip this tea regularly in the fall and winter as a soothing, immune-friendly ritual.
3. Naturally Freshens Breath
Clove has been a go-to for oral health in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Its powerful aromatic oils are known to refresh the mouth and may help reduce bacteria that cause bad breath.
Benefits for oral hygiene:
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Clove oil is still used in natural toothpastes and mouth rinses
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The tea can be swished in the mouth to help cleanse and refresh
Adding orange peel makes the tea more fragrant and less spicy, giving you a smoother flavor that still fights off unwanted odors.
Use it as:
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A mild natural mouth rinse after meals
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A caffeine-free alternative to sugary breath mints
4. Helps You Unwind and Relax
Even without caffeine, clove and orange peel tea can provide a gentle pick-me-up while calming your senses.
Clove’s warming nature and slightly numbing effect may help soothe tension, while the citrus aroma of orange peel has been linked to mood support and stress relief in aromatherapy.
It’s the kind of drink that feels like a hug—perfect for chilly evenings, stressful afternoons, or before bed.
How to make it more relaxing:
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Add a touch of cinnamon or a splash of oat milk
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Sip slowly while reading, stretching, or journaling
5. May Help Clear Skin from Within
While research is still developing, many natural health advocates believe that herbs like cloves and orange peels may help support the body’s natural detox systems. Since skin often reflects internal health, better digestion and reduced inflammation can potentially show up as a clearer, brighter complexion.
Possible skin-supporting benefits:
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Antioxidants in both ingredients may help reduce oxidative stress
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Improved digestion = potentially less breakouts and skin dullness
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Citrus compounds in orange peel may support natural detox pathways
This makes it a favorite among those seeking more natural skincare solutions that begin from the inside out.
How to Make Cloves and Orange Peel Tea at Home
Ingredients:
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1 teaspoon dried cloves (whole)
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1 tablespoon dried orange peel (organic if possible)
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2 cups water
Instructions:
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Bring the water to a gentle boil.
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Add cloves and orange peel.
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Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
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Strain and pour into a cup.
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Optional: Add a small spoonful of honey or a cinnamon stick for flavor.
You can store leftovers in the fridge for 1–2 days and enjoy it warm or chilled.
Who Can Benefit from This Tea?
This tea is especially useful for:
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Adults over 40 looking to support digestion naturally
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Anyone prone to bloating or sluggish digestion
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People seeking a caffeine-free tea for stress relief
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Those interested in supporting immune function naturally
Important note: While generally safe in small amounts, cloves are potent. If you’re on medication, pregnant, or nursing, consult a healthcare provider before drinking regularly.
A Simple Habit with Meaningful Impact
Sometimes the most effective health habits are the simplest ones. Adding a cup of clove and orange peel tea to your daily routine can be a gentle way to support your body, naturally.
You don’t need fancy powders or pricey supplements—just a few humble ingredients, steeped in tradition and backed by centuries of use.
Try this tea and notice how your body feels. Then, share it with someone who’d enjoy a cozy, healthy ritual too.
Comment below with your favorite herbal tea combo—we love learning from our readers!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Consult your doctor before making health changes or using herbal remedies, especially if you have medical conditions or take medication.