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The thyroid is a small gland with massive responsibility. Sitting quietly at the base of your neck, this butterfly-shaped powerhouse manages your metabolism, energy, mood, digestion, and even your weight. When it falls out of balance—whether it becomes underactive (hypothyroidism), overactive (hyperthyroidism), inflamed, or sluggish—the symptoms can be life-altering. Fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, hair loss, brittle nails, brain fog, and irregular periods are just a few signs your thyroid might need help.
While mainstream medicine often turns to synthetic hormone replacements and long-term prescriptions, many natural health advocates, like Barbara O’Neill, believe there’s a better way—a gentler, more holistic path to thyroid recovery. One remedy gaining attention is the clove foot soak—a humble blend of water and cloves that’s applied through the skin. And while it might sound too simple to be effective, thousands swear by its impact.
In this article, we’ll dive into the science behind the thyroid, the importance of detoxification and circulation, the role of cloves in natural healing, and how Barbara O’Neill’s approach could help you reclaim thyroid health in a matter of days—not years.
The Thyroid: A Delicate Balancing Act
Before we jump into remedies, it’s crucial to understand how sensitive the thyroid is. It’s part of the endocrine system, producing hormones like T3 and T4 that influence everything from your heart rate to your skin’s health. The thyroid is influenced by your liver, gut, adrenals, and even your emotional state. If one of those systems is out of balance, your thyroid will likely feel the ripple effect.
Common causes of thyroid dysfunction include:
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Chronic stress and adrenal fatigue
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Toxin overload (fluoride, mercury, pesticides, plastics)
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Poor liver function
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Iodine deficiency or excess
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Gluten sensitivity and gut issues
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Infections like Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
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Lack of sleep and hormonal imbalances
Rather than suppress symptoms, a true solution must support the body’s ability to detoxify, rebalance, and restore function. That’s where simple, natural tools like the clove soak come in.
Why Clove?
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is one of the most potent healing spices on Earth. With a rich history in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine, cloves are a natural powerhouse of antioxidants, antimicrobial compounds, and circulation-boosting properties.
The primary active compound in cloves is eugenol, which has been studied for:
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Reducing inflammation
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Improving blood flow and circulation
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Supporting the liver (which converts inactive T4 hormone into active T3)
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Antibacterial and antiviral effects
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Antioxidant activity that protects cells from oxidative damage
Because the thyroid is so closely connected to the liver and circulation, cloves make a perfect ally. They don’t just stimulate internal processes—they also work externally when used as a soak, allowing their benefits to be absorbed through the skin.
The Foot Soak: Why It Works
Barbara O’Neill often teaches about the healing power of hydrotherapy, foot baths, and using the skin as a channel for detox and absorption. The feet, rich with capillaries and nerve endings, offer an ideal route for herbs and healing substances to enter the body gently and effectively.
Clove foot soaks work on several levels:
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Stimulating Reflex Points: According to reflexology, the thyroid point is located on the ball of the foot, below the big toe. Soaking the feet helps stimulate this area and send healing signals to the gland.
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Absorption Through the Skin: The skin can absorb compounds like eugenol directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system.
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Improving Circulation to the Thyroid: Warming and stimulating the feet boosts overall circulation, helping more oxygen and nutrients reach the thyroid.
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Relieving Stress: Soaking your feet in warm water with cloves calms the nervous system—lowering cortisol levels, which interfere with thyroid function.
Barbara O’Neill’s Clove Soak Formula
This simple but powerful foot soak can be done daily or as part of a 3-day detox routine to support the thyroid. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
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1 liter (4 cups) water
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1 tablespoon whole cloves
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Optional: 1 drop iodine tincture or a pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
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Boil the water and add the cloves.
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Let them simmer for 10–15 minutes, then strain the water into a basin.
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Let it cool slightly so it’s warm but not hot.
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Soak your feet for 20–30 minutes.
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Optional: Massage the area under your big toe gently while soaking to stimulate the thyroid reflex point.
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After soaking, dry your feet and rest for a few minutes.
Repeat this process for 3 consecutive days for a reset—or do it weekly to maintain thyroid health.
The 3-Day Reset Protocol
To truly support thyroid healing, Barbara recommends a holistic approach. You can combine the foot soak with the following lifestyle tweaks for faster results:
Day 1–3 Detox Plan:
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Morning: Drink warm lemon water with a pinch of sea salt (supports adrenal and thyroid)
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Breakfast: Smoothie with leafy greens, flaxseed, coconut oil, and a Brazil nut (selenium-rich)
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Mid-Morning: Herbal tea with licorice root or ashwagandha (thyroid adaptogens)
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Lunch: Light meal with steamed vegetables, quinoa, and olive oil
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Afternoon: Do the clove soak and rest
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Evening: Avoid blue light and stimulation—go to bed early
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Supplements: Optional addition of zinc, selenium, and iodine if needed (always consult a professional)
Avoid gluten, dairy, caffeine, and processed sugar during these three days to reduce inflammation and stress on your thyroid.
What People Are Reporting
Thousands of individuals online and in Barbara’s workshops have shared testimonials about the surprising effects of clove foot soaks:
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“I had cold feet all the time, and after the soak, I slept better and felt warm for hours.”
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“My fatigue started to lift around day 2. I was shocked that something so simple could help.”
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“I’ve struggled with thyroid issues for 5 years—this is the first time I’ve felt more energy naturally.”
Of course, not everyone will see instant results, and this is not a replacement for medical treatment in serious cases. However, natural remedies like this offer a side-effect-free way to support your body’s natural healing capacity.
Scientific Support (Still Emerging)
While there are few modern studies on clove soaks and thyroid function directly, research backs many individual elements of the protocol:
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Eugenol in cloves has anti-inflammatory and liver-protective effects, supporting T4 to T3 conversion.
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Foot soaks have been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation.
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Skin absorption of herbal compounds is a documented pathway for transdermal healing.
Barbara O’Neill often says that science is only now catching up to what nature has known for centuries. And many of her remedies, once dismissed as “folk wisdom,” are being validated more and more.
Barbara O’Neill’s Healing Philosophy
Barbara’s teachings focus on simplicity, natural principles, and the body’s ability to heal when given the right tools. Her emphasis on herbs, hydrotherapy, nutrition, and lifestyle align perfectly with the clove soak concept.
“The body is designed to heal itself,” Barbara says. “But it needs the right conditions—remove the cause, supply the need, and nature does the rest.”
She advocates for natural remedies that are accessible, non-toxic, and easy to use at home. The clove foot soak checks all these boxes—and has now become a staple in many holistic health routines.
Final Thoughts
Healing your thyroid doesn’t always require invasive treatments or lifelong medication. For many people, the journey begins with small, natural steps—like soaking your feet in clove-infused water. It’s affordable, comforting, and deeply rooted in traditional wisdom.
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with thyroid issues or simply suspect your gland is under strain, this 3-day clove soak could be a gentle yet powerful start to your healing journey.
And remember Barbara O’Neill’s powerful words: “God has placed in nature everything we need for healing—if only we would return to it.”
Start your soak tonight. Your thyroid might just thank you tomorrow.
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