ADVERTISEMENT
Skin tags and warts are harmless but unwanted skin growths that often appear out of nowhere and stubbornly refuse to go away. While they’re not dangerous, they can be irritating, especially when they catch on clothing or appear on visible areas like the face, neck, or hands. Most people turn to freezing treatments or harsh chemical removers, but what if the answer to removing these growths was sitting right in your spice cabinet? The humble clove—a tiny dried flower bud with a powerful punch—has been quietly used for centuries as a natural skin remedy, especially for skin tags and warts.
Cloves are most commonly associated with flavoring foods and soothing toothaches, but beneath that warm, spicy scent is a compound called eugenol, which has strong antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, and anesthetic properties. These qualities make cloves a surprisingly effective tool in breaking down unwanted skin growths and restoring smooth, healthy skin—naturally, gently, and affordably.
In this article, we’ll explore how cloves work on skin tags and warts, how to use them safely at home, the science behind their effectiveness, and why this natural method is becoming a favorite among herbal health supporters, including Barbara O’Neill. Whether you’re dealing with a single skin tag or recurring warts, cloves could offer the natural solution you’ve been searching for.
Understanding Skin Tags and Warts
Skin tags are soft, small growths that hang from the skin, often found on the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin, or breasts. They’re not dangerous, but they can be cosmetically bothersome.
Warts, on the other hand, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are rougher, more solid growths. They often appear on the hands, feet, or genitals and can spread through skin-to-skin contact or contaminated surfaces.
Common treatments include:
-
Freezing (cryotherapy)
-
Burning (electrosurgery)
-
Cutting or tying off (ligation)
-
Chemical acids like salicylic acid
These methods can be painful, expensive, or require clinical visits. That’s why many people are turning to cloves as a natural, non-invasive alternative.
How Cloves Work on Skin Tags and Warts
Cloves contain eugenol, a compound that:
-
Acts as a natural antiseptic, keeping the area clean and preventing infection
-
Has antiviral properties, which are especially useful for wart-causing viruses
-
Relieves pain, helpful when working with sensitive skin areas
-
Dries and shrinks soft tissue, gradually shrinking skin tags
-
Enhances skin regeneration, allowing the body to heal without scarring
In addition to eugenol, cloves also contain flavonoids and tannins that support skin repair and have drying, tightening effects on the skin.
Best Ways to Use Cloves for Skin Tags and Warts
There are several safe and effective ways to apply cloves directly to the affected area. Always test a small patch of skin first to check for sensitivity.
1. Clove Oil Spot Treatment (for daily use)
Clove essential oil is highly concentrated and must be diluted before use.
What you need:
-
2–3 drops of clove essential oil
-
1 teaspoon of coconut oil or olive oil
-
Cotton swab
Instructions:
-
Mix the clove oil with the carrier oil
-
Dip a clean cotton swab into the mixture
-
Apply directly to the skin tag or wart
-
Let it absorb, do not rinse
-
Repeat 2–3 times daily for up to 2 weeks
Most people notice drying and shrinkage within a few days, with full removal often within 7–14 days for smaller skin tags.
2. Ground Clove Paste (for stubborn growths)
What you need:
-
½ teaspoon ground cloves
-
Few drops of castor oil or water
Instructions:
-
Mix into a thick paste
-
Apply directly on the growth
-
Cover with a small bandage
-
Leave on for 2–4 hours, then rinse
-
Repeat daily until the tag or wart falls off
This method is stronger and better suited for warts or larger skin tags.
3. Clove Oil + Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
Apple cider vinegar enhances the drying and antimicrobial effect.
What you need:
-
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
-
2–3 drops clove oil
-
Cotton pad
Instructions:
-
Soak the cotton pad in the solution
-
Place over the affected area
-
Secure with a bandage or tape
-
Leave on overnight, remove in the morning
-
Repeat nightly for 1–2 weeks
4. Clove Oil Healing Balm (for aftercare)
After the tag or wart falls off, continue using diluted clove oil or mix it with aloe vera gel to soothe and regenerate the skin.
Important Tips and Precautions
-
Clove essential oil is potent—never use it undiluted on sensitive areas like eyelids or genitals.
-
Do not apply on broken skin or open wounds.
-
If redness or irritation occurs, stop use immediately.
-
Avoid using clove remedies on children without medical guidance.
-
Be patient—natural methods work gradually but gently.
Signs It’s Working
-
The skin tag or wart may darken or dry out
-
It will begin to shrink and flake
-
Eventually, it may fall off painlessly
-
New, smooth skin will replace the area
Why Cloves Are a Favorite in Natural Healing
Cloves offer a non-invasive, non-toxic way to support skin health, especially for common growths like tags and warts. They are:
-
Affordable and accessible
-
Safe when used correctly
-
Multi-functional—offering relief from pain, infection, and inflammation
-
Shelf-stable and long-lasting
Their powerful effects without harsh chemicals make them an ideal part of any natural first-aid or beauty kit.
Barbara O’Neill’s Take on Skin Remedies Like Cloves
Barbara O’Neill has long emphasized the importance of using natural, food-based treatments for everyday health concerns. According to her, “Nature gives us what we need to cleanse, heal, and regenerate the body. Skin tags and warts are signs that the body is trying to eliminate waste through the skin—supporting that with herbs and spices like cloves is both wise and effective.”
She often teaches that when dealing with the skin, it’s not just about what you apply topically but also what’s happening internally. She recommends supporting the liver, improving circulation, and using simple natural remedies like cloves to help the skin restore itself.
Final Thoughts
Cloves may be small, but they pack a powerful punch—both in the kitchen and in your natural medicine cabinet. Whether you’re tired of seeing that same skin tag every time you look in the mirror or you’ve tried harsh wart treatments without success, clove-based remedies may be the gentle, effective, and natural solution you’ve been missing.
Instead of masking the issue or causing damage with aggressive treatments, cloves work with your body—drying out the unwanted growth, fighting infection, and promoting healing from within. With just a few applications a day, and a little patience, you may find yourself saying goodbye to skin tags and warts the natural way.
As Barbara O’Neill reminds us, “Healing doesn’t always come in a bottle. Sometimes it comes in a seed, a leaf, or in this case—a little brown clove.”
ADVERTISEMENT
