Why Witches Love Cloves: A Deep Dive into Clove Folklore and History

Cloves have been cherished for centuries—not only for their bold flavour and aromatic warmth, but also for their powerful presence in spiritual and magical traditions across the world. In witchcraft, cloves hold a special place for their protective, fiery, and transformative energy. Witches across cultures and time periods have turned to these potent little buds for protection, love, and prosperity work.

In this post, we’ll explore why witches love cloves, from their ancient origins and folklore to their versatile role in modern-day spellcraft. Whether you’re drawn to clove spells, energy work, or ancestral magic, this fiery herb carries a long and sacred lineage.

Looking for spell ideas? Try this companion post:
👉 Clove Spells: 5 Simple Rituals for Love, Money & Protection

The Origins of Cloves: A Spice Rooted in Power

Cloves are the dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, a tropical tree native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia—also known as the Spice Islands. Their magical and medicinal use dates back more than 2,000 years. In ancient China, courtiers chewed them to sweeten breath before speaking to the emperor—a ritual of purification both literal and symbolic.

Traded along the Silk Road and prized in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Arabic medicine, cloves became one of the most coveted spices in the world. During the height of the spice trade, they were worth more than gold. This global journey laid the foundation for their magical symbolism: transformation, wealth, protection, and the crossing of physical and spiritual boundaries.

Clove Folklore and Magical Traditions

Protection and Warding Off Evil

One of the key reasons why witches love cloves is their unparalleled power to protect. In medieval Europe, cloves were sewn into pomanders to ward off plague and spiritual corruption. Their sharp, spicy aroma was believed to drive away malevolent forces.

In Afro-Caribbean and African traditional practices, cloves were added to floor washes, incense, and spiritual baths to remove hexes, curses, and general negativity. This fiery nature aligns them with the element of Fire, making them ideal for banishing and purification rituals.

Love and Passion

Cloves have long been used in matters of the heart. Indian and Arabic traditions recognised their aphrodisiac properties, and in folk magic, they’ve been included in sachets and spell jars to attract love or rekindle passion. In modern witchcraft, cloves are often paired with rose, cinnamon, or pink quartz for love spells rooted in both sensuality and spiritual connection.

Wealth and Prosperity

Because cloves were historically more valuable than gold, they naturally became a symbol of abundance and wealth. Why witches love cloves is also tied to their correspondence with Jupiter—the planet of growth and luck. Modern prosperity spells often include cloves in money jars, charm bags, or candle rituals to boost financial flow.

Why Witches Love Cloves in Modern Magic

Witches love cloves not just for their history, but for their versatility. Here’s why they’re a staple in many magical cupboards:

• Accessible and potent – Easy to find, powerful in small amounts

• Versatile – Suitable for love, money, protection, cleansing, or courage

• Compatible – Blends beautifully with other herbs like cinnamon, bay, and rosemary

• Elemental fire – Ideal for spells that energise, purify, and transform

You’ll find cloves used in incense blends, charm bags, spell oils, ritual baths, and even in teas and magical cooking. They’re especially useful in kitchen witchcraft—where every pinch of spice becomes a spell.

Ritual Uses from Past to Present

Cloves have travelled through time and tradition:

• Ancient China – Breath-cleansing and energetic purification

• Arabian Peninsula – Incense for divine connection

• Europe – Carried for protection during illness

• Africa & Caribbean – Spiritual cleansers and banishing tools

• Modern Witchcraft – Spells for love, wealth, strength, and protection

Many witches associate cloves with deities such as Hecate, for threshold protection and transformation, and Aphrodite, for love, passion, and the sacred feminine. This duality—both fierce and tender—is one of the most compelling reasons why witches love cloves.

Final Thoughts

From ancient empires to modern altars, cloves have always been more than just a kitchen spice. Their spiritual strength, magical versatility, and rich historical roots make them a powerful ally for witches of all paths. Whether you’re warding off negativity, building confidence, or drawing in abundance, cloves bring clarity, fire, and focus to your magic.

Want to go deeper? Start here:
🔗 Cloves: Magical Properties and How to Use Them in Witchcraft
🔗 Spiritual Properties of Cloves: What They Mean & How to Harness Them
🔗 Cinnamon: Magical Properties and Spells for Love, Money & Fire Energy