Banana Peel & Clove Tea: The Remedy You Have Been Throwing Away
Category: Tips & Ideas | Prep time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2–3 cups
What This Is
A warm, spiced tea made from ingredients most people throw in the trash — banana peels. Combined with cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves, this remedy supports circulation, pancreatic health, blood sugar balance, inflammation, immunity, and liver function.
If you have been tossing banana peels in the garbage, you have been throwing away powerful nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1 banana peel (organic if possible, thoroughly washed)
- 15 whole cloves
- 3 pieces of cinnamon (sticks or bark pieces)
- 10 bay leaves (dried or fresh)
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Wash the banana peel thoroughly. If using organic bananas, even better. Non-organic peels should be scrubbed well to remove pesticide residue.
- Cut the banana peel into small pieces (about 1–2 inches) to release more nutrients during boiling.
- Add everything to a pot: Banana peel pieces, 15 cloves, 3 cinnamon pieces, 10 bay leaves, and 4 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 13 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup or teapot. Discard the solids (or compost them).
- Serve warm. Drink 1 cup daily.
🍌 Pro tip: Use ripe bananas with brown spots. The peel is thinner, sweeter, and contains more antioxidants than green banana peels.
Why This Works
Banana Peel (The Hidden Superfood)
Most people throw away the most nutrient-dense part of the banana. Banana peels contain:
- High concentrations of tryptophan: The body converts this to serotonin, improving mood and sleep
- Vitamin B6 and B12: Essential for energy metabolism and nerve function
- Potassium: Higher concentration than the fruit itself — critical for heart health, muscle function, and blood pressure regulation
- Magnesium: Supports muscle relaxation, sleep, and blood sugar control
- Polyphenols and carotenoids: Powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect cells
- Fiber (soluble and insoluble): Supports digestion, feeds good gut bacteria, and helps lower cholesterol
Cloves
Cloves are one of the most antioxidant-rich spices on the planet:
- Eugenol: The active compound with potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties
- Blood sugar support: Cloves have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose
- Liver protection: Studies suggest clove extract can reduce oxidative stress in the liver
- Antimicrobial: Fights bacteria, viruses, and fungi
- Digestive aid: Stimulates digestive enzymes and reduces gas
Cinnamon
Cinnamon (especially Ceylon) is a metabolic powerhouse:
- Blood sugar regulation: Mimics insulin and improves glucose uptake by up to 20–30%
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces systemic inflammation linked to diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis
- Circulation booster: Improves blood flow and vascular health
- Pancreas support: May help protect insulin-producing beta cells
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are often underrated but highly medicinal:
- Digestive health: Carminative properties reduce gas, bloating, and indigestion
- Blood sugar support: Studies show bay leaves can improve insulin function and lower blood glucose
- Heart health: Contains compounds that may lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
- Anti-inflammatory: Rich in parthenolide, a compound also found in feverfew
- Liver cleansing: Supports liver detoxification pathways
🌿 The synergy: Banana peel provides potassium and tryptophan. Cloves and cinnamon regulate blood sugar and fight inflammation. Bay leaves support digestion and liver function. Together, they create a comprehensive metabolic and immune tonic.
What This Tea Helps With
What the Research Says
Banana Peel Studies
Research has confirmed that banana peels are not waste — they are medicine. Studies show banana peel extract contains high levels of antioxidants, minerals, and bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetic properties .
One study found that banana peel flour reduced blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats. Another demonstrated that banana peel polyphenols protected liver cells from oxidative damage .
Clove and Diabetes Research
Multiple studies have shown that clove extract can lower blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity. The eugenol in cloves also protects pancreatic beta cells (the cells that produce insulin) from damage .
Cinnamon and Blood Sugar
A 2020 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that cinnamon significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes .
Bay Leaves and Metabolic Health
A clinical study found that consuming 1–3 grams of bay leaves daily for 30 days significantly reduced blood glucose, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes .
📚 The bottom line: Each ingredient in this tea has scientific backing for blood sugar, inflammation, and liver health. Together, they are even more powerful.
Best Time to Drink This Tea
- Morning on an empty stomach: For metabolic and blood sugar support throughout the day
- 30 minutes before meals: To help regulate post-meal blood sugar spikes
- Evening: The tryptophan from banana peel may promote relaxation and better sleep
- When feeling inflamed: Drink daily during flare-ups of arthritis, digestive issues, or skin inflammation
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use organic bananas whenever possible. Banana peels absorb pesticides. If organic is not available, scrub the peel thoroughly with a vegetable brush and warm water.
- Do not peel the banana until you are ready to use it. The peel oxidizes quickly. Use it fresh.
- You can freeze banana peels. Save them in a bag in the freezer until you have enough to make tea.
- Add a spoonful of raw honey for sweetness and additional antimicrobial benefits.
- Drink consistently for 2–4 weeks to see noticeable changes in blood sugar, inflammation, and energy levels.
- Compost the used spices and peel after straining — they are still nutrient-rich for soil.
Safety Precautions
- If you have diabetes: This tea may lower blood sugar. Monitor your levels closely and consult your doctor before starting, especially if you take insulin or other diabetes medications.
- If you are on blood thinners (warfarin, etc.): Cloves and cinnamon have mild blood-thinning effects. Consult your doctor.
- If you are pregnant or nursing: Small amounts of these spices in tea are generally safe, but consult your healthcare provider before drinking regularly.
- If you have liver disease: This tea may support liver health, but check with your doctor first.
- Start with one cup daily to see how your body responds.
Signs This Tea Is Working
- Within 1–3 days: Improved digestion, less bloating after meals
- Within 1–2 weeks: More stable energy, fewer sugar cravings
- Within 2–4 weeks: Better blood sugar readings (if you monitor), reduced joint pain or inflammation
- Within 4 weeks: Improved sleep, better mood, clearer skin
Variations to Try
- Extra liver support: Add 1 teaspoon of milk thistle seeds or dandelion root
- Extra blood sugar support: Add 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds
- Extra anti-inflammatory: Add 1 inch of fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon turmeric with black pepper
- Iced version: Brew double-strength, chill, and serve over ice with lemon
- Concentrated syrup: Simmer with less water (2 cups) for 20 minutes, strain, and refrigerate. Take 1–2 tablespoons daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of banana?
Yes — yellow bananas, ripe bananas with brown spots, and even slightly green bananas all work. Ripe bananas have sweeter, thinner peels with more antioxidants.
Do I need to remove the stringy bits from the peel?
No. Those stringy bits (phloem bundles) are actually rich in nutrients. Leave them on.
Can I eat the banana peel after boiling?
Yes, it becomes soft and edible. Some people blend it back into the tea for extra fiber. The texture is not for everyone, but it is safe.
How long can I store this tea?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove — do not microwave if you want to preserve the active compounds.
Can I reuse the spices and peel for a second batch?
No. Most of the beneficial compounds are extracted in the first boil. Use fresh ingredients each time.
Is this tea safe for children?
In small amounts (¼ cup), yes. The spices are gentle. Reduce the cloves to 5–7 for children.
Quick Reference Card
Important Note
A note from Rooted Remedy: Natural remedies are powerful, but they are not instant. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs that force a chemical change, herbs and foods work gently with your body's own systems.
This takes time. Consistency is the secret. Give each remedy at least 5–7 days of regular use before deciding if it works for you.
Sources & References
Information in this article was compiled from publicly available educational resources and scientific literature, including:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Mayo Clinic
- Cleveland Clinic
- Harvard Health Publishing
- PubMed Research Database
