How to Make Clove Oil at Home from Dried Cloves | DIY Guide

An Overview of Clove Oil

Derived from the dried flower buds of the clove tree, clove oil has been used for centuries in both culinary dishes and natural medicine. Clove oil contains a compound called eugenol that gives cloves their distinctive flavor and provides powerful antioxidant and antiseptic properties.

Benefits of Clove Oil

With its high concentration of eugenol, clove oil has traditionally been used to treat toothaches, combat bad breath, ease nausea, and improve digestion. Today, clove oil continues to grow in popularity due to antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiseptic characteristics that can help treat a variety of health conditions.

Using Clove Oil

Clove oil can be applied topically to treat skin irritations or dental pain. It is also commonly taken orally in small dilutions to utilize internal health benefits. Additionally, the fragrance of clove oil is used in aromatherapy for its relaxing effects.

How to Make Homemade Clove Oil from Dried Cloves

With just a few simple ingredients, you can easily extract oil from dry cloves at home. Making DIY clove oil only requires cloves, a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil, and a glass jar for steeping the cloves.

Ingredients

To make clove oil, you will need the following materials:

• 1 cup dried clove buds
• 1 cup carrier oil such as olive, jojoba, or coconut oil
• A clean airtight glass jar with lid
• Cheesecloth
• Dark glass bottle with dropper (for storing finished oil)

Step 1: Add Cloves and Oil to Jar

Start by measuring out 1 cup of whole, dried clove buds and placing them into a clean, dry glass jar. Next, carefully pour the carrier oil directly over the cloves until they are fully submerged by the oil.

Step 2: Seal and Store Jar

Secure the lid tightly on the jar and give the mixture a good shake to integrate the cloves throughout the oil. Place the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-6 weeks so the cloves can steep and infuse the oil with their beneficial compounds.

Step 3: Strain the Oil

After the allotted steeping time, prepare to strain the cloves from the finished clove oil. Place a piece of cheesecloth over a bowl and slowly pour the oil through to separate the liquid from the solid cloves.

Step 4: Store Clove Oil

Transfer your homemade clove oil into dark glass bottles, preferably with a dropper top for easy use. Label bottles clearly and store them in a cool location away from heat or sunlight to preserve potency.

Tips for Making DIY Clove Oil

Follow these simple tips to get the most from your homemade clove oil:

Use Fresh, Dried Cloves

Look for whole, intact cloves with an even brown color. Avoid old cloves that appear faded or powdery, which lose potency. Choose cloves with aromatic, peppery smell.

Pick a Suitable Carrier Oil

Olive, coconut, and jojoba oil have stable properties for steeping cloves. Use an oil you like for intended topical use or one with neutral taste for oral dosing. Amounts can be adjusted to make more or less.

Give it Time

Allow cloves at least 2 weeks for optimal extraction, or longer if possible. Steeping for 1-2 months draws out the greatest concentration of beneficial compounds from cloves into finished oil.

Store Properly

Exposure to heat, light, and oxygen degrades clove oil. Use dark bottles, keep in cool spot in pantry or fridge, and use within 1 year for best medicinal potency.

How to Use Clove Oil

Once clove oil is prepared, there are many potential applications to benefit health and wellness:

Toothache Relief

Clove oil's eugenol reduces inflammation and acts as an analgesic to temporarily ease dental pain and sensitivity.

Antimicrobial Support

The antiseptic qualities of clove oil help eliminate certain bacteria and fungi, including candida, making it useful for supporting immune function.

Skin Soother

Applied topically, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of clove oil assist in calming minor skin irritations and reactions.

Digestive Aid

Orally ingested clove oil contains compounds that gently support healthy digestion and may relieve nausea, gas, bloating or stomach upset.

Precautions for Using Clove Oil

Despite wide-ranging health benefits, clove oil does come with some precautions:

Dilute Before Ingesting

Ingesting clove oil may cause liver damage or irritation when swallowed undiluted. If taking internally, thoroughly dilute small amounts in water, juice, or honey first.

Avoid with Bleeding Disorders

Clove oil slows blood clotting. Individuals with blood clotting deficiencies or using anticoagulant medications should not take clove oil.

Do a Skin Test First

Allergic reactions to topical use, though rare, are possible. Apply a diluted drop first to test for any skin sensitivity before wider use.

Not for Children

The compounds in clove oil can be unsafe for babies and children. Do not let young kids ingest clove oil internally.

The Takeaway

With just some dried cloves, oil, and time, its easy and affordable to produce concentrated clove oil at home. Making DIY clove oil allows you to control preparation while saving money compared to buying ready-made varieties.

Integrating clove oil into your natural medicine cabinet provides a source of eugenol-rich oil to utilize for oral and topical symptom relief and health enhancement that aligns with your needs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.