Buzz
Clove oil is a well-known natural remedy often used to treat toothaches. Its 'magical' properties are due to eugenol, a potent antioxidant. You can buy clove oil at any essential oil shop, but if you prefer to make it yourself, the process is fairly simple. Before using clove oil, it's advisable to consult a doctor – they can offer valuable guidance, especially if you are on medication for chronic conditions.
Steps
Buy Fresh Cloves
Search for whole, fresh cloves online or at health food stores. The longer cloves are stored, the less eugenol they contain, so the fresher the cloves, the better. Dried cloves don't have as much eugenol, making them less effective.
- Cloves also come in powdered or ground forms, but using them won’t extract as much essential oil.
Grind the Cloves with a Mortar and Pestle
Measure 2 tablespoons (about 30g) of cloves. Place the cloves in the mortar and use the pestle to crush them, releasing the essential oils. Grind until the cloves are broken apart.
- You can also add a bit of carrier oil (such as coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil) on top of the whole cloves before grinding. This will help the oil absorb fully into the cloves.
Place the Cloves into a Small, Dark Glass Jar
Choose a jar that can hold at least 60ml to 120ml of oil. Dark glass helps protect the oil from light that could degrade it. Pour the ground cloves into the jar, gently shaking it to spread the cloves evenly at the bottom.
- Amber or cobalt blue glass jars are ideal for storing clove oil. If you only have a clear glass jar, that’s fine – just make sure to store it in a place where it won’t be exposed to light.
Pour Carrier Oil to Submerge the Cloves
Use coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil as the carrier oil.
Pour the oil into the jar to completely submerge the cloves – you don’t need a lot of oil! Gently shake the jar to ensure the cloves are fully immersed in the oil.
- If you want, you can use more carrier oil, but this will result in a less concentrated clove oil.
Tightly seal the jar and shake it a few times
Ensure the jar is tightly sealed to prevent spillage. Shake the jar to make sure the cloves are fully submerged in the oil. This step also helps distribute the essential oils evenly throughout the oil.
- If you’re sure the lid is secure, flip the jar upside down a few times. This guarantees the cloves are entirely immersed in the oil.
Leave the clove oil jar undisturbed for about a week
Strain the Cloves from the Oil
Use a rubber band to secure a piece of cheesecloth over the jar opening. The oil will filter through the cloth, leaving the solid cloves behind. Let the oil drip into a bowl, then pour it back into the jar once the cloves are removed.
- If desired, you can leave the cloves in the oil, which will make the clove oil more concentrated. If you soak the cloves for over a month, it's recommended to add some olive oil to dilute the strength of the oil before use.
- You may also transfer the oil to another jar. A jar with a dropper cap will make it easier to dispense, but this is completely up to your preference.
Store the Clove Oil in a Cool, Dark Place
Clove oil can remain effective for about 4 months. After this period, it will gradually lose potency. For optimal results, store the oil at a temperature below 25°C. Exposure to light and heat will hasten the degradation of the oil.
- If kept in the fridge, clove oil can last a little longer, though this is not essential.
Apply the Oil to Your Gums or Skin as Needed
Clove oil is known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to repel insects. Research has shown that it may offer many other benefits as well. Keep in mind that these studies are based on commercial products – homemade clove oil may not achieve the same results. Here are some ways to use clove oil:
- Use a cotton ball to apply clove oil to the gums to relieve tooth pain.
- Apply it to pulse points on the skin to keep mosquitoes away.
- Rub it on the skin to relieve itching and reduce inflammation.
- Dilute it with water and use it as a mouthwash to reduce plaque and prevent gum disease.
Use Small Amounts to Avoid Toxicity
Exposure to or swallowing large amounts of clove oil can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Using just 1-2 drops at a time is considered safe. An overdose occurs when you ingest 10-30 ml of clove oil at once, which can lead to unconsciousness and coma within hours.
- Although rare, you might be allergic to clove oil if applied directly to the skin. If a rash develops, wash the area thoroughly with soap and warm water, and stop using the oil.
- Infants and young children are more susceptible to overdose than adults.
Advice
- Boil bottles and equipment when making clove oil to sterilize them. Otherwise, the oil may become contaminated with bacteria or other impurities.
Warning
- As of 2021, there is insufficient scientific data to recommend a specific dosage for clove oil. The ideal amount will depend on factors such as age, health condition, and individual variables. Consult with a doctor before using clove oil, especially if you plan on using it for an extended period of time.
- For individuals with diabetes, using clove oil alongside diabetes medication could cause blood sugar levels to drop too low. It is important to closely monitor blood sugar levels when using clove oil.
- Clove oil should never be used on children, as it can lead to serious side effects, including seizures and liver damage. Exercise caution when using it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Avoid clove oil if you have a bleeding disorder. Eugenol can slow down the clotting process.
- If using clove oil in conjunction with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin, or over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen, you may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
