What safe alternatives exist?
You should always, therefore, consult your doctor before using clove oil as a home remedy, and you should never apply it to broken skin or take it in large quantities.
When it comes to using your clove oil, bear in mind that while it has been shown to be an effective natural remedy, there are also several risks associated with it.
If you do decide you want to strain your oil, use a cheesecloth or a coffee filter to strain your oil over a glass jar.
Side effects of taking too much clove oil include mouth pain, vomiting, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and kidney and liver damage.
Clove oil should also be kept out of reach of children, not least because it can cause serious side effects such as epilepsy and liver damage if taken orally.
Sources: (Healthline)
Your clove oil will be ready to use after 10 to 14 days, at which point it is up to you whether you want to strain the cloves or not.
With the clove and olive oil combination now in place, it's time to close and shake your container.
Be sure to leave your oil container in a cool, dark place and make sure that the lid is properly closed, so as to avoid contaminating the oil.
Make sure the lid is firmly on and be sure to shake three or four times. This way you can be certain the cloves and the oil are properly mixed.
Now it’s time to let the olive oil do its magic and leave the pot undisturbed for 10 to 14 days. During this time the olive oil will extract the chemical properties of the spice.
Once your cloves are in the container, carefully pour your olive oil over the top. If using whole cloves, add oil until it reaches one inch (about 2.5 cm) past the cloves.
Last on the list of things to buy is your container. Opt for a dark glass container to ensure that your product does not spoil later down the line.
If using ground cloves, place one to two teaspoons of them in a 350 ml (about 11.83 oz) jar. Bear in mind that the more cloves you use, the more potent the oil will be.
With all your ingredients at hand, it’s time to put your cloves in the jar. If using whole cloves, use clean hands to place five to 10 of them in a 30 ml container.
If you want to make your life easier when it comes to applying the oil, you could also choose a container that comes with an applicator.
If using ground cloves, pour one full cup of olive oil into the 350 ml container. All the oil should be added to the jar.
The amount of olive oil you need will depend on how much clove oil you want to make. For instance, for 30 ml of clove oil you’ll need 30 ml of olive oil.
Next on your shopping list is a bottle of extra virgin or virgin olive oil. This will act as your carrier oil and will work to extract the properties of the clove.
If you decide to use whole cloves, you’ll need at least five for a 30 ml (about 1.01 oz) container of oil. If using ground cloves, you’ll need one to two teaspoons for a container of that size.
If you’re interested in natural remedies and enjoy making your own, you’ll be pleased to know it’s possible to make clove oil at home.
One study from 2006, which looked at the pain-relieving properties of clove gel and benzocaine, led authors to believe clove oil may work as a topical anesthetic.
According to one study from 2017, when compared with petroleum oil, clove oil provided significant relief from chronic itching.
Then there are the skin applications: when applied to the skin, it is believed that clove oil may be effective at both relieving itching and promoting healing.
Finally, researchers are currently looking at whether clove oil may have anti-cancer properties. In a test tube, at least, clove oil does seem to be effective at either killing cancer cells or at least stopping them from growing.
First up, you’ll need to purchase your cloves from a local health food store. Keep in mind that you can buy them either ground or whole.
In one study from 2012, for example, researchers found that clove oil can kill staph bacteria cells in liquid culture and in biofilm.
Clove oil contains several different chemical compounds, one of which is eugenol. In recent years, researchers have been investigating the potential health benefits of this essential oil.
Scientists believe that clove oil may be effective when it comes to stopping the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
Cloves are a spice native to Southeast Asia, whose oil ranges in color from colorless to light yellow, and which has a strong, spicy smell.
Additionally, clove oil is thought to be effective at relieving pain, especially when it comes to reducing pain caused by dental procedures or tooth extraction.
Despite their strong taste and aroma, cloves have multiple applications, both in the kitchen and beyond. Aside from being a tasty addition to many desserts, jams, and even meat-based dishes, cloves also produce a versatile essential oil. Studies have shown that applied in the right quantities, clove oil may have a number of health benefits.
Curious? Check out this gallery to learn more.
The surprising health benefits of clove oil
And how to make it at home
HEALTH Essential oils
Despite their strong taste and aroma, cloves have multiple applications, both in the kitchen and beyond. Aside from being a tasty addition to many desserts, jams, and even meat-based dishes, cloves also produce a versatile essential oil. Studies have shown that applied in the right quantities, clove oil may have a number of health benefits.
Curious? Check out this gallery to learn more.