© Shutterstock

What are cloves? -

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.

© Shutterstock

Introducing clove oil -

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.

© Shutterstock

Antimicrobial properties -

Scientists believe that clove oil may be effective when it comes to stopping the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.

© Shutterstock

Antimicrobial properties -

In one study from 2012, for example, researchers found that clove oil can kill staph bacteria cells in liquid culture and in biofilm.

© Shutterstock

Pain-relieving properties -

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.

© Shutterstock

Pain-relieving properties -

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.

© Shutterstock

Skin applications -

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.

© Shutterstock

Skin applications -

According to one study from 2017, when compared with petroleum oil, clove oil provided significant relief from chronic itching.

© Shutterstock

Anti-cancer properties -

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.

© Shutterstock

Making your own clove oil -

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.

© Shutterstock

Buying the cloves -

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.

© Shutterstock

Buying the cloves -

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.

© Shutterstock

Buy the 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.

© Shutterstock

Buy the oil -

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.

© Shutterstock

Find the container -

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.

© Shutterstock

Find the 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.

© Shutterstock

Place the cloves in the jar -

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.

© Shutterstock

Place the cloves in the jar -

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.

© Shutterstock

Add the oil -

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.

© Shutterstock

Add the oil -

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.

© Shutterstock

Shake the jar -

With the clove and olive oil combination now in place, it's time to close and shake your container.

© Shutterstock

Shake the jar -

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.

© Shutterstock

And now you wait -

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.

© Shutterstock

Cool, dark place -

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.

© Shutterstock

Once it's ready -

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.

© Shutterstock

Straining the oil -

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.

© Shutterstock

Take care -

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.

© Shutterstock

Potential side effects -

Side effects of taking too much clove oil include mouth pain, vomiting, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and kidney and liver damage.

© Shutterstock

Always seek medical advice -

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.

© Shutterstock

Keep out of reach of children -

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)

See also: Essential oils—which one is right for you?

© Shutterstock