How to Make Clove Oil at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
Harvested with meticulous attention from the fragrant flowers, leaves, and robust stems of the clove tree, clove oil has truly become a prized botanical treasure. Its remarkable qualities as a potent anesthetic, powerful antimicrobial agent, and effective anti-inflammatory substance have made it highly respected in various applications. This versatile essential oil lends itself to a diverse array of applications, encompassing pain alleviation, oral hygiene enhancement, skin care, and aromatherapeutic utility.
Although readily available in the prefabricated form, the allure of a hands-on approach to creating one’s clove oil infusion at home presents a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor. In the following discourse, I invite you to accompany me on a journey delving into the meticulous art of crafting homemade clove oil.
What You’ll Need
- Whole cloves – The dried flower buds are used to infuse the oil. You’ll need 1 cup of cloves.
- Carrier oil – Olive, coconut, and jojoba oil work well. Use 1 cup of carrier oil.
- Cheesecloth – Used to strain the finished oil.
- Glass jar – A pint-sized mason jar works perfectly. Make sure it has an airtight lid.
- Spoon or butter knife – For bruising the cloves to release oils.
- Dark glass bottle – For storing the final clove oil.
That’s all you need! Now let’s go over the easy steps.
How to Make Clove Oil Instructions:
- Add 1 cup of whole dried cloves to your glass jar. Using a spoon or butter knife, gently bruise each clove before placing it in the jar. This helps release the essential oils.
- Pour 1 cup of your chosen carrier oil – olive, coconut, jojoba – over the bruised cloves until they are fully submerged.
- Seal the jar tightly and give it a shake to distribute the cloves in the oil.
- Place the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking daily. Over time, the essential oils will infuse into the carrier oil.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the oil through cheesecloth to remove the cloves. Squeeze the cheesecloth to get all the oil out.
- Transfer the finished infused clove oil into a clean, dark glass bottle. Label and store away from light and heat to preserve potency.
It’s that simple! You’ll now have artisanal, aromatic clove oil ready for all kinds of uses.
Tips for Making Potent Clove Oil
- Crush the cloves as much as possible before infusing them to maximize oil extraction.
- Warm the oil first to open clove pores before adding cloves.
- Use fresh, organic cloves for the best essential oil content.
- Shake the jar daily and let infuse for the full 2-3 weeks.
- After straining, allow any water to separate out before bottling.
Follow these tips to end up with the strongest, most fragrant homemade clove oil possible.
Using Your DIY Clove Oil
Your homemade clove oil can be used:
- In aromatherapy – Add a few drops to an essential oil diffuser.
- For oral health – Apply diluted clove oil to soothe toothaches and freshen breath.
- For skin care – Use in small amounts diluted with a carrier oil for anti-aging and acne treatments.
- In homemade products – Add to lip balms, salves, perfumes, and cleaning solutions.
- For pain relief – Dab on bug bites, cuts, rheumatism, and headaches. Test skin first for sensitivity.
- As a fragrance – Freshen up drawers and scent your home.
Remember to always dilute clove oil before applying it directly to the skin, and conduct a patch test first. Use your handmade infusion for all your clove oil needs!
How to Make Clove Oil FAQs:
What can you gain from using clove oil?
Answer: Indeed, scientific studies have revealed a multitude of advantages associated with clove oil. It possesses anesthetic, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it a valuable asset for alleviating dental discomfort, addressing skin concerns, combatting Candida infections, and serving multiple purposes in and around the house.
How long does homemade clove oil last?
Answer: Properly stored away from heat, light, and air, clove oil can remain effective for 1-2 years. Over time, its potency will diminish.
Is clove oil safe to ingest?
Answer: No, clove oil should never be swallowed as it can cause liver damage, seizures, and other complications. Clove oil is for external use only except under a doctor’s direct guidance.
Can you use whole cloves instead of oil?
Answer: While whole cloves can be used in recipes like chai tea, the concentrated essential oil is needed for most medicinal, aromatherapy, and skin care applications requiring a potent extract.
What’s the difference between clove oil and ground cloves?
Answer: Clove oil contains the concentrated oil compounds extracted from cloves, while ground cloves are simply powdered whole cloves used for baking and cooking.
How to Make Clove Oil Conclusion:
With just a few simple supplies, you can easily make infused clove oil at home to use in DIY recipes, skin remedies, and aromatherapy. Allow your cloves to infuse fully for the strongest medicinal benefits. Always dilute clove oil properly before applying, and never ingest it undiluted. Your homemade clove oil makes a fragrant, therapeutic addition to your wellness routine!
