Clove Oil: What It Is, How to Make It, and Best Ways to Use It Safely
Clove oil, derived from the aromatic bud of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, has been used for centuries in cooking, dental care, and natural medicine. Let’s explore how it’s made, what it does, and how to choose and use it wisely.
1. What Is Clove Oil?
Clove oil is an essential oil extracted from clove flower buds. It’s rich in eugenol (70–90%), plus minor compounds like β-caryophyllene, eugenyl acetate, and α-humulene —even tannins and flavonoids that offer antioxidant benefits.
Research shows it has:
Antimicrobial (against bacteria, fungi & viruses)
Anti-inflammatory & analgesic
Antioxidant and potential anticancer activity
Topical anesthetic effects, useful in dentistry
2. How to Make Clove Oil (At Home)
You can infuse simple clove oil with just cloves and a carrier oil:
Method:
Smash 1 cup of dried whole cloves.
Add to a jar with 1 cup of a neutral carrier oil (e.g., olive or fractionated coconut oil).
Seal and let sit 1–2 weeks, shaking daily.
Strain out solids, and your infused clove oil is ready!
Why not distill at home?
Steam distillation yields much stronger essential oil, but home setups aren’t practical or safe, and industrial processes ensure consistent composition.
3. What to Look for When Buying Clove Oil
Species name: Should be labeled Syzygium aromaticum.
100% pure essential oil, preferably steam-distilled from buds.
Dark glass bottle to protect volatile compounds.
GC-MS / third-party testing ensures purity and absence of contaminants.
Beware blends or “natural flavors”, as these may dilute or replace clove oil.
4. Proven and Popular Uses
A. Dental Pain & Oral Health
Eugenol acts as a local anesthetic and antibacterial. Studies show it can relieve toothache pain within 5–10 minutes.
Clove oil outperforms many herbal extracts in inhibiting cavity-causing bacteria.
Used in dentistry for dry socket or temporary fillings, combined with zinc oxide.
How to use: Dilute 1 drop in 1 tsp carrier oil; apply with cotton. Do not swallow. If irritation occurs, stop and rinse.
B. Anti-Inflammatory & Pain Relief
Eugenol provides anti-inflammatory action and can relieve pain and itching topically (e.g., chronic itching, anal fissures).
C. Antimicrobial Properties
Effective against oral pathogens, fungi like Candida, and potentially helpful for scalp health .
D. Caution: Toxicity & Risks
Clove oil can irritate skin or gums and must be diluted .
Not safe for ingestion, even small amounts can cause poisoning or liver damage, especially in children .
Can slow blood clotting, it is advantageous to avoid before surgery, and avoid if you have bleeding disorders, or if on blood thinners.
A few adults overdosing (~10 mL) have experienced liver or kidney damage.
5. Who Should Avoid It
Children under 3 even tiny doses can be harmful.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women safety not established.
People with bleeding conditions or on anticoagulants eugenol slows clotting.
Anyone with liver disease or on hepatotoxic medicine, high fractions may be harmful.
6. Summary of Safe Use
Use diluted topically only.
Patch test before application.
Apply ointment of 1 drop clove oil + 1 tsp carrier oil; wait ≤10 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly.
For toothaches, see a dentist if pain persists.
Always consult your healthcare provider if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.
Final Takeaway
Clove oil, rich in eugenol and antioxidants, can relieve pain, fight microbes, and calm inflammation, especially for oral use. But potency comes with caution: always dilute, avoid ingestion, and be alert for skin or mucosal irritation. Treat it as a potent botanical remedy, not just a natural scent. When used correctly, clove oil can be a safe, effective addition to your home health toolkit.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/clove-oil
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551727/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8588428/