Cloves also come in ground or powdered form, but you won’t get as much of the essence out of those, either.
You can also pour a little of the carrier oil you’re using (coconut oil, grapeseed oil, and olive oil are good choices) onto the whole cloves before you crush them. This gets the oil thoroughly immersed in the cloves. [4] X Research source
Amber- or cobalt-colored glass works well. If you only have a clear glass jar, that’s fine—just make sure you’re keeping the jar in a place that isn’t exposed to light at all.
You can use more carrier oil if you want, but your clove oil won’t be as strong.
If you’re sure the lid is tightly secured, try flipping the jar upside down a couple of times. That way you can be sure that the cloves are completely covered in oil.
Technically, your clove oil is ready to use within a couple of days if you need it, but it won’t be as potent.
You can leave the cloves in the oil if you want—the oil will just get stronger. However, if the cloves stay in the oil for over a month, add more olive oil before using it so it isn’t too potent. It’s fine to transfer the clove oil to a different jar as well. A jar with a built-in eyedropper in the lid makes it easier to dispense the oil, but this is entirely optional.
Refrigerating your clove oil might help it last a little longer, but it isn’t necessary.
Dab it on your gums with a cotton ball to relieve a toothache. [13] X Expert Source Lorena BarcalClinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist Expert Interview. 28 June 2020. [14] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Dot it on your skin at pulse points to repel mosquitos. [15] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Rub it on your skin to ease itching or inflammation. [16] X Expert Source Lorena BarcalClinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist Expert Interview. 28 June 2020. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Dilute with water and use as a mouthwash to reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis. [18] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
You might also have an allergic reaction to clove oil when you apply it directly to your skin, although this isn’t common. If you see a rash after applying clove oil, wash your skin thoroughly with soap and warm water and stop using the clove oil. Babies and children overdose on clove oil much more easily than adults.
