Homemade Clove Oil

Clove oil consists of the red flower buds from the clove plant and a carrier oil such as olive oil. Cloves are rich in iron, calcium, potassium, riboflavin and vitamins A and C. Clove oil has been used as an alternative medicine for centuries to treat an array of ailments, including toothaches, muscle aches, indigestion, acne and aromatherapy; it also is known to clear nasal passages and serves as a natural mosquito repellent. An essential oil, it can be made at home.

Things You'll Need

• 4 crushed fresh cloves
• 600ml airtight bottleneck jar with lid
• Olive oil
• Hand strainer
• Container with spout

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Instructions

• 1

  Using a transparent airtight bottle works well.

  Place four crushed fresh cloves into the bottom of a 600ml airtight bottleneck jar. The cloves may need to be crushed a bit more to fit in the jar's opening.

• 2

  Any carrier oil will do to make this essential oil.

  Immerse cloves in olive oil. For guaranteed potency, completely cover the cloves with oil, but do not overfill the jar.

• 3

  Place a lid on the bottleneck jar. Ensure that the jar is sealed tightly. Exposure to air will weaken the oil's effectiveness.

• 4

  Let the mixture sit for one week. Ensure that the jar is exposed to direct light during that time. Regular room temperature is optimal.

• 5

  Use a hand strainer that has small holes.

  Pour the mixture through a hand strainer into a container with a spout. None of the cloves or sediments should be left in the oil. If particles are present, strain the oil a second time.

• 6

  Discard the cloves from the hand strainer. Do not reuse those cloves because the results will not be the same as with their first use. The goal is to have a high concentration of cloves in the carrier oil, and the clove oil will not be effective if cloves are reused.

• 7

  Pour the strained mixture back into the airtight bottleneck jar.

• 8

  Keep the lid on the oil's jar.

  Store the jar with its lid in place. This oil can be stored for four to five years. As time progresses, it is natural for the oil to darken in color.