How To Make Clove Oil With Coconut Oil 2 Methods?

Making clove oil with coconut oil at home is simple and requires only two ingredients. You can use either a gentle heat infusion method or a slower cold infusion method. Both extract the beneficial compounds from whole cloves into the coconut oil, giving you a versatile oil for topical use.

Why Combine Clove Oil and Coconut Oil?

Clove oil comes from the dried flower buds of the clove tree. The buds contain a compound called eugenol, which gives cloves their strong, spicy aroma. Research has shown eugenol has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Coconut oil works well as a carrier oil for several reasons. It is solid at room temperature but melts easily on contact with skin. It also has its own mild antimicrobial effects and helps moisturize the skin. Combining the two gives you a product that is gentler than pure clove essential oil, which can irritate skin when used undiluted.

Pure clove essential oil is highly concentrated and should never be applied directly to skin. Mixing it with coconut oil — or infusing whole cloves into coconut oil — dilutes the active compounds to a safer level for topical use.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather these items before beginning either method:

• Whole dried cloves — not ground clove powder, which is harder to strain
• Coconut oil — either refined or unrefined works, though unrefined adds a coconut scent
• A clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
• A small saucepan or slow cooker for the heat method
• A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for straining

Use a ratio of about 1 part whole cloves to 4 parts coconut oil by volume. For example, use 1/4 cup of cloves with 1 cup of coconut oil. This ratio produces a noticeable clove scent without making the oil too strong.

Make sure all your equipment is clean and dry before you begin. Moisture can cause the oil to spoil faster during storage.

Method 1: Heat Infusion on the Stovetop

Heat infusion is the faster of the two methods. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish.

Place the coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm it just until it melts completely. Do not let it get hot enough to bubble or smoke. High heat can destroy some of the beneficial compounds in the cloves.

Once the oil is melted, add the whole cloves. Stir gently to make sure all the cloves are submerged in the oil. Keep the heat on low and let the mixture warm for 20 to 30 minutes. The oil should stay warm but not simmer. If you see any bubbling, turn the heat down immediately.

After 20 to 30 minutes, the oil should smell strongly of cloves. Remove the pan from the heat and let the oil cool until it is warm but not hot. Pour the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean glass jar. Press on the cloves with a spoon to squeeze out any remaining oil.

Discard the used cloves. Let the oil cool completely before putting the lid on the jar. Store the finished oil in a cool, dark place.

The heat method extracts the compounds more quickly because warmth helps release them from the clove buds. The trade-off is that some delicate compounds may degrade if the oil gets too hot. Keeping the temperature low helps preserve the oil’s quality.

Method 2: Cold Infusion in a Jar

Cold infusion takes longer but requires almost no effort. This method preserves the most delicate compounds in the cloves because no heat is involved.

Start with coconut oil that is already melted or softened. If your coconut oil is solid, warm it gently in a saucepan just until it melts. Do not heat it further once melted. Let it cool to room temperature before proceeding.

Place the whole cloves in a clean glass jar. Pour the melted coconut oil over the cloves. Make sure the cloves are fully covered by the oil. Put the lid on the jar tightly.

Store the jar in a warm, dark place — a kitchen cabinet or pantry works well. Let the mixture sit for 2 to 4 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days to help the cloves release their compounds into the oil.

After 2 to 4 weeks, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar. Discard the cloves and store the finished oil in a cool, dark place.

The cold infusion method takes longer, but many people prefer it because it preserves the full range of aromatic compounds in the cloves. The resulting oil may have a slightly milder scent than the heat-infused version.

How To Make Clove Oil With Coconut Oil 2 Methods: Which Should You Choose?

Your choice between the two methods depends on how much time you have and how you plan to use the oil.

Choose the heat infusion method if you need the oil today. It produces a stronger, more concentrated oil in under an hour. This method works well if you are preparing the oil for a specific use and want it ready quickly.

Choose the cold infusion method if you want the most complete extraction possible and can plan ahead. The longer steeping time allows the oil to absorb a broader range of compounds from the cloves. This method is also more forgiving — there is no risk of overheating and damaging the oil.

Both methods produce oil that is safe for topical use when made with the recommended ratio. Neither method produces an oil that is safe to consume in large amounts. Clove oil is potent, and even diluted preparations should be used sparingly.

How To Use Your Clove and Coconut Oil

Homemade clove and coconut oil is primarily used on the skin. The most common uses include:

• Massaging into sore muscles or joints — the warming sensation can feel soothing
• Applying to minor skin irritations — the antibacterial properties may help keep small wounds clean
• Using as a diluted massage oil — the scent is warming and aromatic

Some people use clove oil for toothache pain. The eugenol in cloves has numbing properties, which is why clove oil appears in some dental products. However, homemade clove and coconut oil should not be placed directly in the mouth without caution. The oil can irritate soft tissues, and swallowing large amounts can cause problems. If you are considering clove oil for dental pain, talk to your dentist first.

Always test the oil on a small patch of skin before using it more broadly. Apply a tiny amount to the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours. If you see redness, itching, or swelling, do not use the oil. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions.

Do not use homemade clove oil on broken or damaged skin. The concentrated compounds can sting and may slow healing. If you have a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, check with a healthcare provider before using clove oil topically.

How Long Does Homemade Clove Oil Last?

Homemade clove and coconut oil will last about 3 to 6 months when stored properly. The exact shelf life depends on the freshness of your ingredients and storage conditions.

Store the oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. A kitchen cabinet away from the stove works well. Heat and light both speed up the breakdown of the oil and reduce its shelf life.

Signs that the oil has gone bad include an off or rancid smell, a change in color, or visible mold. Coconut oil naturally becomes cloudy or grainy when it solidifies at cooler temperatures — this is normal and not a sign of spoilage. Simply warm the jar in your hands or in a bowl of warm water to return it to liquid form.

If you notice any signs of spoilage, throw the oil away. Do not use rancid oil on your skin.

Safety Considerations and Precautions

Clove oil is potent, and safety matters when making and using it at home.

Keep the oil away from your eyes and other sensitive areas. If the oil gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with cool water and seek medical attention if irritation continues.

Do not ingest homemade clove and coconut oil. While cloves are safe to eat as a spice, concentrated clove oil is different. Swallowing clove oil can cause nausea, vomiting, and more serious effects in large amounts.

Do not use clove oil on children without consulting a pediatrician. Children’s skin is more sensitive, and their bodies handle essential oils differently than adults.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider before using clove oil topically. The evidence on topical clove oil use during pregnancy is limited, and it is best to get personalized guidance.

People with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medication should also check with a doctor first. Clove oil may affect blood clotting in high amounts, though the risk from topical use of a diluted preparation is low.

If you experience any unusual reaction after using the oil — such as severe redness, blistering, or difficulty breathing — stop using it and seek medical help.