You will need:

• Whole dried cloves
• A clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
• A suitable alcohol-based solvent
• A fine strainer or filter
• A clean, clearly labeled glass bottle

Basic method:

1. Add the cloves

Place whole dried cloves into the clean jar.

2. Add the alcohol

Pour enough alcohol over the cloves to completely cover them.

3. Seal the jar

Close it tightly and keep it in a cool, dark location.

4. Allow extraction

The cloves can gradually release their aromatic compounds into the liquid, changing its color and smell.

5. Filter

After the desired infusion period, strain out the cloves using a clean filter.

6. Store safely

Transfer the liquid into a clearly labeled container and keep it securely away from children, pets, heat and open flames.

Important:

This is a traditional homemade preparation, not a standardized medicinal product. There is no universally established home recipe that guarantees a particular concentration of eugenol or a particular medical effect.

Who should be particularly careful?

Extra caution is appropriate for:

Children

Concentrated clove products, especially clove oil, can be dangerous if swallowed. Serious poisoning has been reported in young children.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Because evidence regarding concentrated clove supplements and medicinal preparations is limited, it is better to discuss medicinal use with a healthcare professional rather than experimenting with concentrated preparations.

People taking medications

Concentrated herbal products can sometimes interact with medicines. Anyone taking regular medication should check with a doctor or pharmacist before using concentrated clove preparations internally.

People with liver problems

High exposures to eugenol can cause significant liver injury.

Cloves in food are a different story

There’s no need to be afraid of ordinary culinary use.

Cloves are commonly used in:

• Tea
• Desserts
• Sauces
• Meat dishes
• Rice dishes
• Spiced drinks
• Marinades
• Baked goods

Using a small quantity of cloves as a spice is very different from consuming concentrated clove oil or a highly concentrated extract. Food-level use is generally considered much safer than concentrated preparations.

The bottom line

The clove-and-alcohol preparation shown in the image is an interesting traditional herbal infusion, largely because alcohol can extract aromatic compounds such as eugenol from cloves.

Cloves have genuine scientific interest: eugenol has demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory research, and eugenol has established uses in dentistry.

But that doesn’t mean a homemade clove-and-alcohol mixture is a cure for infections, pain, parasites, digestive problems or other diseases.

Most importantly, do not confuse a clove infusion with concentrated clove essential oil. Large amounts of eugenol can be toxic, with serious effects including liver injury and nervous-system problems.

Used thoughtfully, cloves are a fascinating traditional spice. Used in concentrated forms, however, they deserve the same caution as other potent herbal extracts.