How to Make Clove Water: Simple Recipe & Uses

To make clove water, simmer 1 cup of water with 5-10 whole cloves for 10-15 minutes, then strain. This simple preparation yields a natural remedy containing eugenol—the active compound in cloves—which offers temporary dental pain relief and antimicrobial benefits when used properly.

Creating effective clove water requires understanding both the science behind its properties and the precise preparation method. Unlike commercial products that may contain additives, homemade clove water gives you complete control over concentration and purity. This guide walks you through the exact process professional chefs and traditional medicine practitioners use to extract maximum benefits from this versatile spice infusion.

Why Clove Water Matters: Science Meets Tradition

Cloves contain 60-90% eugenol, a compound with documented analgesic and antimicrobial properties according to research published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Traditional medicine systems from Ayurveda to Chinese herbalism have utilized clove preparations for centuries, particularly for oral health applications. Modern dental professionals sometimes recommend diluted clove oil for temporary toothache relief, though they emphasize it's not a substitute for professional care.

Preparation Method	Eugenol Extraction Efficiency	Best For
Hot Water Infusion (10-15 min)	★★★★☆	Immediate dental pain relief
Cold Water Steep (4-6 hours)	★★★☆☆	Sensitive applications, children
Alcohol Tincture (2-4 weeks)	★★★★★	Long-term storage, concentrated use

Your Clove Water Toolkit: Essential Ingredients and Equipment

Quality ingredients determine your final product's effectiveness. For optimal results:

• Whole cloves (not ground): Choose plump, dark brown buds with visible oil glands. Avoid dusty or broken pieces which indicate age and reduced potency
• Filtered water: Prevents mineral interference with extraction
• Small saucepan with lid: Glass or stainless steel preferred
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth: Essential for removing tiny particles
• Amber glass bottle: Protects from light degradation during storage

Step-by-Step: Creating Effective Clove Water

Preparation Phase

Gather 5-10 whole cloves per cup of water. The precise ratio depends on your intended use—dental applications typically require stronger concentrations (10 cloves per cup) while general wellness uses work well with 5 cloves per cup. Gently crush cloves with the back of a spoon to break cell walls and release more eugenol without creating fine particles that complicate straining.

Infusion Process

Combine water and cloves in your saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer—not a rolling boil—as high heat can degrade volatile compounds. Cover and maintain simmer for exactly 10-15 minutes. Longer durations don't significantly increase extraction but may extract bitter compounds. The water should turn pale yellow with a strong aromatic scent.

Straining and Cooling

Pour the mixture through your fine strainer immediately after simmering. Press gently on the cloves to extract remaining liquid but avoid forcing fine particles through. Allow the strained liquid to cool to room temperature before transferring to storage. Properly prepared clove water maintains its potency for up to 48 hours when refrigerated.

Customizing Your Clove Water

Professional chefs and herbalists often enhance basic clove water with complementary ingredients:

• Dental relief blend: Add one cinnamon stick during simmering for synergistic pain relief
• Immune support version: Include 3-4 slices of fresh ginger for additional therapeutic compounds
• Mild children's formula: Reduce cloves to 3 per cup and add 1 teaspoon honey after cooling

Practical Applications and Storage Guidelines

Clove water serves multiple purposes when prepared correctly:

Dental Applications

For temporary toothache relief, soak a cotton ball in cooled clove water and apply to the affected area for no more than 20 minutes. The American Dental Association notes this provides only temporary relief and professional evaluation remains essential for persistent pain.

Topical Uses

Dilute with equal parts water for skin applications. Test on a small area first, as undiluted clove water may cause irritation. Never apply to broken skin or mucous membranes without professional guidance.

Storage Protocol

Store in an amber glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Discard if cloudiness develops or the aroma diminishes. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays then transfer cubes to airtight containers (maintains potency for 3 months).

Critical Safety Considerations

While generally safe when used properly, clove water requires caution:

• Never use undiluted directly on gums or skin—always maintain proper concentration
• Avoid with blood thinners as eugenol may increase bleeding risk according to NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
• Not recommended for children under 2 without pediatric consultation
• Discontinue immediately if burning sensation persists beyond 5 minutes

Remember that clove water addresses symptoms temporarily but doesn't treat underlying conditions. The World Health Organization emphasizes that traditional remedies should complement—not replace—professional healthcare when dealing with persistent health issues.

How long does homemade clove water last?

Properly prepared clove water maintains effectiveness for up to 48 hours when refrigerated in an airtight amber glass container. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays (maintains potency for 3 months). Discard immediately if cloudiness develops or the characteristic aroma diminishes.

Can I use ground cloves instead of whole cloves?

Whole cloves are strongly recommended over ground cloves. Ground cloves create fine particles that are difficult to strain completely, potentially causing irritation when applied. Whole cloves also maintain potency longer as their essential oils remain protected within the bud structure until crushed during preparation.

Is clove water safe for children's toothaches?

For children over 2 years, dilute clove water with equal parts water and apply for no more than 10 minutes. Never use undiluted. Consult a pediatric dentist before use, especially for children under 6. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends professional evaluation for any persistent dental pain in children.

What are the potential side effects of clove water?

Possible side effects include temporary burning sensation, gum irritation, or allergic reactions. Overuse may cause tissue damage. Eugenol in clove water can increase bleeding risk, so avoid before dental procedures. Discontinue use if irritation persists beyond 5 minutes or spreads beyond the application site. Consult your healthcare provider if you take blood thinners.

Can I drink clove water for health benefits?

Small amounts (1-2 teaspoons diluted in 8oz water) are generally safe for occasional consumption. However, concentrated clove water should never be consumed directly. The NIH notes potential liver toxicity with excessive eugenol consumption. For regular use, consult a healthcare provider to determine appropriate dosage based on your health status.