- Whole clove buds (available at most grocery stores)
- Ethanol (food-grade alcohol, like vodka or pure grain alcohol)
- Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
- Coffee filter or cheesecloth
- Glass bowl or container
Instructions:
1. Grind the Cloves: Using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder, grind the clove buds into a coarse powder. The amount of cloves used will depend on how much eugenol you want to extract.
2. Soak in Alcohol: Place the ground cloves in the glass jar and cover them with ethanol. The ethanol should be enough to completely submerge the cloves. Secure the lid and shake the jar to mix the contents.
3. Let It Infuse: Allow the mixture to infuse for at least 48 hours. Store the jar in a cool, dark place and shake it a few times during the infusion period.
4. Filter the Mixture: After infusion, use a coffee filter or cheesecloth to strain the mixture into a glass bowl. Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible to maximize your yield.
5. Evaporate the Alcohol: Let the filtered liquid sit in a well-ventilated area to allow the ethanol to evaporate. This process can take several days. What remains after the ethanol has evaporated is a more concentrated form of clove oil, which is high in eugenol.
6. Store Properly: Transfer the concentrated oil into a small, dark glass bottle and store it away from direct sunlight and heat.
Safety and Usage
Handling Ethanol: Ethanol is flammable and should be handled with care. Ensure proper ventilation and avoid open flames.
Skin Sensitivity: Eugenol is potent and can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Always use diluted eugenol oil if applying it to the skin and do a patch test beforehand.
Consultation: If you plan to use eugenol for medicinal purposes, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare provider first, especially if you have ongoing health issues or are taking medication.
This DIY method gives you a natural extract of eugenol, which you can use for various homemade products or simply as a natural fragrance. However, for high purity or specific concentrations, professional extraction methods from products such as Jiva-Jawa sold by NurturLife or those performed in a controlled environment are recommended.