Mix Cloves with Vaseline – A Secret Nobody Will Tell You

While there are many home remedy claims circulating online, it’s crucial to approach them with caution and understand what’s safe and effective.

One popular online recommendation is to mix ground cloves with Vaseline (petroleum jelly) to create a homemade topical ointment. Here’s a breakdown of what this is commonly claimed to do, the potential science, and significant safety warnings.

What It’s Often Promised to Treat (The “Secret” Claims):

• Pain Relief: For sore joints, minor arthritis, or tooth/gum pain (applied externally, not ingested).

• Skin Issues: For acne, fungal infections, or as an anti-aging treatment.

• Insect Repellent: To keep mosquitoes or other bugs away.

• Lip Plumper: The tingling sensation of clove oil is said to temporarily increase blood flow.

The Science Behind Cloves:

The active compound in cloves is eugenol (85-90%). Eugenol has documented:

• Antiseptic & Antimicrobial properties.

• Analgesic (Pain-Relieving) properties, which is why it’s used in some dental products.

• Anti-inflammatory effects.

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNINGS:

1. Skin Irritation & Burns: Eugenol is a potent irritant. Applying it undiluted or in high concentrations can cause severe chemical burns, contact dermatitis, redness, and pain. Always dilute clove oil with a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil) at a very low concentration (typically 1-2%).

2. Vaseline is NOT a Dilutant: Petroleum jelly does not dilute essential oils effectively; it traps them against the skin, which can increase the risk of irritation and burns.

3. Allergic Reactions: Many people are allergic to clove or eugenol.

4. Not for Open Wounds or Mucous Membranes: Never apply this mix to broken skin, inside the mouth, or near the eyes.

5. No Medical Substitute: This is not a proven treatment for infections, arthritis, or other medical conditions. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.

A Safer Alternative If You Want to Experiment:

If you wish to test a topical clove application for minor, external aches (like on a joint), follow this much safer method:

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (like coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil)

• Only 1-2 drops of clove essential oil (high-quality, therapeutic grade)

• Petroleum jelly is optional and should be used after diluting the clove oil properly.

Instructions:

1. Thoroughly mix the 1-2 drops of clove oil into the teaspoon of carrier oil. This is your properly diluted blend.

2. Patch Test: Apply a tiny amount to the inside of your elbow. Wait 24 hours to check for any reaction.

3. If no irritation occurs, you can apply a small amount of the diluted oil to the affected area.

4. You can then apply a thin layer of Vaseline over the diluted oil if you wish to create an occlusive barrier.

Bottom Line:

The “secret” of mixing ground cloves or clove oil directly with Vaseline is potentially dangerous due to the high risk of skin damage. While cloves have beneficial properties, they must be used with extreme caution.

For any persistent pain, skin condition, or infection, consulting a healthcare professional is always the safest and most effective choice. Home remedies should not replace medical advice or treatment.