Burning cloves in a silver or stainless steel spoon is an old-world method used to release the potent essential oils trapped within the dried spice. Cloves are exceptionally rich in eugenol, a natural compound with powerful antiseptic and antifungal properties.
When you heat the cloves until they smoke and then crush them into a warm carrier oil, you create a concentrated “clove oil” infusion that can penetrate the nail plate to help clear fungal infections and strengthen the nail bed.
Benefits of Heat-Extracted Clove Oil
- High Eugenol Content: Clove is one of the most concentrated sources of eugenol, which inhibits the growth of various fungal strains.
- Warming Effect: The heat helps the oil carry the active botanical compounds deeper into the keratin layers of the nail.
- Antiseptic Action: It cleanses the area around the cuticle, preventing the spread of spores to healthy skin.
Charred Clove Nail Tonic
This traditional method ensures the clove’s essence is fully activated before it touches your skin.
Ingredients
- 3 to 5 whole organic cloves
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (or castor oil for extra nail strength)
- 1 large stainless steel spoon
- A small ceramic bowl or mortar and pestle
Instructions
- Burn: Place the whole cloves in the center of the spoon. Hold the spoon over a low flame (like a candle or stove burner) until the cloves begin to smoke and turn slightly black. This “toasts” the oils to the surface.
- Smash: Immediately drop the hot cloves into a small bowl or mortar. Use a heavy object or the pestle to crush them into a fine, dark powder while they are still warm.
- Infuse: Pour the olive oil over the crushed cloves. Stir well to combine the charred essence with the oil. Let it sit for 5 minutes to steep.
- Apply: Using a clean cotton swab, rub the warm mixture onto the affected nails and the surrounding cuticles.
- Set: Leave the oil on for at least 20 minutes. The dark color from the char may temporarily stain, so it is best done before bed with a light bandage or cotton gloves.
- Repeat: Apply this mixture every evening. Within a few weeks, you should see clearer, healthier nail growth.
