"maybe grapeseed oil's the safer route, huh?"
Yeah, grapeseed oil is definitely gentler, but honestly, clove oil isn't too risky if you're careful. I tried it once for tooth pain—worked wonders, but the key is moderation. Dilute it properly (like a drop or two in a tablespoon of carrier oil), and test a tiny bit first. Peppermint oil can be harsh because of menthol content, but clove oil's eugenol can actually numb gums effectively if you're cautious.
I agree grapeseed oil's a safer bet overall, especially if you're new to DIY extracts. I once tried making a peppermint tincture at home and totally underestimated how potent it could get—ended up with something that smelled like industrial-strength mouthwash, lol. Had to dilute it way down with more carrier oil and even then, it was still pretty intense. Lesson learned: start small and build up slowly... you can always add more later, but it's tough to fix once you've gone overboard.
Definitely agree on grapeseed oil being a solid choice for beginners—it's affordable, neutral-smelling, and easy to find in most grocery stores. I've had a similar experience with lavender extract. Thought I'd be clever and let it steep extra long for a stronger scent, but ended up with something so overpowering it gave me a headache just opening the jar. Like you, I had to dilute it quite a bit, but I also found that blending it with another milder oil (I used sweet almond) helped mellow it out nicely. Another trick I've learned is to test tiny batches first—just a tablespoon or two—to see how the strength develops over time. Saves money and prevents wasting a whole batch if things go sideways.
"Another trick I've learned is to test tiny batches first—just a tablespoon or two—to see how the strength develops over time."
Wish I'd read this sooner... just made my first rosemary oil batch and it's like a punch in the face every time I open it. 😂 Diluting with grapeseed oil sounds smart, might give that a try. Glad I'm not the only one who went a bit overboard on the steeping time!
"Wish I'd read this sooner... just made my first rosemary oil batch and it's like a punch in the face every time I open it."
I can definitely relate to this. My first attempt at lavender oil turned out similarly intense—my kids wouldn't even come near it because the smell was so overpowering. Diluting with grapeseed oil helped a lot, but I also found that letting it sit uncovered for a short while each day mellowed the scent noticeably. Maybe airing yours out a bit could help too?
