Clove oil can definitely be intense, especially if you're not used to it. Mixing it with coconut oil was a smart move—it helps tone down the burn and makes it easier on your gums. I've found that starting with just a tiny bit of the tincture and gradually adding more carrier oil until it's comfortable works best. Did you notice if the coconut oil changed how long the relief lasted? Curious if it affects potency or just mellows out the sensation...
"Did you notice if the coconut oil changed how long the relief lasted? Curious if it affects potency or just mellows out the sensation..."
Good question—I find coconut oil mostly helps mellow out the intensity rather than affecting potency much. Clove oil is powerful stuff, and honestly, diluting it doesn't usually reduce its effectiveness significantly. It just makes it easier to handle, especially if you're sensitive or new to herbal remedies. I've recommended mixing clove oil with coconut oil to patients dealing with tooth pain or inflamed gums, and most say it still works great without that overwhelming burn.
One thing I'd add is that using fractionated coconut oil (the liquid kind) seems to blend better and feels smoother on your gums compared to regular coconut oil. Plus, it's easier to measure out and adjust as needed. Also, keep in mind that everyone's tolerance varies—some people might need more dilution than others. Experimenting a bit until you find your sweet spot usually does the trick...
I tried the coconut oil trick recently after a bit of a DIY herbal mishap myself—let's just say my first attempt at clove oil extraction was... intense. 😅 I didn't realize how strong pure clove oil could be, and when I dabbed it on my gums straight, it felt like my mouth was on fire. After panicking for a minute (or five), I remembered reading about diluting it with coconut oil.
Honestly, the coconut oil didn't seem to shorten how long the relief lasted, but it definitely made the whole experience way more comfortable. It toned down that initial burn without losing the numbing effect. I used regular coconut oil because that's what I had in the kitchen, but now I'm curious about fractionated coconut oil—sounds like it'd be less messy and easier to handle.
Anyway, if you're feeling anxious about trying it, just start small and dilute generously. Trust me, it's better to add more later than to frantically rinse your mouth out at midnight like I did... 😂
"Trust me, it's better to add more later than to frantically rinse your mouth out at midnight like I did... 😂"
Haha, I feel your pain! Clove oil is no joke—I've seen patients who've accidentally gone overboard with it, and yeah, the burning sensation can be pretty intense. I had a similar mishap myself once when experimenting with peppermint oil for a homemade mouth rinse. Thought I'd be clever and skipped measuring carefully... big mistake. My mouth felt like I'd just chewed through an entire pack of extra-strong mints at once.
Diluting with coconut oil was definitely the right move on your part. Fractionated coconut oil is actually great for this kind of thing because it's liquid at room temp and easier to mix evenly. Regular coconut oil works fine too, but fractionated is less messy and doesn't solidify, so it's easier to handle if you're making small batches or spot treatments.
One tip I've learned from experience: always start with way less essential oil than you think you'll need. You can always add more later, but once you've gone too strong, there's no easy way back (other than rinsing frantically at midnight, lol). Glad you found relief though—DIY herbal remedies can be awesome when done carefully!
Haha, peppermint oil mishaps are the worst...been there myself. But honestly, coconut oil never really worked for me—felt too greasy. I ended up diluting with aloe vera juice instead, way less oily and super soothing. Might be worth a shot next time?