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Peppermint oil is commonly used for relaxation and reducing stress, and there’s actually evidence that it can help with tension headaches, abdominal pain, and digestion problems. [1] X Research source Making your own peppermint oil at home is really simple. You basically just need peppermint leaves, olive oil (or a similar oil) and a jar. That’s it! Pretty soon you’ll have some homemade peppermint oil that will last you for months.
Ingredients
- Fresh peppermint leaves
- Mild carrier oil (olive, grapeseed, almond, wheat germ, etc.)
Steps
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Gather enough peppermint leaves to produce the desired amount of oil. Ideally, the peppermint should come fresh from your garden or a similar source. If that’s not an option, it’s perfectly fine to pick up a bundle or two at the store. [2] X Research source
- Use only the broad, green leaves. Taking the stems from a peppermint plant could cause it to die.
- Unlike other types of essential oils, peppermint oil is technically an infusion. This means that the amount of carrier oil you use to steep your leaves will determine how much you ultimately end up with.
Tip: If you’re picking your own peppermint, the best time to harvest the leaves is just before they begin to flower. This is when they’ll be most potent. [3] X Research source
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Wash your peppermint thoroughly with cool, clean water. Place the leaves in a colander or mesh strainer and run a stream of water over them to rinse away dust, dirt, and debris. For a more thorough clean, you can also soak your peppermint in a shallow bowl for 5-10 minutes.
- Inspect your peppermint leaves while you’re washing them and throw out any that look diseased, damaged, or discolored. [4] X Research source
- Giving your peppermint a good preliminary rinsing helps ensure that no foreign substances end up in your finished oil.
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Allow your peppermint leaves to air dry thoroughly. Shake the leaves gently to remove excess water, then arrange them in a single layer on a countertop, cutting board, or similar surface. If necessary, smooth the leaves with the pad of your finger to keep them from folding or curling as they dry.- You could also set your still-wet peppermint leaves on a clean towel or layer of folded paper towels to soak up more moisture.
- Your peppermint leaves need to be completely dry before you begin the oil extraction process.
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Muddle the peppermint leaves gently with a heavy, blunt object. Use a mortar and pestle , mallet, or the back of a spoon to crush the leaves against a hard, solid surface. Move your utensil using delicate strokes and apply light, even pressure. [5] X Research source
- If you prefer, you can also simply tear and squeeze your peppermint leaves by hand.
- Muddling causes plants to release their natural oils, and is one of the most important steps in making various essential oils at home.
- Be careful not to grind the leaves too much, as this can cause them to become bitter and make them harder to strain later on. You just want to unlock their aromatic essence, not mangle them. [6] X Research source
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Transfer the crushed leaves to a jar or similar container. Scoop up the leaves and place them at the bottom of your container. Add as many leaves to the container as you can fit, but be sure to leave enough room at the top for its contents to move around a little.
- It’s crucial that you select a container with a lid that forms an airtight seal, as exposure to air can cause plant oils to spoil.
- A container made from glass or ceramic will work best, as you won’t have to worry about these materials contaminating your oil the way you would with plastic or metal.
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Cover the leaves with a mild, unscented carrier oil. Pour in just enough oil to leave the peppermint completely submerged. When you’re done, give the jar a shake to swirl the leaves around and help them become better incorporated into the carrier oil. [7] X Research source
- Keep in mind that too high a ratio of carrier oil to peppermint will lower the concentration of your finished oil.
Tip: Olive, grapeseed, almond, and wheat germ oil are all mild oil varieties that are well-suited for preparing essential oils at home. [8] X Research source
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Leave the jar to sit in a warm, dark place for 24-48 hours. Seal the jar up tight and situate it in a corner of your kitchen, pantry, bathroom, or porch. Any area will work as long as it’s not overly hot or cool. For this reason, it’s also a good idea to keep your oil out of direct sunlight.
- If you live in a colder climate, place your jar near a heat source or inside an insulated cabinet to keep it at the optimum temperature.
- Warmer temperatures will encourage more of the oil in the peppermint leaves to escape.
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Strain the infused oil through a piece of cheesecloth. After letting your peppermint steep overnight, remove the lid from the jar and drape the cheesecloth over the opening. Tilt the jar over a second container so that the oil flows out through the cheesecloth. Afterwards, remove as many stray leaf remnants as possible by hand.
- Cheesecloth or muslin cloth will provide the best results for straining. Other types of DIY strainers, such as paper towels and coffee filters, may not work well due to the thickness of the oil.
- Stretching a rubber band around the mouth of the jar will help secure the cheesecloth while you work.
Warning: Leaving bits of plant material behind in your peppermint oil may cause it to go bad faster. [9] X Research source
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Muddle a new batch of peppermint leaves and add them to your oil. Prepare your second bunch of leaves the same way you did the first, using just enough pressure to break the outer surface and free the oils inside. Avoid grinding or tearing the leaves into too-small pieces. [10] X Research source
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Continue steeping and straining to increase your oil's potency. Repeat the initial steps as many times as needed to until your oil reaches the desired strength. This will usually take somewhere from 2-3 days, though you could keep adding new leaves for up to a week. [11] X Research source
- With each round of steeping and straining, you’ll notice your peppermint oil growing darker in color and giving off a stronger aroma.
- You may not be able to tell much of a difference in the concentration of your oil after about a week.
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Seal the jar and store your peppermint oil for up to 3-6 months. Once sealed, the jar will help preserve the freshness of your oil until you’re ready to use it . To maximize your oil’s longevity, keep it in a cool, dark place at or slightly below room temperature, and be sure to reseal the jar promptly after each use.
- The shelf life of homemade peppermint oil may vary depending on the exact quantity produced and the amount of plant material left behind.
- If you notice your peppermint oil developing a strange color or odor after a few months, it’s best to throw it out and whip up a new batch. [12] X Research source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat are the health benefits of peppermint oil, if any?Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.Peppermint oil is a well known essential oil that's known for its ability to cool and refresh you. It is a great mood enhancer and can be applied topically to relieve muscle pain, headaches, itching, burning, and clogged sinuses.
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Tips
- You can use your homemade peppermint oil as a holistic remedy for head aches and stomach aches, a relaxation aid in aromatherapy, or meditation. [13] X Expert Source Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional Expert Interview. 25 July 2019.Thanks - Peppermint oil can be used to help reduce stress. [14] X Expert Source Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional Expert Interview. 25 July 2019.Thanks - Mix a little peppermint oil in with your other favorite essential oils to create your own unique blends for different uses.Thanks
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Things You’ll Need
- Colander or mesh strainer
- Cutting board
- Mallet, mortar and pestle, or spoon
- 2 lidded glass jars or other airtight containers
- Cheesecloth or muslin cloth
- Clean towel or paper towels (optional)
- Shallow bowl (optional)
- Rubber bands (optional)
References
- ↑ https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil
- ↑ https://www.almanac.com/plant/mint
- ↑ https://thekreativelife.com/how-to-make-mint-infused-oil/
- ↑ https://thekreativelife.com/how-to-make-mint-infused-oil/
- ↑ https://www.latimes.com/home/la-he-healing-garden-recipes-20150627-story.html
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJsXF3xnm2c&feature=youtu.be&t=121
- ↑ https://www.latimes.com/home/la-he-healing-garden-recipes-20150627-story.html
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJsXF3xnm2c&feature=youtu.be&t=97
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJsXF3xnm2c&feature=youtu.be&t=170
- ↑ https://www.latimes.com/home/la-he-healing-garden-recipes-20150627-story.html
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJsXF3xnm2c&feature=youtu.be&t=162
- ↑ https://achs.edu/blog/2018/03/20/do-essential-oils-have-a-shelf-life/
- ↑ Ritu Thakur, MA. Natural Health Care Professional. Expert Interview. 25 July 2019.
- ↑ Ritu Thakur, MA. Natural Health Care Professional. Expert Interview. 25 July 2019.
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To make peppermint oil, start by crushing washed and dried peppermint leaves on a cutting board or countertop with a mortar and pestle or mallet. Once all of the leaves are crushed, put them in an airtight container. Then, pour enough carrier oil, such as olive oil or grapeseed oil, into the jar to submerge the leaves, and give the jar a shake to make sure the oil coats them. After you’ve added the oil, seal the jar, and place it in a dark place for 24 to 48 hours so the peppermint oil comes out of the leaves. When the time has passed, place a cheesecloth over the top of the jar, and strain out the oil into a bowl. If you spot any leaves that have sneaked out into the oil, remove them by hand. Repeat the process with new batches of peppermint leaves until your oil is the strength you want it to be, which typically takes 2 to 3 rounds. For tips on how to store your peppermint oil, keep reading!
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