Making Peppermint Essential Oil From Fresh Mint

Essential oils are very popular because of their usefulness in aromatherapy or alternative medicine. More specifically, peppermint essential oil is sometimes used to treat a variety of respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis or the common cold. Peppermint essential oil can also be used as a massage oil to help relieve muscle pain. Making your own peppermint essential oil can save you money, because essential oils can be fairly expensive to buy.

Things You'll Need

• Peppermint leaves
• Plastic food bag
• Mallet
• Cheesecloth
• Carrier oil
• Glass jar
• Dark glass storage container

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Obtain a bundle of fresh peppermint. Peppermint can be found in many farmers' markets and grocery stores.

• 2

  Wash the peppermint, using cool water. Gently shake the peppermint to remove excess water and allow to air dry.

• 3

  Place dry leaves in a plastic food bag and tightly seal.

• 4

  Tap leaves gently through the plastic bag, using a mallet. This will cause the leaves to release natural oils.

• 5

  Place the peppermint and natural oils into a glass jar.

• 6

  Pour some of the carrier oil over the contents inside the glass jar. Carrier oil can be grape seed oil, almond oil or wheat germ oil. The purpose of the carrier oil is to absorb the peppermint oil and aroma. These oils can be found in many health food stores.

• 7

  Seal the glass jar. Shake the contents of the glass jar to mix the contents. Allow it to set for a full 24 hours.

• 8

  Strain the contents through a piece of cheesecloth and make sure remaining oil goes back into the glass jar.

• 9

  Repeat Steps two through seven, with fresh peppermint, until your oil becomes your desired strength.

• 10

  Pour essential oil, when desired strength has been reached, into a dark-colored glass bottle and seal tightly. Essential oils must be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.