how is peppermint essential oil made

Giving your peppermint a good preliminary rinsing helps ensure that no foreign substances end up in your finished oil. Mix it with shampoo and apply it to your scalp to stimulate hair growth. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? He told Public Goods, “Dilute it down to maybe 2%, which means that you’re going to put about 15 drops in a one ounce bottle.”. This means that the amount of carrier oil you use to steep your leaves will determine how much you ultimately end up with. Is it good for a few months? Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Now, you’re finally ready to make your essential oil. Peppermint essential oil is made from the leaves of the peppermint plant via CO2 extraction, cold extraction, or steam distilling. My question is, why doesn’t it smell like peppermint or is it not supposed to? You’ll just be adding it right back into the jar once you’ve strained out the leaves. A drop of peppermint oil, however, may also be added to tea. This is how you extract the oil that harnesses all the good stuff. Benefits range from health remedies to household purposes. The more you repeat this process, or the longer you steep your leaves, the more potent your peppermint essential oil will be! Once all of the leaves are crushed, put them in an airtight container. Diffuse it in your office when you feel like you need a lift, or in your bedroom in the morning to start the day off right. Required fields are marked *, By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. [8] This peppermint essential oil mouthwash is made with all natural ingredients to clean and refresh your mouth throughout the day as needed. Due to its amazing smell and numerous scientifically proven benefits, peppermint essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils today. Collect a bunch of mint leaves from the vegetable market or you can even grow them in your garden. Let the oil sit with the newly added leaves for another 24 hours, and then repeat the process again, for at least two more days. Use it in a diffuser for aromatherapy to create a refreshing aroma and boost your overall mood. Extract has a weaker flavor profile and the oils/flavors are suspended in a liquid. Mix a little peppermint oil in with your other favorite essential oils to. Add in the mint leaves and a little bit more carrier oil, and then seal the jar. Making your own peppermint oil at home is really simple. We take your words seriously. To make peppermint oil, crush the fresh peppermint leaves with your hands or chop them using a knife. Are peppermint oil and extract the same thing? Storage Tips to Extend Shelf Life, A carrier oil of your choice (more on that later), A small glass jar or container with a lid. Today, peppermint is available in dietary supplements like liquid extracts, peppermint oil capsules, liquid solutions, and teas. With each round of steeping and straining, you’ll notice your peppermint oil growing darker in color and giving off a stronger aroma. 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. Crush them lightly until they start to release their natural oils, but don't break them. In my opinion, nothing beats using essential oils to naturally deodorize and aromatize your home. It tastes great, and the freshness last for hours! X True peppermint oil you get in stores are manufactured by extracting oil from peppermint by heating the plant at low temperatures. I, "I tried it and had very good results. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. All you have to do is mix the vinegar with 15 drops of peppermint oil and the same amount of lemon oil. The best one to use will depend on what you plan on using the DIY peppermint oil after all is said and done. Cheesecloth or muslin cloth will provide the best results for straining. From reducing waste to recycling and upcycling, our e-book shows simple ways to make choices you can feel good about. You could also set your still-wet peppermint leaves on a clean towel or layer of folded paper towels to soak up more moisture. 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. Little to no smell at all. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Approved. X 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. If not, you can use code BLOG15 for $15 off your first order with us! The strongest types are made using modern distillation techniques and are called essential oils. this is not essential oil, it’s an infused oil. Essential oil consultant and expert Jimm Harrison, who is also a skincare expert, recommended a high carrier oil to essential oil ratio. I am using grapeseed oil as the carrier oil. 2 Heat the water for your tea in a pot on the stove, or in a mug in the microwave. But the results were very disappointing. Thank you for giving us this information on how to do this oil!!!!!! You may not be able to tell much of a difference in the concentration of your oil after about a week. I am not clear with the last step. Apply topically for Pain Relief. Regardless of whether the peppermint was home-grown or store-bought, you will need to wash it. what is the botanical name of true peppermint? By using our site, you agree to our. DIY Peppermint Essential Oil At Home [Recipe] Pick peppermint leaves that are not bruised and dry them. Here are some great ways to use your homemade essential oil: Now that you know how to make peppermint oil, you can enjoy the process of making your very own essential oil, as well as all the benefits the oil can bring. Great question! Bonus: It contains Vitamin E, which can be beneficial for skin topically. Steps to Prepare Peppermint Essential Oil. 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. Peppermint essential oil is one of the top three essential oils which effectively keep the garden pests at bay and prevents them from attacking your produce. If you prefer, you can also simply tear and squeeze your peppermint leaves by hand. Thanks for reading! According to Harrison, peppermint oil is great for headache relief. 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. Role of Peppermint Essential Oil in Repelling Garden Pests. To make DIY peppermint oil, you will need the following ingredients and supplies: When it comes to choosing a carrier oil for your homemade peppermint oil, you have a variety of choices. This article has been viewed 38,247 times. . Research source. Mint leaves are very easily grown and cover the entire area sooner with very less care and concern. Spearmint is nice but much milder and has a light green leaf. Jojoba oil is proven to act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. If you’re buying new olive oil for this project, you’ll surely be able to use the rest of the oil in the kitchen while cooking. % of people told us that this article helped them. When the time has passed, place a cheesecloth over the top of the jar, and strain out the oil into a bowl. © 2021 PUBLIC GOODS - All Rights Reserved. If you haven’t had a chance to give our goods a try, use code BLOG15 at checkout for $15 off of your first order. In order to take advantage of all its properties, grab a handful of fresh mint leaves and a natural oil such as almond oil or wheat germ oil. 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. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Peppermint essential oil can be made with peppermint leaves and a carrier oil. This adds a minty flavor to your drink and may help with nausea or nasal congestion. Most essential oils are safe for ingestion, and peppermint oil is one of them. You can mix it with a carrier oil and apply some to your temples. Research source Hi. This oil has significant antimicrobial properties and a lovely crisp smell which makes it a favourite among the gardeners. You can use your homemade peppermint oil as a holistic remedy for. Peppermint oil can be used to help reduce stress. Plus, olive oil has antimicrobial properties and contains antioxidants. Studies indicate that using this essential oil in extremely … If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Repeat the first set of steps to prepare more leaves to be added into the jar. You basically just need peppermint leaves, olive oil (or a similar oil) and a jar. Because it has antimicrobial properties, it can also be used for an. 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. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. piperascens cornmint, field mint, Japanese mint, and to a lesser extent (6,530 ppm) in Mentha × piperita subsp. It’s hard to say what the cause is. Can I improve the quality of what I have already made? One of the popular choices to use the peppermint essential oil is as a spray. [3] The antibacterial properties of the peppermint essential oil make it a wonderful addition to your home-made cleaner. You can strain it into a separate cup or bowl. , Your email address will not be published. Like olive oil, grapeseed oil also has antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. There are so many great uses for your homemade mint oil. Taking the stems from a peppermint plant could cause it to die. 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. If there’s anything you need, feel free to give our goods a try. X Pretty soon you’ll have some homemade peppermint oil that will last you for months. The technical name for it is Menta Aquatica. Peppermint: A Favorite Essential Oil Peppermint essential oil is one of the favorite types of oils that are available on the market today. Hi Kim! Last Updated: November 2, 2020 Peppermint Cotton Balls Peppermint oil is a highly-concentrated natural product made from the peppermint plant, Mentha piperita. If you spot any leaves that have sneaked out into the oil, remove them by hand. I'll continue buying mine online, LOL! A year? Relieve Muscle and Joint Pain. Essential oils are produced most often using distillation. Send us your idea for a post and if we publish it, you’ll get $100 cash. Swirl the solution to mix it … This carrier oil is a much-loved oil even used by itself for its super hydrating and nourishing properties. I made the oil according to directions, using peppermint from my garden and extra virgin OO. Stretching a rubber band around the mouth of the jar will help secure the cheesecloth while you work. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Natural Health Care Professional. unlocking this expert answer. With the variety of scents that essential oils have, there are really endless combinations available to make … What about the oil I strained? and make sure that you aren’t diluting the oil too much, or else it can cover up the smell. Thanks so much for reading, I hope you enjoy your DIY peppermint oil! Check for allergies. All you need to do to make the easiest peppermint oil repellent is to fill a small spray bottle with water and add five drops of the oil. Yes, I agree. This one most likely will not be available at the grocery store, but you can find it online or at beauty specialty stores, because the oil has many beauty benefits. Making your own peppermint oil at home is really simple. For tips on how to store your peppermint oil, keep reading! I think the pictures show spearmint leaves rather than peppermint leaves. In order to extract oil from the plant’s leaf, most distilleries use steam distillation. For tips on how to store your peppermint oil, keep reading! It’s slightly lighter weight than olive oil, and is a good choice if you don’t love the smell of olive oil. . This article was co-authored by Ritu Thakur, MA. If you happen to grow peppermint in your garden, go ahead and pick off a good amount of leaves off of the plant. Add it to a glass jar, cover with a carrier oil like almond oil. Tip: If you’re picking your own peppermint, the best time to harvest the leaves is just before they begin to flower. Make a DIY vapor rub by diluting the essential oil extract with a carrier oil and rubbing some on your chest. notho) and menthone. Peppermint is available in the form of essential oil, which has many uses ranging from all-natural health remedies to household purposes. I also used rose and chili for arthritis balm. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Any idea what could have gone wrong? The oils/flavors are absorbed into a liquid – generally vodka or another alcohol for preservation and use. Here are some of the most popular commonly used carrier oils, as well as each of their unique benefits. 1 True Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is thought to be a hybrid from three other species of Mentha - M. spicata, M. aquatic, M. longifolia and/or M. suaveolens2 - all native to southern Europe. To clarify, you’ll want to put new leaves back into your oil, then go back and repeat steps 2-6. The naturally occuring menthol in peppermint will help clear your sinuses, loosen phlegm and. 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. Thanks so much for reaching out about this! You probably already have some in your kitchen! You are so welcome, we so appreciate you giving our blog a read! Add 1 drop of peppermint essential oil to 4 ounces of water (about half a … 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. Using whatever you have, whether it’s a spoon, knife, or mortar and pestle, you need to crush up the leaves. If you suffer from an achy back, joints, or bad headaches, peppermint … It’s kind of tough to determine what went wrong. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. First, you need to gather the necessary ingredients to make your peppermint essential oil. Now, you’re finally ready to make your essential oil. Grandpa's Good Earth Peppermint Oil has been tilled and distilled since 1953, and we're excited to offer this quality oil directly from our farm to your home. If you’d like to try out our goods, you can get $15 off of your first order by entering BLOG15 at checkout.. Thanks so much for letting us know! Please note: Even though you made your essential oil with a carrier oil, you will still need to dilute it with more carrier oil if you want to use it topically. Three days is usually the magic number, but you can certainly do more if you want the oil to be more concentrated. Then, take your carrier oil of choice and completely cover all the leaves. Seal the jar nice and tight. If you’re planning to use the oil for cooking, how long can it be safely stored? Infused oils involve steeping the peppermint in oil infusing its properties into the oil. You can definitely use peppermint oil to make tea, but do take note of a couple of things before trying it: 1. It is known to repel some pest insects, including mosquitos, and has uses in organic gardening.It is also widely used to repel rodents. 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. Or you can simply opt to use whatever you already have around the house (olive oil, we’re looking at you!). You don’t have to chop them into little pieces. Put a few drops of peppermint essential oil at the bottom of your shower and allow the steam to diffuse the aroma around the shower. 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. Research source, Warning: Leaving bits of plant material behind in your peppermint oil may cause it to go bad faster. Nope. [7] For extra potency, you can wait three days, if you wish. The extract process essentially removes the oils and flavors from an item, be it vanilla or peppermint. Peppermint essential oil is steam distilled from the partially dried herb, harvested in full early bloom, when menthol content is at its peak. This is the most common way to extract oils from a plant. Ritu Thakur, MA. . What are the health benefits of peppermint oil, if any? I have no idea who invented the chocolate mint but i do not consider it true peppermint. Sometimes people will mix up spearmint leaves with peppermint, which has a much more subtle smell! How to Use Peppermint Essential Oil. I was raised around peppermint fields, went through the stills and can remember the smell of real true peppermint. Throw the mint leaves into a strainer or colander and thoroughly rinse them with water. Use only the broad, green leaves. Have you had a chance to try our peppermint essential oil? Support wikiHow by This article was co-authored by Ritu Thakur, MA. Keep in mind that too high a ratio of carrier oil to peppermint will lower the concentration of your finished oil. Breathing in this minty steam will also relieve the above symptoms. Pour olive oil over it and mix thoroughly. The mood relieving essential oil, peppermint is mixed with various products for different concerns. I made the mint oil from several batches of mint leaves Over 2 weeks using grape seed oil as the carrier. You don’t want to fill up the whole jar, otherwise the extract will be too diluted. Other types of DIY strainers, such as paper towels and coffee filters, may not work well due to the thickness of the oil. Health, sustainability and people making an impact. And if I know I want to potentially use it over the winter for cooking, should I select one carrier oil over another? Large Doses Lead To Risk Of Seizures. Otherwise, buy some fresh mint from the herbs section of the grocery store. [1] Finally, you will need a dark glass bottle in which you can preserve the essential oil. 6 drops Peppermint Vitality Essential Oil; 2 drops Spearmint Vitality Essential Oil; Refreshing Citrus *Note about this blend: You might want to store this in a glass container since the citrus essential oils can dissolve plastic. don't have the patience for all of that. (Find free printable labels here too!) Peppermint essential oil can be extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant and is used for a variety of different purposes. That said, like other essential oils, peppermint oil is extremely potent and should be diluted before you spray it anywhere. Followed your directions to the max and the results, after 3 days, are very disappointing. Peppermint is way more than just a delicious flavoring for gum or mints. If the term is familiar, it is because peppermint essential oil has seen wide application in aromatherapy for its therapeutic benefits. After the waiting period is over, grab your strainer or cheesecloth and strain out the mint leaves. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/Make-Peppermint-Oil-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Peppermint-Oil-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/Make-Peppermint-Oil-Step-1.jpg\/aid7483097-v4-728px-Make-Peppermint-Oil-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"