How to Detect Adulteration of Peppermint Oil With Olive Oil

Pure essential oils are highly concentrated and do not have an oily consistency.

Pure peppermint essential oil is made through a steam distillation process that separates the plant matter and water from the aromatic "essence" of the plant. True essential oils are highly concentrated and only a few drops are necessary for therapeutic treatments. However, sometimes essential oils have been diluted with vegetable oils such as olive oil. It is easy to test peppermint essential oil, or any other essential oil to see if it has been adulterated.

Things You'll Need

• Bottle of essential oil
• Blotter paper

Instructions

1. Place one drop of essential on blotting paper.

2. Wait 3-5 minutes for the oil to evaporate.

3. Check to see if an oily residue remains on blotting paper.

4. Oily residue means that the essential oil has been diluted with a vegetable oil such as olive oil.

5. No oily residue means that essential is pure and unadulterated by vegetable oil.

Tips & Warnings

• When purchasing peppermint essential oil, or any essential oil, be sure you are buying from a reputable company.

• True essential oils are usually more costly than fragrance oils which are often diluted or made with synthetics.

• Consult a health practitioner before using essential oils when pregnant, lactating or if you have a serious health condition.

References

• Aromatherapy.net: What To Look For When Purchasing Essential Oils
• "The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy"; Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991

Resources

• "Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art;" Kathi Keville & Mindy Green; 1995