How to Make Peppermint Essential Oil

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

    • Colander
    • Clean dish towel
    • Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
    • Peppermint leaves, as many as will fit in the jar
    • Mallet or mortar and pestle
    • Carrier oil (any unscented oil, such as almond or grape seed)
    • Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
    • Glass bottle or container with a lid
Peppermint essential oil can be made with peppermint leaves and a carrier oil.
Image Credit: tycoon751/iStock/Getty Images

Making your own peppermint essential oil requires very few ingredients and equipment; homemade peppermint essential oil also is significantly less expensive than its store-bought counterpart.

Advertisement

Step 1

Collect good-quality peppermint leaves without any bruising, wilting or brown spots. Look for large dark-green leaves on the top third of the plant. If you are able to find wild peppermint or you grow your own, the best time of day to collect leaves is early morning, when the plant oils are their strongest. Otherwise, peppermint leaves sold at grocery stores and farmers' markets work well to make the oil.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Place the peppermint leaves in a colander and gently spray with cool water. Spread the leaves on a clean kitchen towel and let them air-dry.

Step 3

Crush the peppermint leaves gently with a mallet or mortar and pestle to release the oil. If you're using a mallet, place the leaves on a cutting board or counter, and gently tap the leaves. If you're using a mortar and pestle, place the leaves in the mortar, or bowl, and gently press the leaves with the pestle. The leaves should be slightly bruised and have a strong peppermint smell. Do not grind the leaves up or over-pound with the mallet.

Advertisement

Step 4

Fill the glass jar with as many peppermint leaves as it will hold, then fill the jar with carrier oil until all the mint leaves are submerged. Tightly seal the jar, and give it a small shake to ensure that the leaves are fully covered by the oil.

Step 5

Leave the sealed jar on the counter, out of direct sunlight, for 24 to 48 hours so the peppermint leaves can steep in the carrier oil.

Advertisement

Step 6

With the clean glass jar underneath, carefully pour the oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer. The used leaves should remain in the strainer while the oil pours into the glass container. Discard the used mint leaves. Store the sealed jar of peppermint essential oil in a cool, dark location -- such as a pantry -- and use within 4 to 6 months.

Tip

While there are many varieties of mint plants -- spearmint, pineapple mint and chocolate mint, for example -- use only leaves from a peppermint plant to make essential oil.

Warning

Peppermint essential oil can cause skin irritation, heartburn and allergic reactions. Children’s skin sometimes is too sensitive for peppermint oil. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using peppermint essential oil.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references & resources