How to Extract Essential Oil from Mint Leaves

Choose a Solvent for Extraction. Vodka or other high-proof grain alcohols are best due to their water and alcohol content, which helps dissolve the oil. Although apple cider vinegar or glycerin can be alternatives, the final tincture will be less potent and have a shorter shelf life. Homemade alcohol tinctures, like store-bought vanilla extract, are typically used in small amounts, so the alcohol content doesn't significantly impact the result.

• For dried mint leaves, use vodka with 45-60% alcohol content (90-120 proof).
• For fresh mint leaves, since they contain water, use vodka or Everclear with 90-95% alcohol content (180-190 proof).

Chop or crush fresh mint leaves. Cut a bunch of fresh mint leaves into two or three pieces, or crush them with the bottom of a clean cup to release more essential oils into the solution. Dried mint leaves can be crushed by hand or left mostly whole.

• Rinse fresh mint leaves before cutting.
• It’s not necessary to remove the stems, but you should discard any dark or uneven leaves as they might be spoiled.

Store the mint and solution in an airtight jar. Pack the jar with mint leaves, leaving about 1.5 cm of space if you want a stronger tincture. You can use fewer mint leaves if you prefer, but the end product will have less fragrance and flavor. Once the mint is in the jar, pour alcohol or solution to completely cover the leaves. Seal the jar tightly.

• Initially, the leaves might float. You can push them down with a spoon, but they should eventually sink on their own after a few days.

Let it steep for a few weeks, shaking occasionally. The steeping time depends on how strong you want the tincture, but it typically takes about four to eight weeks. Many prefer to keep the jar in a dark place since sunlight can reduce the shelf life of the alcohol. Shake the jar once or twice a week for a few minutes to speed up the dissolving process.

• You can taste a drop of the mixture to see if it’s strong enough for your liking.

Strain the solution into a brown glass container. Pour the solution through a coffee filter to remove the leaves and residue. Store the tincture in a brown glass container to protect it from sunlight and extend its shelf life. It can last for six months or longer, although its potency may diminish over time.

• If the tincture smells like vodka or isn’t as strong as you want, leave the jar for another week with a coffee filter or cloth over the top. Some alcohol will evaporate.

Add a few drops to hot drinks. Stir one to three drops into hot cocoa, hot water, or herbal tea. If your tincture is weak, feel free to add more. Only a tiny amount of alcohol is present, so you don’t need to worry about feeling intoxicated.

• Mint can help with some digestive issues, but it’s best avoided if you suffer from acid reflux or a hernia.

Enhance your baked goods recipe. About ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of your mint extract is enough to flavor a batch of brownies, soft candy, or meringues. You may need to experiment with the amount since homemade tinctures can vary in strength. For some recipes, like frosting, you can easily blend in small amounts and adjust by taste.

Repel insects. Mint extract can help keep ants, flies, and caterpillars at bay, though it’s less effective against mice. Soak cotton pads in the tincture and place them in areas where insects are present. Replace the cotton pads once or twice a week.

• Keep cotton pads out of reach of pets.

Use mint to boost memory and concentration. Some studies suggest that mint extract can enhance focus. Apply a drop or two to your clothing and inhale before studying, taking tests, or whenever you feel stressed or fatigued.

Dilute with oil for skin use. Mix a few drops into almond oil, olive oil, shea butter, or any skin-safe oil to create a soothing balm. Rub it on your chest to reduce congestion, or apply it to sore muscles, joints, or a poison ivy rash for relief. Gently massage it onto your forehead and temples to ease tension headaches.

• To obtain the highest essential oil yield, harvest them at 10 AM, once the dew has evaporated but before the sun gets too hot.
• If there is sediment in the tincture, filter the solution again through coffee filters.
• This recipe produces a tincture, which is not as strong as essential oil. Essential oil is typically made by distillation, a lengthy process that's not feasible for home extraction.

• The tincture can last up to a year, but it is recommended to use it within six months.
• Only use a small amount of tincture.
• Never use unsafe alcohol for consumption. Even if you do not intend to ingest the tincture, isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol will leave behind a strong, unpleasant odor.
• Never apply peppermint oil to the face of young children, as it may affect their respiratory system.

• Dry peppermint leaves & 45-60% grain alcohol
• Or fresh peppermint leaves & 90-95% grain alcohol
• Sealed container
• Filter material
• Brown glass container
• Eyedropper (for use)