The peppermint plant, also known as Mentha x piperita, is a plant native to Europe, although it grows throughout several regions worldwide. This minty plant has a longstanding use as a digestive aid, as well as a remedy for relieving nausea, vomiting and morning sickness. Peppermint oil is the extract from the concentrated oils found naturally in the plant. You can usually purchase small vials of this essential oil in your local health food store. You can, however, prepare your own peppermint oil at home with fresh peppermint. Always consult your physician prior to ingesting peppermint oil, as it might not be safe.
Step 1
Pick fresh peppermint that is a vivid green and has a strong scent. The more lush the peppermint, the more fragrant your oil will be.
Step 2
Clean the leaves and remove any debris or impurities. Due to the delicate nature of peppermint, gently rinse the leaves and wipe them down with a paper towel.
Step 3
Put the leaves in a clear plastic bag. Using a mallet, tap gently against the peppermint leaves. As you do so, you will see the release of the oil. Pour any collected oil into the jar. Let the leaves sit for 24 hours in the bag. Do not refrigerate.
Step 4
Add a carrier oil such as wheat germ, grapeseed oil or almond oil into the jar. Carrier oils help to absorb and distribute the concentrated peppermint oil. Swirl the jar around to incorporate the peppermint oil and carrier oil together.
Step 5
Strain the oil from the stored peppermint leaves using muslin or cheese cloth. If the leaves are still intact, it means more oil is present. Let them sit again for another 24 hours and strain again the next day and continue daily until the leaves are no longer intact.
Step 6
Store the jar with the oil in a cabinet and use a jar that is not clear, as essential oils are sensitive to light.
Tips and Warnings
- You can apply peppermint oil topically to relieve muscle pain, headaches, nerve pain, joint problems and to alleviate itchiness, MedlinePlus says. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says you can take a very small dose of peppermint oil to relieve nausea and indigestion, although you should always consult a physician before doing so. You can add three to four drops of peppermint oil to boiling water to improve breathing due to the presence of menthol, according to the American Cancer Society. Although these uses are generally safe, substantial clinical data regarding its long-term efficacy are lacking. You should therefore use caution when utilizing this oil.
Things You'll Need
- Jar with lid
- Fresh peppermint
- Plastic bag
- Carrier oil
- Mallet
- Muslin or cheese cloth
References
- MedlinePlus: Peppermint Oil
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Peppermint Oil
- American Cancer Society: Peppermint
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe and Teresa Graedon; 2000
- "Herbs Demystified"; Holly Phaneuf; 2005
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