| How to Extract Mint Oils from Leaves Sep 2nd 2012, 22:00 Mint oil has a number of uses––it can be used to add a minty flavor to drinks, add mint flavor to food such as chocolates and icing and used in a number of natural applications from deterring mice from entering the home to beauty products. Making your own mint oil at home is possible using this simple method. - Buy high proof vodka or alcohol made for drinking only.
- Pick fresh mint and wash the leaves well.
- Remove any bruised or dark leaves. You may leave the stems attached.
- Place the herbs in a sealable fruit jar packed as tightly as you wish.
- Pour the alcohol over the herbs, and place in a warm area for several weeks.
- Soak the herbs in the alcohol for at least two weeks.
- Strain off the liquid.
- Freeze. The oil will freeze, and separate from the vodka. You can remove it at this time, and put it in another container, preferably a dark glass container. Keep refrigerated.
- Oils made in this fashion will not be high content oils, and there is no way of testing the strength at home. Essential oils are properly made using a lengthy process of distillation by steam, something not viable in the average home. This is best called an "herbal oil" and can be substituted for essential oil in many recipes, both culinary and craft.
- The alcohol is reusable and can make another batch after the oil is removed.
- For the highest content of oils in plants, pick them around 10 am, after the dew is gone, but before the sun gets too hot.
Edit Warnings - Do not use any alcohol that is not consumable. Use grain alcohol only.
- The oil may stay fresh up to one year, but it is recommended to use it within 6 months.
Edit Things You'll Need - Sealable jar
- Strainer
- Dark airtight container for storage
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