You can extract peppermint oil at home to take advantage of all its benefits and carrying out these tasks is something recreational that connects us with the earth, allows us to create our own recipes and homemade preparations to improve health.
Properties of peppermint oil extract
- Due to its antiseptic, antipruritic, astringent and healing properties, it is very suitable for the treatment of skin abnormalities.
- It has anti- inflammatory and analgesic effects , very suitable for muscle and joint problems.
- Being expectorant, antispasmodic and antiseptic, the peppermint leaf oil extract is suitable for respiratory problems, being one of the main oils to inhale.
- Its immunostimulating properties make it suitable for increasing defenses against microorganisms.
Due to its carminative, stomachic, cholagogue, vermifuge and liver properties, it can be used to treat diseases of the digestive system. - Stimulating, refreshing. Excellent for clearing the head. Wake up and relieve traveler’s syndrome. It is a good nerve tonic.
How to use peppermint oil
The oil extract from peppermint leaves can be used to add a minty flavor to beverages and foods , and is used in a number of natural applications from deterring mice from entering the home to beauty products. Making your own peppermint oil at home is possible using this simple method.
Things you will need:
- Fresh mint
- Airtight glass jar.
- Strainer
- Dark container for airtight storage
Preparation mode
- Step 1 Buy vodka or alcohol made to drink alone.
- Step 2 Take the mint leaves and wash them very well.
- Step 3 Remove bruised or dark leaves. You can leave the stems attached.
- Step 4 Place the herbs in a glass jar and squeeze firmly.
- Step 5 Pour the rubbing alcohol over the herbs, and place it in a warm place for several weeks. Let them soak in the alcohol for at least two weeks.
- Step 6 Strain the liquid.
- Step 7 Freeze. The oil will freeze separating from the vodka. You can remove it at that time, and put it in another container, preferably a dark glass container. Keep refrigerated.
Tips to extract oil from mint leaves
Oils made this way will not be high-content oils, and there is no way to test resistance at home. Essential oils have been successfully made through a lengthy process of steam distillation, something that is not feasible in the average home. This is known as “herbal oil” and can be substituted for essential oil in many recipes, both culinary and artisan.
The alcohol is reusable and you can make another batch after the oil is removed.
* For the highest content of plant oils, use fresh grass, if you are from home, pick it around 10 am, after the dew is gone, but before the sun gets too hot.
Precautions:
* Do not use alcohol that is not consumable. Use grain alcohol only.
* The oil can be kept fresh for up to a year, but use within 6 months is recommended.