Homemade peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is a popular oil sold in many shops in the form of essential oil; the oil has so many uses which are of benefits to hair, skin, and household purposes.
The process of extracting peppermint essential oil is usually through heating the plant at low temperatures. During the heating process, vapors are collected in form of liquid and allowed to cool down. The vapor from the heated plant contains around 45% of menthol. Menthol is one of the main compounds in peppermint oil that provides pleasant fragrance, healing, and aromatic properties.
Peppermint oil is also available in the form of capsules and infused oil; the capsule is usually taken as dietary supplements while the infused oil is commonly used on hair and skin. See here how to make this oil on Youtube:
Just the same way rosemary oil is made, you can easily make an infused peppermint oil using the dried peppermint or the fresh peppermint leaves. The oil is very effective and has multi-purpose use. Peppermint oil is a natural pain killer, it contains antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Table of Contents
Peppermint oil uses
- For hair growth: you can apply peppermint oil on your hair directly by massaging it into your scalp or you can simply add the oil to your hair cream and use it for hair growth.
- To improve hair quality: the oil may help improve hair quality and also darkens and adds sheen to hair makes.
- Prevents dry and itchy skin: this homemade oil has a soothing effect and helps in the treatment of itchy and dried skin. Add a few drops of the oil to your body cream and apply on your skin to help moisturize dry skin.
- As a flavoring agent: peppermint is not only used for beauty and cosmetic purposes, but it is also used in food to improve the taste and for a burst of minty flavor in food.
- For relaxation of muscles and joints: used aromatically to enliven the senses and promote a feeling of energy.
- Relieves headaches and migraines: when it is applied to the temple, it can help relieve pain from tension headaches and migraine attacks.
- Suppresses symptoms of cold and cough: if you inhale the vapor that comes from the oil, it can help to treat symptoms of colds and coughs
- Scalp massage: it is good for the scalp massage and leaves a soothing and refreshing feeling. If you have dry and itchy skin, simply apply the homemade oil on your skin and gently massage with your skin, this will help moisturize and relieve you from the itching.
Peppermint oil ingredients
- A small bunch of peppermint leaves
- 1 1/2 cup of olive or coconut oil
- Saucepan
- Fine strainer
- Storage jar
- Heat resistant owl
- Knife
How to make peppermint oil at home
- Pick all the peppermint leaves from the stems, rinse the leaves thoroughly to get rid of sand and debris.
- Set the leaves to drain in a colander until most of the water has reduced from the leaves.
- Place the leaves on a chopping board and cut into smaller pieces with a knife.
- Transfer the leaves into a heat resistant bowl, pour coconut oil, grapeseed, or olive oil over the leaves, and allow the oil to immerse the leaves completely
- Heat up a double boiler and place the leaves in it’. begin stirring the leaves and oil mixture every now and then until the water starts to boil.
- As you keep stirring you will notice the color of the oil changing from light yellow to light lemon color.
- Keep stirring and cooking the leaves until you notice a slightly darker green oil, which entails that the oil has been infused.
- Turn off the heat and remove the toil from the water and set aside to cool down.
- When it has cool down strain the oil with fine mesh into a jar with a fitting lid.
- Your peppermint oil is ready; store it in the fridge or on the shelve and use for any remedy that calls for peppermint oil.