Peppermint oil is commonly used for relaxation and stress reduction, and there is actually evidence that it can help with tension headaches, abdominal pain, and digestive problems. Making your own peppermint oil at home is really easy. You basically just need peppermint leaves, olive oil (or a similar oil) and a jar. That's it! Soon you'll have some homemade peppermint oil that will last for months.

I. Cleaning and drying the peppermint

1. Gather enough peppermint leaves to produce the desired amount of oil. Ideally, the mint should be freshly picked from your garden or a similar source. If this isn't an option, then buying a bundle or two at the store is perfectly fine.

Use only the broad green leaves. Removing the stems from the mint plant may cause it to die.

Unlike other types of essential oils, peppermint oil is technically an infusion. This means that the amount of carrier oil you use to infuse the leaves will determine how much you end up with.

Tip: If you pick your own peppermint, the best time to harvest the leaves is before they start to bloom. This is when they are at their most potent.

2. Wash the mint thoroughly in cool, clean water. Place the leaves in a colander or mesh strainer, then rinse them under a stream of water to wash away dirt, grime, and debris. For a more thorough cleaning, you can also soak the mint in a shallow bowl for 5-10 minutes.

Inspect the mint leaves as you wash them and throw away anything that looks diseased, damaged, or discolored.

A good initial rinse of the mint will help ensure that there are no foreign objects in the finished oil.

3. Let the mint leaves air dry thoroughly. Gently shake the leaves to remove excess moisture, then arrange them in a single layer on a countertop, cutting board, or similar surface. If necessary, smooth the leaves with your fingertips to prevent them from folding or curling as they dry.

You can also place the still-wet mint leaves on a clean towel or folded paper towel layer to absorb more moisture.

Your mint leaves need to be completely dry before you begin the oil extraction process.

Two: Making the Essential Oil

1. Gently stir the peppermint leaves with a heavy, blunt object. Use a mortar and pestle, mallet, or the back of a spoon to press the leaves against a hard, solid surface. Use subtle strokes to move your implement and gently apply even pressure.

You can also simply tear and squeeze the mint leaves by hand if you prefer.

Messing causes the plant to release its natural oils, which is one of the most important steps in making a variety of essential oils at home.

Be careful not to grind the leaves too much, as this will make them bitter and harder to pull tight later. You just want to unlock their aromatic essence, not destroy them.

2. Transfer the crushed leaves to a jar or similar container. Scoop up the leaves and place them in the bottom of the container. Add as many leaves as you can to the container, but be sure to leave enough room at the top so that their contents can move around a bit.

It's important to choose a container with a lid, as exposure to air can cause the vegetable oil to spoil.

Containers made of glass or ceramic work best because you don't have to worry about these materials contaminating your oil as you would if you were dealing with plastic or metal.

3. Cover the leaves with a mild, odorless carrier oil. Pour in enough oil to completely submerge the mint. When you're done, shake the jar to swirl the leaves and help them blend better into the carrier oil.

Remember that too high a ratio of carrier oil to mint will reduce the consistency of the finished oil.

Tip: Olive, grapeseed, almond, and wheat germ oils are all gentle oils that are great for making essential oils at home.

4. Place the jar in a warm, dark place for 24-48 hours. Seal the jar and place it in a corner of your kitchen, pantry, bathroom, or porch. Any area will work as long as it's not too hot or too cold. Keeping your oil out of direct sunlight is also a good idea for this reason.

If you live in a colder climate, keep the jar near a heat source or in an insulated cabinet to keep it at an optimal temperature.

Warmer temperatures encourage more of the oils in the mint leaves to escape.

Three: Strain and Concentrate the Oil

1. Strain the infused oil through a piece of coarse cotton cloth. After allowing the mint to steep overnight, remove the lid from the jar and place the coarse cotton cloth over the opening. Tilt the jar over a second container so that the oil flows through the coarse cotton cloth. Then, remove as much stray leaf residue as possible by hand.

The coarse cotton cloth or fine cloth will provide the best tension. Other types of DIY filters, such as paper towel and coffee filters, may not work as well due to the thickness of the oil.

Stretching the rubber band around the mouth of the canister will help hold the coarse cotton cloth in place while you work.

Warning: leaving small amounts of plant material in peppermint oil may cause it to spoil faster.

2. Mash up a fresh batch of peppermint leaves and add them to the oil. Prepare a second batch of leaves in the same way as the first, using enough pressure to break the outer surface and release the oil inside. Avoid grinding or tearing the leaves into pieces that are too small.

3. Continue steeping and straining to increase the potency of the oil. Repeat the initial steps as many times as necessary until your oil reaches the desired strength. This usually takes 2-3 days, but you can continue to add new leaves for up to a week.

With each round of steeping and straining, you'll notice the peppermint oil getting darker in color and giving off a stronger aroma.

After about a week, you may not be able to tell much difference in the consistency of the oil.

4. Seal the jar and store the peppermint oil for 3-6 months. Once sealed, the jar will help keep the oil fresh until you're ready to use it. To maximize the life of your oil, store it in a cool place at or slightly below room temperature and be sure to reseal the jar immediately after each use.

The shelf life of homemade peppermint oil may vary depending on the exact amount produced and the amount of plant material left behind.

If you notice peppermint oil taking on a strange color or smell after a few months, it's best to throw it out and make a new batch.