How to make a homemade peppermint infused oil using the oil infusion method for use in skin care, as an insect repellent, for sore muscles, and more. Below is a step-by-step process for making peppermint infused oil, exploring its uses and benefits as well.

Infused oils have become one of my favourite DIYs to make at home. I’ve made a couple of these herbal oils before, including lavender and grapefruit, but I wanted to experiment with making a homemade version of peppermint infused oil.

Please note that this method will not produce what is technically a ‘true’ essential oil, as steam distilling is required. To make an authentic essential oil, you will need to distil the peppermint leaves, capture the steam, and condense the steam into a liquid.

But for those whose kitchens aren’t filled with this distilling equipment, a herbal infused oil is the next best thing. Please note that this oil will be less concentrated than a true essential oil.

Recipe Tutorial Video

Uses for Peppermint Infused Oil

Herbal infused oils are commonly used in natural skin care, hair care, and in cooking due to their unique therapeutic properties. Depending on the herbs chosen, these oils can offer a range of benefits like moisturising or soothing properties when incorporated into various products or applied on their own.

Peppermint infused oil has many beneficial uses, including:

• Hair Care: Peppermint oil may help to encourage hair growth and improve scalp health. Incorporating peppermint oil into your hair care routine may help to enhance hair thickness and length. Massaging a few drops of peppermint infused oil into the scalp and hair may help to nourish and strengthen hair follicles.
• Skin Care: Peppermint oil is a natural antimicrobial and contains cooling and soothing properties, due to its active ingredient, menthol. It’s often used to treat acne, eczema, insect bites, and other minor skin irritations. Applying a few drops of peppermint infused oil to the skin may help to moisturise, and soothe minor inflammation such as redness and itching.
• Relieve Sore Muscles: When peppermint oil is massaged onto sore muscles, it may help in providing some relief from pain and inflammation due to the component, menthol, which provides a cooling sensation, helping to soothe and numb the affected area.

Before we get started in learning how to make this homemade peppermint infused oil, if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!

Homemade Peppermint Infused Oil

True peppermint essential oil you find in store contains around 45% menthol. Menthol is what gives peppermint its soothing qualities. While we will not be making a true peppermint oil at home today, we will be making this peppermint infused oil, which can be used for many different purposes.

I love using this peppermint infused herbal oil in my ointments, creams, and lip balm recipes. This oil can also be applied alone as a massage oil to help soothe sore muscles, or to soothe irritated skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (4 oz) dried peppermint leaves
• 2 cup (16 oz) extra virgin olive oil (or coconut oil)
• Glass quart-sized mason jar
• Cheesecloth or a nut milk bag

To Make:

1. Start by crushing the dried peppermint leaves gently with the back of a spoon or with a mortar and pestle. This will help to release the natural oils found in the peppermint, and make for a better extraction.
2. Place the crushed peppermint leaves in a glass jar and cover them with the carrier oil of your choice. Ensure that the leaves are completely submerged in the oil to prevent any mould or bacteria contaminating the oil.
3. Seal the jar tightly with the lid and place it on a warm, sunny windowsill to infuse. Allow the peppermint leaves to steep in the oil for at least 2-4 weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days to help with the infusion.
4. Once the infusion time is complete, strain the peppermint leaves from the oil using a cheesecloth, fine mesh strainer, or a nut milk bag. Squeeze the cloth with the plant material inside to extract as much of the infused oil as possible.
5. Transfer the strained peppermint infused oil into dark glass bottles for storage. Amber or cobalt blue bottles are excellent choices as the dark glass helps protect the oil from light exposure, which can degrade the oil over time and cause it to lose its potency. 
6. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, such as in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry.
7. This peppermint infused oil will have a mild aroma to it. It will not be as strong as a true essential oil. To give the oil extra fragrance, you can add a few drops of your favourite organic peppermint essential oil if you choose. 
8. Over time, oil can become rancid, developing a stale or unpleasant odour. If the infused oil smells unpleasant or has changed colour, it should be discarded and a fresh batch can be made. The shelf life of peppermint infused oil is approximately one year.

This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

Have you made a herbal infused oil before? What oil did you make? Share in the comments below

Lots of love,

Vanessa