The popular crossbreed mint (a mix of watermint and spearmint) which can readily be grown, peppermint — is where peppermint oil is produced from.
For over 10,000 years, peppermint oil has been used for many different purposes.
Peppermint oil is one of the world’s oldest medicines used by natural healers to this very day! Simply because it works, and works fast in many cases! (Read more about peppermint oil uses here)
Contents of Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil consists of several vitamins and minerals as well as good fat such as:
- Omega-3 fatty acid – Very good for skin and heart. Reduces depression and other mental issues as well. Huge benefits.
- Vitamin A – Excellent for eyes, and a must if you sit on the computer on a regular basis.
- Vitamin C – Reduces free racial damage, which studies show is linked strongly to diseases like cancer and other serious ailments such as arthritis and heart diseases.
- Vital for bones as well.Calcium – Prevents osteoporosis and prevents breakdown of bones.
- Magnesium – Used to help digest calcium among many other uses and benefits.
- Manganese – Used by the body for many important functions.
- Iron – Must for menstruating women, as iron depletes with blood loss.
- Folate – Produces red blood cells and repairs tissue such as muscles.
- Potassium – Regulates blood pressure (sodium/potassium balance), and heart functions. Relieves cramps if sodium/potassium is causing them to occur.
- Copper – Imperative to stay away from copper deficiency, usually caused by having a high zinc intake.
Eventhough peppermint oil contains these beneficial ingredients, there is more you should know!
As peppermint herb is high in menthol, peppermint oil is high in menthone, among many other organic compounds. Peppermint oil also contains menthol but in lower amount than the peppermint plant. Menthone’s molecular formula is C10H18O, and as stated above, it is a naturally occurring organic compound found in peppermint oil. A ketone and monoterpene, menthone’s structure is similar to menthol but the major difference is in the secondary alcohol exactly where methone has a carbonyl.
How to make your very own peppermint oil!
This is by far the easiest method for making the oil at home that I have found. This is a blend and not pure peppermint oil, but the results are still fantastic!
What you will need to make your peppermint oil
- Grown peppermint or peppermint leaves.
- A container/jar to make the oil.
- A container/jar to store peppermint oil after it has been made.
- A strainer.
- 1/2 cup of olive oil.
- Scissors.
- Spoon or any tool used to crush peppermint.
Method of making your own peppermint oil blend
- Grow the plant. If you need further assistance, go to (peppermint instructions page coming soon)
- Harvest its leaves in the morning using scissors.
- Store the leaves in the container you have chosen to make the oil in.
- Crush the leaves using spoon/any tool. This will start to release the oils from the leaves.
- Add olive oil to the container.
- Shake the container after you have tightly sealed it.
- Leave it outside.
If the weather is sunny outside or during the summer, leave it outside for
- Two days.
- Shake every 12 hours.
Otherwise:
- Leave it outside for a month or 30 days.
- Shake once a day.
I recommend you make this during the summer.
Once the time written above has expired (2-30 days depending on your choice), you can now strain the contents of the container into a new container/jar to have your peppermint oil.
That’s it, you are done! It is really that easy!
Enjoy your very own homemade peppermint oil!
Warning:
As with anything, do not overuse as it can cause toxicity. Avoid use if pregnant, have gallstones (due to discomfort in the intestinal area), or on an infant and children under the age of 3. Also, reactions with other medication can cause issues, so consult with your doctor if you are on prescribed medications.