How to Make Mint Essential Oil at Home: Understanding Infused Oil and Distillation

In short: Two different things are often called “mint oil”. Steeping leaves in a carrier oil (coconut, olive) gives an infused oil you can make at home, with a mild scent. Only steam distillation produces true essential oil, which is highly concentrated and needs proper equipment. Keep homemade infused oil cool, use it within a few weeks and discard it if it smells off or shows mould.

Two different products

	Infused mint oil	Distilled essential oil
Method	Leaves steeped in vegetable oil	Steam distillation of leafy stems
Strength	Mild, already diluted	Highly concentrated
Equipment	Glass jar, carrier oil	Still, condenser, separator
Used for	Massage, balms, skin care	Roll-ons, diffusing, cosmetics

Method 1: infused mint oil

1. Pick clean leaves, rinse and dry completely (leftover water causes mould).
2. Bruise or chop and fill a clean jar about two-thirds full.
3. Cover with coconut or olive oil and seal.
4. Keep somewhere warm but out of direct sun for 1–2 weeks, shaking gently daily.
5. Strain into a dark bottle and label with the date.

Method 2: small-scale distillation

1. Wilt the herb for a few hours.
2. Load it on a grid above water in the still.
3. Heat so steam passes through the herb and carries the oil to the condenser.
4. Collect the water–oil mix and let it settle; the oil floats and is separated.

Oil yield is very small relative to herb weight. Equipment must be sound, sealed and used in a ventilated place; essential oil is flammable, so keep naked flames away.

Safety

• Dilute distilled oil before skin use – see mint oil safety.
• Do not swallow infused or homemade oils.
• Discard infused oil that smells rancid, turns cloudy or grows mould.

FAQ

How long does infused oil keep?

A few weeks to 1–2 months if the leaves were fully dry and it is kept cool.

Can infused oil be used for balms?

Yes – add beeswax to make a soft balm for external use.

References: NCCIH – Peppermint Oil.

Further reading

• Mint essential oil safety
• Mint essential oil: uses and limits
• Quality control of mint oil and raw materials