Spearmint Essential Oil – Make Your Own (DIY)

To create Spearmint essential oil, you will need fresh spearmint leaves, a carrier oil (such as almond oil or jojoba oil), a glass jar with a lid, a strainer or cheesecloth, and a dark-colored glass bottle for storage. Here’s a step-by-step recipe for making Spearmint essential oil:

1. Gather the ingredients: Obtain a sufficient amount of fresh spearmint leaves. The exact quantity will depend on how much oil you wish to make.
2. Preparing the leaves: Ensure that the spearmint leaves are clean and free from any dirt or debris. Remove any damaged or discolored leaves.
3. Crushing the leaves: Place the spearmint leaves in a mortar and pestle or a clean spice grinder. Gently crush the leaves to release their aromatic oils. Crushing the leaves helps maximize the extraction process.
4. Preparing the carrier oil: Select your preferred carrier oil (e.g., almond oil, jojoba oil, or another suitable carrier oil). Pour the carrier oil into a glass jar, leaving enough room to add the crushed spearmint leaves.
5. Combining the ingredients: Add the crushed spearmint leaves to the glass jar containing the carrier oil. Stir gently to ensure the leaves are well-distributed in the oil.
6. Infusion period: Seal the glass jar tightly with a lid and place it in a cool, dark location. Allow the spearmint leaves to infuse in the carrier oil for at least two to four weeks. During this time, the oil will absorb the aroma and therapeutic properties of the leaves.
7. Daily agitation: Shake or stir the jar gently once a day during the infusion period. This helps to promote the infusion process and distribute the essential oils within the carrier oil.
8. Straining the oil: After the infusion period, strain the oil to separate the carrier oil from the leaves. Use a fine-mesh strainer or a cheesecloth to filter out the solid particles. Squeeze the cheesecloth or press the leaves gently to extract any remaining oil.
9. Storage: Transfer the strained Spearmint essential oil into a dark-colored glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Dark glass helps protect the oil from light degradation. Label the bottle with the name and date.
10. Final storage: Store the Spearmint essential oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve its aroma and properties.

Note: Spearmint essential oil can also be obtained through steam distillation or extraction methods. However, the above recipe describes an infusion method suitable for making homemade essential oil without complex equipment.

Please keep in mind that essential oils are highly concentrated substances and should be used with caution. Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before using the oil topically, and consult with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional for proper usage guidelines.