How to Extract Essential Oil from Mint Leaves

Select a solution to be used for extraction. Vodka, or other high-strength grain alcohols, are best, since both water and alcohol help dissolve the oil. Although apple cider vinegar or glycerin can also be used, the final tincture will be less potent and have a shorter shelf life. ^[1] Homemade tinctures, like the vanilla essential oil you buy at the store, are often used in small amounts, so the tincture is usually not as effective.

• For dried mint leaves, use vodka that contains 45-60% alcohol (90-120 proof).
• For fresh mint leaves, since they already contain water, use vodka or Everclear with 90-95% alcohol (180-190 proof).

Cut or crush mint leaves. Cut a bunch of fresh mint leaves into two or three pieces, or mash the leaves with the bottom of a clean cup, so more of the essential oil can be mixed into the solution. ^[2] Dried mint leaves can be crushed by hand, or left almost whole.

• Wash fresh mint leaves before cutting.
• It is not necessary to remove the stem, but it is advisable to remove leaves that are dark or uneven in color, as they may be damaged.

Store the mint and solution in an airtight jar. Stuff in a jar of mint leaves, leaving about 1.5 cm if you want a stronger tincture. You can use less mint leaves if you like, but your finished product will have less aroma and flavor. Once you have added the mint, pour the alcohol or solution into the jar so that the leaves are completely submerged. Close the lid tightly.

• The leaves may emerge at first. You can push them down with a spoon, but they should sink on their own after a few days.

Let soak for a few weeks, shaking occasionally. Soaking time depends on the strength of the tincture you desire, but will usually take anywhere from four to eight weeks. ^[3] Many people prefer to keep the bottle in a dark place, as sunlight can shorten the life of alcohol. Once or twice a week, shake the vial for a few minutes to speed up the dissolution process.

• You can taste a drop of the mixture to decide if it’s strong enough for you.

Strain the solution into a brown glass container. Pour the solution through a coffee filter to remove leaves and residue. Store tincture in a brown glass container to protect it from the sun and prolong its shelf life. It can be left on for six months or more, although it may gradually lose its potency over time.

• If the tincture smells like vodka, or isn’t as strong as you’d like, leave the vial for another week with a coffee filter or a cloth on the lid. Some of the alcohol will be evaporated. ^[4]