How to Extract Mint Oil From Mint Leaves

This age-old method of herbal extraction is easy to execute.

1. Mince fresh mint leaves with a knife. The finer the leaves are chopped, the more surface area will be available for oil extraction.



2. Place the chopped leaves into a glass mason jar. Fill the jar with three parts of a high-proof alcohol such as grain alcohol or vodka for every one part minced leaves.The alcohol will act as an agent to pull the oils out of the mint.



3. Cap the jar and shake well. Leave the container of herbs to sit in a dark place for the next four to six weeks. Shake the jar to stir up its contents every few days.



4. After the mint has soaked for four to six weeks, separate the plant material from the liquid by pouring the mixture into a clean bowl through a sieve or strainer. Wrap the soaked leaves in a piece of fine cheesecloth and squeeze out any captured extract.



5. Store the mint extract in small glass bottles or jars in a cool dark place.