How To Make Mint Infused Oil

If you love the cool, calming scent of mint, mint infused oil is something you’ll want to keep in your home apothecary. It uses only two ingredients and is easy and inexpensive to make.

Infused oils are so simple to make. You usually only need a carrier oil of some kind, such as fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil, and your herb material. I’ve made infused oils with dandelion, chamomile, and plantain. Mint-infused oil is another good one to make to help with headaches and mild pain.

You can also use infused oils as the base of homemade lip balm, body oil, salves, and more.

Benefits of mint

Soothes muscle pain and tension – Menthol in peppermint helps to relax tight muscles and increase circulation.

Eases headaches and migraines – Rubbing a bit of the oil on your temples or the back of your neck can ease tension and reduce the intensity of headaches. It works by activating cold-sensitive receptors in the skin that dull pain signals.

Reduces itch and irritation – Mint is naturally calming to the skin, making it helpful for bug bites, minor rashes, and sunburn. Its cooling effect can reduce the urge to scratch and help with faster healing.

Supports mental clarity – The smell of mint has been shown to help with overall alertness and reduce mental fatigue. 

Helps with nasal congestion – Mint oil applied near the chest or temples can help open the airways and make breathing a little easier if you’re feeling stuffy.

Fresh vs. dried mint: which is better?

Fresh mint creates a more vibrant, aromatic oil but it also introduces moisture, which shortens shelf life of the oil and increases the risk of spoilage or bacteria.

Dried mint is safer and more shelf-stable. It still offers strong medicinal benefits and is ideal if you want to make a larger batch to keep on hand longer.

Tip: If using fresh peppermint leaves, always allow the leaves to wilt slightly before infusing. This helps reduce moisture while keeping the plant’s essential oils intact.

How to make peppermint oil

Tools

Glass jars for the infusion and storing the infused oil – I use these mason jars

Mesh strainer or cheese cloth – Here is a source for extra large unbleached cheesecloth

Optional – Oil dropper bottle to make using the oil easier – I use these

Supplies

Fresh or dry mint – Here’s a bulk source

Carrier oil of your choice – I like using sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or fractionated coconut oil but you could also use extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

If you’re using fresh mint, wash and pat dry the leaves. Leave them on a plate or paper towel to dry. 

After the leaves are dry, lightly crumble them and add them to a clean glass jar. Fill the jar ⅔ full.

Pour your carrier oil over the leaves, leaving 1” of head space above the leaves. 

Add a lid and label and date it. For a solar infusion, set it in a warm, sunny place for 2-3 weeks.

After 3 weeks, the next step is to use a mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the oil off. 

Compost the leaves and store the infused oil in a glass jar. It’s best to store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve the benefits in the oil.

Ways to use it

• Massage into sore muscles after exercise or long hours at a desk
  
• Apply a small amount to temples for tension relief and headache support
  
• Rub onto chest or neck to help with cooling
  
• Use in homemade balms or salves
  
• Include in foot soaks for tired feet or post-exercise recovery
  

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