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A close up of amber glass dropper bottle with dried mint leaves in the background.
Nico

How To Make Homemade Peppermint Tincture (Mint Extract)

From aiding digestion to reducing nausea, peppermint is a commonly grown garden herb that packs a big nutritional punch. Learn how to make peppermint tincture to be able to easily preserve and consume all the benefits that peppermint has to offer.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 56 days
Total Time 56 days 10 minutes
Servings: 1 bottle
Course: Tinctures for Sleep
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup Dried or fresh mint leaves - here's a source for bulk dried mint
  • 1 cup 80-proof unflavoured alcohol or 40% alcohol – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin. If you’re using fresh peppermint, consider using a high-proof alcohol, which will be more effective at preventing spoilage from the water content in the plant.

Equipment

  • An airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid – I use a glass mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal. – I use these glass mason jars
  • Small amber dropper bottles - here's the ones I use
  • A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter - I like this unbleached cheesecloth
  • A small funnel
  • A knife, mortar and pestle, or food processor – for chopping up fresh leaves

Method
 

  1. If you’re using fresh peppermint leaves, wash and dry the leaves. 
  2. Use a knife, mortar and pestle, or a food processor to cut down the leaves. This is done to maximise the surface area that is exposed to alcohol which the tincture is steeping.
  3. Add the fresh or dried leaves and stems to a clean mason jar (or whatever clean glass jar you have on hand). 
  4. If you’re using fresh peppermint, fill the jar about ¾ of the way full. You want the leaves to be completely covered in alcohol, so leave a bit of space at the top. 
  5. If you’re using dried mint, fill the jar about ½ of the way full to leave room for the plant material to absorb the alcohol.
  6. Cover everything in alcohol. If the peppermint floats to the top, use a wooden spoon to push it under the alcohol. Use whatever alcohol (as long as it’s 80-proof or above) you have on hand.
  7. Put a tight lid on the jar and shake it to ensure everything is covered with alcohol.
  8. Date and label the jar and put it in a cool, dark spot away from direct sunlight (like a dark cabinet).
  9. Leave it sit for 6-8 weeks and try to shake it once a day to keep everything submerged in alcohol.
  10. After 6-8 weeks, use cheesecloth to strain off the liquid. You can also use a fine mesh strainer or a coffee filter. The coffee filter will take the longest, but will be most effective at straining off the tincture.
  11. Add the strained tincture to a small amber glass dropper bottle. If you have excess liquid that doesn’t fit in the dropper bottle, you can store it in your glass jar.
  12. Label and date the dropper bottle and it’s ready to use. That’s it! You’ve made your own mint extract.

Notes

How much peppermint tincture to take?

I like to take 2 droppers full per day 1-2 times after a meal or before a long car journey. You can start by taking a small amount and work your way up.

How long does peppermint tincture last?

Like many homemade extracts and tinctures, this tincture has a long shelf life if stored away from direct sunlight and the plant material is completely strained off. I like to use the tincture within 1-2 years.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!