Howdy. Generally it is not cost effictive for the home gardener to distill EO (essential oil), as the cost of the still and the amount of herb needed to make a decent batch are restrictive.
This is what I personally would do. Cram a jar full of mint leaves, cover with oil (almond would be nice). Set it in a oven with pilot light or other warm place a week or so. I shake daily at least. Then press the oil out. Here's a recipe for salve: Salves made easy It is very easy to make your own salves. Start with 8 ounces of an herbal oil and place in a non-metal pan. Add about 1/4 cup of beeswax. Heat over a very low heat until the beeswax is melted. To check the firmness of your salve, place a few drops on a plate and place in the freezer. After a minute or two, check the consistency. If it is too soft, add more beeswax; if too hard, add more oil. When you have achieved the desired consistency, pour into clean jars and cool completely. Stored in a cool, dark place, your salves should keep for a couple of years.
Seperate a bit out, add more beeswax, and you can use it as lipbalm as well. You can add essential oils for added scent, as the straight mint infused oil probably wouldn't be real strong in smell, but it would be astringent and soothing as well.
Enjoy, Lynn PS- maybe some day you'll aquire mint taste-buds. Nothing better than a frosty mug of mint tea on a sweltering day! |
Here is a link that might be useful: Here's past posts on distillation and EO's
