herbal help?

[venatic]

I have a ton of herbs/spices/bodycare raw materials that need to get used up. Sooner rather than later. I use all these components on a regular basis, but 1 pound of peppermint makes a frickin' lot of tea. Any advice?
My limitations: I have no access to an oven or small saucepan. Just a stovetop with a large pot and frying pan, plus my microwave. Does anyone have recipes (edible or for bodycare use) that use the following ingredients, preferably in larger quantities?

dried stuff:

peppermint
hibiscus flowers
elderberries
marshmallow leaf
thyme
cinnamon powder
basil
chicory

bodycare stuff:

mango butter
shea butter
cocoa butter
apricot oil
(the above are rated food-grade, so I could use them in cooking)

fuller's earth
bentonite clay
beeswax
witch hazel

Comments

[traykor]

I've heard good things about home made peppermint extract. You need a glass jar with a tight lid and vodka or everclear. Pack mint tightly into jar, cover with alcohol, sit in sunny spot. Shake twice a day for 3 or 4 days. Strain out the leaves and you have concentrated peppermint.
(I've been meaning to try this because the peppermint perfume I wear is kinda expensive).
Actually the above would work with most herbs to make an extract. Could then become nice smelling bath or lotion items.