The American food and beverage industry has been using essential oils in recipes for well over 100 years with delightful results. These concentrated sources of aromatic and healthful compounds add flavor and therapeutic benefits to your plate.

Each essential oil has a unique flavor and health benefits. Now, let’s introduce you to the key benefits of cooking with essential oils:

1. You can create unique and interesting flavors like chocolate orange, chocolate peppermint, and chocolate tangerine by adding the respective essential oils to chocolate.
2. Essential oils such as garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil are effective in controlling bacterial growth on food products.
3. Many essential oils like Lavender oil and Lime oil are known to control fungal infections in food. Therefore, the quality of lipid containing foods can be extended and preserved through storage and cooking by adding these oils that have strong antioxidant properties.
4. The flavor and fragrance of essential oils like Lavender, Peppermint, and Lemon help to prime your body for digestion through the olfactory system. This primes your digestive tract to begin releasing enzymes and HCl to improve digestion.
5. Certain essential oils can actually extend the shelf life of your food due to antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.

Essential Oil Cooking Tips

There are some simple concepts to keep in mind when cooking with essential oils:

They are very concentrated, 1-2 drops is typically all that is needed

Dilute them in a carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, mct oil, or butter before adding to a meal

Add after cooking, these oils are sensitive to high heat so add them after the heating of the meal is done

It is very important that you use certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils and not fragrance oils for cooking. While buying essential oils for cooking or for internal use, always purchase only those edible essential oil brands that have been thoroughly tested for purity.

Add in whichever type of milk you prefer (almond, coconut, hemp or dairy)

This tea is fantastic for supporting your digestive system.  Clove oil has been used for thousands of years for gum and tooth health.

Chai Tea

Brew a strong cup of your favorite black tea.  Steep for 2 or 3 minutes and then add:

1 drop Cardamom oil

1 drop Cinnamon oil

1 drop Clove oil

1 drop Black Pepper oil

Add in whichever type of milk you prefer (almond, coconut, hemp or dairy)

This tea is fantastic for supporting your digestive system.  Clove oil has been used for thousands of years for gum and tooth health.

Lemony Minty Potato Salad

2 lb new potatoes

4 tbsp Avocado Oil Mayonnaise

1 tbsp chopped chives

One small onion finely chopped

1 tsp dill pickle (optional)

2 drops Lemon essential oil

1 drop Spearmint essential oil

Boil the potatoes and cool them completely. Mix all other ingredients with a whisk. Add them to the potatoes. Chill before serving.