Recipes

Essential Oils Uses in the Kitchen: Herbs

March 5, 2016
herbs

Essential Oils Uses are practically endless. Did you know, you can substitute most dry spices and herbs with pure essential oils? Compared to the traditional kitchen pantry dry herb staples, essential oils are far more potent—and flavour-full.

Just one drop of therapeutic grade essential oil added to your favourite recipe, adds fresh flavour with potential potent health benefits.

Print out the below guide a pop it into your recipe collection. Even if you prefer fresh herbs, it’s great to know there’s a back-up if you run out.

Culinary Essential Oils Uses 101

Herb Flavours

Tip: Typically, one drop of essential oil is equivalent to two teaspoons of dried herbs. However, it’s a good idea to start with less and gradually add more to taste. Dip a toothpick into the bottle and stir into your ingredients until you reach the desired flavour.

ITALIAN SEASONING BLEND

Ingredients:
Basil essential oil
Marjoram essential oil
Oregano essential oil
Rosemary essential oil
Thyme essential oil
2 tablespoons garlic powder or 1 garlic clove
Chopped fresh garlic

Directions:
Mix all ingredients into a homemade spaghetti sauce.

HERBS DE PROVENCE BLEND

Ingredients:
Thyme essential oil
Marjoram essential oil
Rosemary essential oil
Lavender essential oil
Fennel essential oil
2 teaspoons dried orange zest (optional)

Directions:
Add to soups, on chicken, or on roasted vegetables.

PUMPKIN PIE MIX

Ingredients:
Cinnamon essential oil
Ginger essential oil
2 teaspoons nutmeg
Clove essential oil

Directions:
Combine all ingredients and mix into a pumpkin pie filling.

Essential oils uses in the kitchen are many and can bring flavour to so many dishes.

HERB OIL DIP

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Oregano essential oil
Rosemary essential oil
Basil essential oil
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (or as needed)

Directions:
1.  Combine all ingredients, except olive oil, on a deep plate or bowl.
2.  Pour olive oil over mixture.

CARDAMOM TEA

Ingredients:
Cardamom essential oil
Clove essential oil
Cinnamon essential oil
Ginger essential oil
2 tablespoons honey
Non-dairy milk

Directions:
Place all ingredients in three cups of water, heat, but do not boil, for half an hour and strain. Add honey and non-dairy milk.

Essential Oils Uses Beyond Cooking

What else are herb oils good for besides cooking? Plenty. When taken internally (editor’s note: only 100% pure therapeutic grade oils should be considered for internal use. Please check the bottle for instructions before consuming), Cilantro, Lemongrass, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Spearmint are all shown to aid in digestion.* The Marjoram, Melissa, Oregano, and Thyme oils also support a healthy immune system.*

Read on for information about the unique benefits and essential oils uses.

Pure, therapeutic grade essential oils can be used in everyday cooking.

Basil

  • Rub it into areas of your skin that need some soothing after a busy day.
  • Promotes mental alertness and lessens anxious feelings when diffused.
  • May help ease feminine discomfort during menstruation.*

Cilantro

  • Acts as a powerful bodily cleanser and detoxifier when taken internally.*
  • Helps eliminate unwanted odors when diffused or used in a room spray.

Lemongrass

  • Can be combined with a carrier oil for and apply to skin to enhance a soothing massage.
  • Apply diluted after a long run for a refreshing feeling.

Marjoram

  • Valued for its calming properties and positive effect on the nervous system.*
  • May promote a healthy cardiovascular system.*

Melissa

  • Melissa can calm tension and nerves just by putting a few drops in your palms, cupping them over your nose, and inhaling deeply.
  • Promotes feelings of relaxation when used topically or aromatically in a diffuser.

Oregano

  • Used as a powerful cleansing and purifying agent when mixed with water in homemade cleaners.
  • Supports healthy respiratory function when taken internally in a veggie capsule*
  • Offers powerful antioxidants to respond to oxidation and free-radicals*

Patchouli

  • Has a grounding or balancing effect on emotions when used aromatically or topically.
  • Add one to two drops to your face during your facial routine to promote a smooth, glowing complexion.
  • Add to lotion or apply directly to your skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, and skin imperfections.

Peppermint

  • Promotes healthy respiratory function and clear breathing when taken internally.*
  • Put a few drops on cotton balls a place them around your home to repel bugs and spiders naturally.

Rosemary

  • Use a few drops and give yourself a scalp-massage to promote full, healthy-looking hair.
  • Helps reduce nervous tension and fatigue when added to water or taken in a veggie capsule.

Spearmint

  • It can help to soothe occasional upset stomach.*
  • When diffused, Spearmint promotes a sense of focus and uplifts mood.
  • Use in homemade mouthwash to cleanse the mouth and promotes fresh breath.

Thyme

  • Use it diluted with a carrier oil for a cleansing and purifying effect on your skin.
  • It naturally repels insects, whether it is used topically or aromatically.
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