An Essential, Essential Oil Guide for Your Kitchen
By Emily Trama
The aesthetic of using essential oils has become very popular as of late. As the trend of natural beauty and self-care rises, so does the use of natural products. These oils have been commonly used for natural healing, skin care, and aromatherapy for centuries. One use of essential oils that is gaining more and more traction is the use of these oils in cooking.
Different essential oils carry a variety of healing properties that can help their users anywhere from soothing a stomachache to calming anxiety. Because of this, more and more natural brands are coming out with pure, food-grade essential oils that can be used in the kitchen. Cooking with essential oils is not always about trying to achieve better taste, but is meant more to optimize the benefits the oils have to offer their consumer.
I’ve compiled a list of great essential oils and a few tasty recipes that work wonders in the kitchen and in your body. Good luck and enjoy!
Bergamot
Bergamot oil comes from the peel of the bergamot orange. Bergamot is known to relieve symptoms of depression, increase energy, and improve one’s overall mood.
Bergamot has light floral and citrus notes that make it a perfect addition to teas.
Cardamom
Cardamom is a spice made from seeds of various plants found in India and Indonesia. The oil made from Cardamom can soothe stomach pain and help with digestion.
The hint of spice in Cardamom is perfect for savory dishes.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon oil comes from, you guessed it, Cinnamon. Like Cardamom, Cinnamon is great for digestion and muscle pain and is known to help balance a high fiber diet.
Cinnamon oil’s sweet and spicy taste is also a great pair for savory dishes.
Coconut
Coconut oil, made from coconut pulp, has the strongest flavor and aroma of most essential oils. Coconut oil can help regulate blood sugar and promotes strong bone growth.
This oil pairs best with sweet desserts and can also be a good replacement for non-stick oils when baking.
Dill
Dill oil is not the most commonly known essential oil. It is made from the Dill seed and can provide strong antioxidants as well as support intestinal health.
Dill’s pungent taste pairs well with sweet, citrus or vinegar-forward flavors.
Ginger
Ginger oil comes from ginger root, a very commonly known ingredient. Ginger does it all; it stimulates blood circulation, acts a detoxifier, helps with soreness and soothes nausea.
Ginger is a popular ingredient in Asian cooking, but also works well with sweet flavors.
Lavender
Coming from the Lavender plant, Lavender essential oil is probably the most well-known essential oil, being extremely popular in aromatherapy. Lavender oil can be used to soothe anxiety, help with insomnia, promote relaxation, relieve nausea and can even help with menstrual cramps.
Adding Lavender oil to any dish adds a light floral note and is best used in tea.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass essential oil, from the lemongrass plant, is a great addition to a drink or dish for a wide variety of benefits. Lemongrass oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties and is helpful in relieving gas and achiness caused by indigestion.
Lemongrass oil can be a good addition or replacement for lemon juice, being slightly less bitter and slightly more minty than plain lemon juice.
Orange
All Orange essential oils are made from the rind of the fruit. This oil is a great immune booster and can help relieve inflammation.
Orange and Sweet Orange oil work nicely in Asian dishes or they can be a beneficial and citrusy addition to smoothies.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil, from the peppermint leaf, is a strong and powerful oil. The cross between spearmint and watermint creates a soothing minty smell and taste that works wonders for nausea, indigestion, and bloating.
Peppermint oil pairs well with chocolate desserts, tea, or sweet drinks such as lemonade or cocktails.
Lavender and Peppermint Lemonade
A cold glass of virgin or fresh-squeezed lemonade
2 drops of Peppermint oil
3 drops of Lavender oil
Basil leaves to garnish (crush and stir in for taste)
Ginger and Cinnamon Cocktail
2 shots of your favorite dark rum
2 shots of orange seltzer
4 drops of Ginger oil
1 drop of Cinnamon oil
½ tbsp of agave syrup
Cinnamon and sugar for the rim (honey helps with adhesion)
Cinnamon sticks
*For a non-alcoholic option, use apple juice or rootbeer
Corn-and-Bean Dill Salad
1 can of black beans
1 can of corn
½ sweet red onion
½ cup of chopped fresh cilantro
¼ cup of white vinegar
3-4 drops of Dill oil
Disclaimers:
Make sure your oils are 100% pure and meant to be ingested, many essential oils are meant for skin care and aromatherapy ONLY and may contain ingredients that are dangerous to ingest
Do your research! Some essential oils require dilution and should not be used in excessive amounts depending on their concentration
Talk to your healthcare professional about using essential oils to relieve symptoms of mental health or physical illness. This guide is not meant to replace or aid any medication without discussion with a professional.