Essential oils are currently extremely popular, and this popularity is well-founded. They can be used for many beautiful purposes, from enhancing your health, reducing stress and anxiety, and even cooking! So, if you haven’t tried edible essential oils yet, you’re missing out. Here are some ideas on how to use them.
Edible Essential Oils
It’s important to note that not all essential oils are safe to ingest. Many can be dangerous if consumed. That’s why, when looking for edible essential oils, you want to ensure they are clearly labeled as “food grade.” Before you start, check this list from the FDA about which essential oils are safe for consumption.
Benefits of Edible Essential Oils
Now that you’ve educated yourself on what’s safe let’s talk about why you should use edible essential oils. Just as you can reap health benefits from using them for aromatherapy, edible essential oils can enhance the flavor and smell of your food and drink and do beautiful things for your body. Such as:
- Help with Proper Digestion (Ginger, Lavender, Peppermint, and Lemon)
- Control Bacteria Growth in Food (Garlic, Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, And Basil)
- May Aid in Weight Loss or Appetite Control (Grapefruit, Lemon)
- Provide Antioxidant Support for Your Immune System (Lime, Lemon, and Lavender)
Edible Essential Oils Recipes
Besides the health benefits, using edible essential oils in your food and drink is a great way to enhance the flavor and aroma of what you are serving. Or, they can come in handy when you are out of a particular ingredient, such as lemon or peppermint. Remember that with these highly concentrated oils, a little goes a long way – especially with peppermint essential oil – so start with just a drop or two to see where you stand. Here are a few of our favorite recipes using edible essential oils from NOW Foods that you can try out today!
Essential Oils Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup organic apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup raw honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 drops of lemon edible essential oil
- 4 drops basil edible essential oil
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a mason jar or salad dressing dispenser. Shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Refrigerate for several hours before using to blend all the flavors. Serve with fresh green and your favorite salad toppings.
Fruit-Infused Water Recipe
Enhance your water with a little flavor without adding any calories! Edible essential oils are a great way to boost your water consumption. Plus, it’s delicious. Try a few drops of these edible essential oils flavors in your next glass of ice water.
- Lemon-Lime
- Grapefruit
- Orange
- Lavender
- Watermelon
Try a peppermint essential oil for a wintry taste reminiscent of a candy cane!
Essential Oil Guacamole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 medium ripe avocados
- ⅓ cup diced red onion
- ⅓ cup chopped tomato
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 3-5 drops of lime edible essential oil
- 2 drops of cilantro edible essential oil
Directions:
Chop and smash avocado into chunks, mix all the ingredients, and refrigerate for one hour before serving for the flavors to meld.
So, what will you do with edible essential oils? The possibilities are endless!
