Essential Oils in the Kitchen
2020 has been quite a year of adapting, being resourceful, and finding creative ways to live. And through this time, I’ve continued to find new ways to use essential oils - to save money, save time, have fun, and most definitely to stay well.
One of the ways I’ve been having fun with essential oils is in the kitchen. Yep, the oils I love and use are doTERRA, which are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG). doTERRA oils are not only safe, but also recommended for internal use. They are 100% pure extracts from plants with amazing health benefits. And 1 little drop of essential oil can add incredible flavor to your foods and beverages.
Here are some simple ways to use dōTERRA essential oils to add flavor to your favorite foods + help you clean up afterward!
Quick Tips
Supplement Facts - Be sure the oils you use are suitable for internal use. If the doTERRA bottle lists supplement facts, the oil is safe to ingest!
Start Small - When adding essential oils, start small. You can add more, but you can’t take it out! When using strong oils, you can start by dipping a clean toothpick into the bottle and swirl it around in your food.
Citrus Zest- Essential oils can be used in place of citrus zest in a recipe. For best results, add these oils after the cooking process is complete. Example: Zest of “one” lemon, orange or tangerine = 8 to 14 drops of its companion essential oil.
Beverages
Enhance your Water: Use one drop of essential oil per 4 oz. of water.
Cleansing/ Detox - Citrus Oils such as Lemon, Tangerine, Lime, Grapefruit and Wild Orange have a cleansing effect on the body.
Digestive Support - Mints Oils such a Peppermint and Spearmint are soothing to digestion and can uplift your mood.
Citrus Refresher Recipe In a one quart glass container, add 2 drops lemon, 2 drops lime and 1 drop spearmint. Mix well and enjoy.
Pair Tea and Essential Oils
Add essential oils to tea after the tea has steeped. If the oil is particularly strong, dip a clean toothpick into the oil and swirl the toothpick in your cup to prevent the flavor from overwhelming the tea. Adjust the amount of oil to your taste and particular needs.
Use Bergamot and/or Lavender in Earl Grey tea. Brighten your mood and relieve anxiety/stress. Start with a toothpick swirl.
Lemon enhances the flavor of many teas. It brightens mood, offers an energy boost and is great for flushing the body of toxins. Start with one drop in a cup of tea.
Peppermint enhances the flavor of the tea, provides an energy boost and supports digestion. Take care not to overdo the peppermint oil, as it could overpower the tea. Start with a toothpick swirl. Consider starting with one drop if you need digestive support.
Salt Blends
These flavorful salt blends can be added to food before cooking. Shake well before each use and salt your dish as you normally would.
Lemon Pepper Salt Blend
2 TBSP Kosher Salt
2 drops of each Lemon & Black Pepper essential oils
*Mix well and store in 4 oz. Mason jar. Shake well before each use.
Provence Salt Blend
2 TBSP Kosher Salt
2 drops of each of the following oils:
Basil
Thyme
Marjoram
Rosemary
Fennel
Lavender
*Mix well and store in 4 oz. Mason jar. Shake well before each use.
Refresh your Kitchen Counter Cleaner
Clean your countertops and freshen the air! Using 120 proof alcohol in your solution extends the shelf life and prevents the growth of mold and fungus.
Eucalyptus and Lemongrass Spray Cleaner
*works for granite countertops
7 drops Eucalyptus
20 drops Lemongrass
½ cup Everclear Grain Alcohol (120 proof)
1 ½ cups distilled water
½ tsp castile soap
Add essential oils to a 16 oz spray bottle. Add remaining ingredients and shake well. (Add the soap last to prevent foaming.) Shake the spray bottle before each use.
Spray the counter and let the solution set for one minute. Wipe with a clean, soft cloth. For granite countertops, use another clean cloth for buffing.
Other oils to use try with the Refresh Counter Cleaner
7 drops Basil & 20 drops grapefruit
7 drops Rosemary & 20 drops lemon
30 drops On Guard
Diffuser Blends to Clear the Air
Lemon Spritzer
3 Lemon
2 Rosemary
1 Basil
Sparkly Clean
2 Coriander
4 Lime
1 Copaiba
Farmer’s Market
3 Grapefruit
3 Bergamot
2 Rosemary
Spice Rack
1 Ginger
3 Grapefruit
2 Turmeric