Just Lovin’ Herb Essential Oils
I love cooking. Adding a sprinkle of this and a dash of that to what’s simmering on my stove or in my oven brings a smile to my day. Of course that means herbs. Those who are fortunate to have year round mild weather might grow herbs in pots around their house. Others may grow them inside. There simply is nothing like fresh herbs to make a recipe pop with flavor - a dash of love, you might say. Herbs have lots of properties that assist our health and wellness. And, with doTERRA Essential Oils, they are available all year long at your fingertips. As an essential oil, herbs can be added to recipes, used in DIYs, and used topically.
Let’s look at the uses of each herb essential oil. doTERRA shares a lot of great information!
Basil
Basil is a culinary must-have that has been used to enhance the taste of food of cultures across the world. This herb is part of the mint family and is great for adding a fresh, herbal flavor to meats, pasta, and entrées.
Though Basil oil is known for its culinary benefits; it also has a variety of uses for both the mind and the body. The basil plant and Basil oil is rich in linalool, a naturally occurring chemical, which is beneficial in decreasing feelings of tension when applied to the temples and reducing anxious feelings when diffused.
Diffusing Basil oil can also help to promote a sense of mental alertness and focus. This well-rounded essential oil is a great addition to a kitchen, study area, office, or travel bag for on-the-go convenience.
Cilantro
Cilantro essential oil does far more than add its signature fresh and herbal flavor to food—it also offers health and wellness benefits.
Diffuse with your choice of citrus oils for a unique and refreshing aroma that also purifies the air.
Place a couple of drops in a veggie cap as part of your daily health routine.
Include Cilantro in salads, dips, and other dishes for its distinct and delicious taste.
Lemongrass
One way to experience the benefits of Lemongrass essential oil is by diffusing the oil in your diffuser at home.
The aldehydes in Lemongrass essential oil make Lemongrass useful for naturally repelling insects. Diffusing Lemongrass essential oil or even using it topically can help keep bugs away. Diffuse Lemongrass oil inside or outside on your porch or patio to keep away mosquitos and bugs. If you are worried about keeping bugs off of your body, rub or spritz Lemongrass essential oil on your skin before you go outside.
Possibly one of the most common uses for Lemongrass is in culinary settings. For many years, Lemongrass has been a common ingredient to add flavor to Asian soups, curries, beef, fish, teas, and more. It is also widely used in baked goods or candies in the food industry because of its distinct flavor. If you want to utilize the powerful flavor of Lemongrass essential oil, consider adding a few drops to entrees or meat dishes.
Oregano
Oregano essential oil benefits many homemade cleaners in a big way. For a quick and easy all-purpose cleaner, put 10 drops of Oregano oil into a 16-ounce spray bottle with water. Due to Oregano’s chemical makeup, it is a powerful cleansing and purifying agent. This simple spray is great for surfaces and countertops, even natural stone.
Add a little flavor to your favorite Italian cuisine with some Oregano essential oil. Oregano oil is spicy and herbaceous and will add the perfect hint of flavor to spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, roasts, and much more. When your Italian recipes call for ground oregano, simply replace it with one drop of Oregano oil for a delicious seasoning. One drop of Oregano oil can replace one tablespoon of ground oregano.
Enhance your meals by adding some Roasted Marinara Sauce infused with Oregano and Basil oils. You will be amazed at how something so delicious can be so easy to make.
Patchouli
For a powerful skin, aroma, and mood makeover, Patchouli oil proves an ideal essential oil. Extracted from the leaves of the Patchouli plant, Patchouli essential oil has many uses and benefits for both the mind and body. Patchouli oil contains a variety of skin benefits and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, and skin imperfections. Patchouli essential oil can also promote a smooth and glowing complexion. The sweet and musky scent of Patchouli essential oil is often used in perfumes and colognes and can emit a natural musk when applied to the skin. The unique, herbaceous aroma of Patchouli essential oil is great for diffusing, and its rich chemical properties can have a grounding and balancing effect on emotions when used aromatically or topically.
Peppermint
Instead of reaching for artificially flavored gum or candy when you need to freshen your breath, look to Peppermint oil to do the job. Mix a drop of Peppermint oil with a drop of Lemon essential oil in water, take a sip, and swirl it around in your mouth for a healthy, refreshing mouth rinse. The most beneficial ingredient in this mouth rinse is menthol, a component found in Peppermint oil.
Peppermint oil is a culinary wonder and has been used to add a fresh boost to meals in kitchens all across the world. However, the use of Peppermint oil is not just limited to cooked dishes; it also makes a great addition to any smoothie. Try adding one to two drops of Peppermint oil to your favorite smoothie recipe for a burst of minty flavor. By adding the freshness of Peppermint oil to your morning smoothie, you can start your day feeling more refreshed than ever.
Peppermint oil also turns plain water into a cooling and refreshing treat. When the summer heat seems to overwhelm you, add one drop of Peppermint oil with a cut fruit like strawberries or limes for a deliciously infused water.
Spearmint
Commonly known for its flavor, spearmint is a perennial plant that offers a sweet and minty taste and aroma. For years, spearmint has thrived in the candy, gum, and dental product industries because of its favorable savor and breath-freshening properties.
Spearmint essential oil also promotes fresh breath and is used frequently in cooking and baking to create salad dressings, drinks, desserts, and meat marinades. Aromatically, the cleansing and energizing aroma of Spearmint essential oil encourages a sense of focus while simultaneously uplifting mood. Spearmint is very different from Peppermint, making it a milder option to use on children and those with sensitive skin.
Thyme
For centuries, thyme has been used across nations and cultures for incense in holy temples, ancient embalming practices, and warding off nightmares. Just as its history is rich with a variety of uses, thyme’s diverse benefits and uses continue today. Thyme essential oil is extracted from the leaf of the thyme plant and is high in thymol. The powerful combination of organic chemicals in Thyme essential oil provide a cleansing and purifying effect on the skin; however, because of the prominent presence of thymol, Thyme essential oil should be diluted with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut oil before application.
Don’t let those insects bug you, just give them a little bit of Thyme. Thyme essential oil contains chemical properties that naturally repel insects. To keep those bugs away, place a couple of drops of Thyme oil on a cotton ball and put it in corners where those little creeping crawlies are sure to hide. When gardening, place Thyme essential oil, diluted with Fractionated Coconut Oil, on your wrists and neck to keep the insects away.