Certain essential oils have a rich culinary history and can be used to flavour food and drinks. When you sprinkle cinnamon on your oatmeal, sip a mug of peppermint tea, or add fresh basil leaves to your spaghetti, you are actually consuming some volatile aromatic essential oil compounds.

Essential oils labeled for use in food can be taken internally in many ways. For example, you can add a drop to water as well as to favorite recipes.

​

Effective Methods of Internal Use 

 

For all application methods, be sure to read and follow the labels for specific instructions and safety information.

• Use oils in recipes for cooking or baking to replace fresh or dried herbs and spices

• Remember that essential oils are much more potent than dried or fresh herbs and spices, so start with a very small amount

• For more potent oils, it may be better to administer them by toothpicks (dip the end of a clean toothpick into the oil and then add to the food) rather than drops

• Add essential oils to water, smoothies, milk, tea, or other drinks