The easiest way to start off cooking with aromatherapy oils is to substitute oils in recipes that call for dried herbs, spices or fruit juices. Simply replace these ingredients with the companion essential oil.

Keep in mind that essential oils have a stronger flavor than dried herbs and spices. Even though there are approximately 60 drops of oil in a teaspoon, because essential oils are so potent, a much smaller amount would be sufficient. Therefore, it is best to start out with small amounts of oil and then increase until the desired flavor preference has been reached.

See Recipes for Cooking with Essential Oils

Basic Guidelines
With recipes that include less than a teaspoon of an herb or spice, dip a toothpick in the oil and then swirl it in the recipe to blend it with the other ingredients. Always use this method for cinnamon bark oil, clove oil, ginger oil and nutmeg oil because there aromatherapy oils are much stronger that their companion spices.

Replacing Citrus Juice or Zest
The juice or zest of one lemon, orange, tangerine, or grapefruit can be replaced with 10-15 drops of its companion essential oil.

Replacing Spices with aromatherapy oils
One tablespoon or more of marjoram, oregano, sage, rosemary, thyme, fennel, dill, black pepper, or coriander can be replaced with 1/2-1 drop of its companion oil.

Temperature and Weight Equivalents

 

Information on cooking with aromatherapy oils has been adapted from the Young Living Cookbook, Volume 1 and Volume 2: Healthy Cooking for the Body, Mind and Soul. The complete cookbooks are available through Young Living.