Safety Tips for Cooking with Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils

Understanding Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils

Essential oils have become extremely popular in recent years for their many therapeutic benefits. However, not all essential oils are created equal. There are different grades of essential oils that determine their purity and efficacy. The highest quality essential oils are known as "therapeutic grade."

What are Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils?

Therapeutic grade essential oils are the highest quality essential oils available. They are carefully extracted and tested to ensure they contain only natural aromatic compounds from plants, with no synthetic additives or impurities. Several criteria are used to determine if an oil is considered therapeutic grade:

• Extraction Method - Therapeutic oils are extracted using low heat and pressure to carefully preserve the delicate plant compounds.
• Purity - They do not contain any synthetic additives and are free from contaminants.
• Potency - The natural aromatic compounds in the oils are left intact and potent.
• Quality Testing - They undergo rigorous third-party testing to verify their purity and potency.

Why Use Therapeutic Grade Oils?

Therapeutic grade essential oils are the best choice for natural wellness applications and have several advantages over lower quality oils:

• Higher levels of natural aromatic compounds that provide therapeutic benefits.
• No risk of synthetic additives or toxic contaminants.
• More predictable and reliable results.
• Safer for internal applications like dietary use or vaping.

Is it Safe to Cook with Essential Oils?

While essential oils are most commonly used in aromatherapy, there has been growing interest around cooking with essential oils too. Some oils can add flavor and functional benefits when used properly in cooking. However, special care and caution need to be taken when cooking with these highly concentrated, volatile plant extracts.

Oils Safe for Cooking

Only a handful of essential oils are GRAS (generally recognized as safe) for ingestion by the FDA. These include:

• Citrus Oils - Such as lemon, lime, grapefruit, orange. Provide fresh flavor.
• Herb & Spice Oils - Like basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary. Offer seasoning and antioxidants.
• Tree Resin Oils - Clove bud, frankincense, ginger. Good flavor additions.

How to Use Essential Oils in Cooking

When cooking with essential oils, follow these guidelines:

• Use sparingly in small amounts - Recipes call for number of drops, not teaspoons.
• Add after cooking at low temperatures - Heat damages volatile compounds.
• Always dilute in carrier oil before ingesting.
• Do not cook with oils not approved for ingestion.

Safety Tips for Ingesting Oils

Even therapeutic grade essential oils need to be used with caution internally:

• Dilute: Add just 1-2 drops oil into to 1 teaspoon carrier oil or honey first.
• Start small: Consume no more than 1-3 diluted drops at a time until you see how your body responds.
• Watch for reactions: Discontinue use if any discomfort occurs.
• Keep out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Choosing the Best Quality Oils for Cooking

With improper distillation methods, poor plant sources, or additives, some lower grade essential oils can contain contaminants that make them unsafe for consumption. Only therapeutic grade essential oils should be considered for internal use.

How to Recognize Therapeutic Grade Oils

Check for these signs of therapeutic grade essential oils:

• Reputable Supplier - Known for quality testing standards.
• Gas Chromatography - Independent test results showing constituents & purity.
• No Pesticides/Herbicides - Tested free from harmful chemicals.
• Comes with Safety Information - Guidelines for proper internal usage.

Most Recommended Brands

Some essential oils companies recognized as selling therapeutic grade oils suitable for cooking include:

• Rocky Mountain Oils
• Plant Therapy
• Edens Garden
• Mountain Rose Herbs
• Plant Guru

Using Essential Oils to Enhance Recipes

Cooking with essential oils introduces new flavors and functional benefits into food and drink recipes. Therapeutic grade citrus, herb, spice, and tree resin oils can provide taste and nutrition enhancement.

Types of Recipes

Essential oils to add into:

• Beverages - Smoothies, juices, tea, water, cocktails.
• Foods - Salad dressings, marinades, baked goods, desserts.
• Condiments - Hummus, guacamole, bean dips, pesto, salsa.

Benefits of Adding Essential Oils

Essential oils can offer:

• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity
• Support healthy digestion
• Improve metabolism
• Protect against illness
• And more!

Sample Recipe Ideas

Get creative with oils by trying:

• Lemon oil in fruit infused water or glazes
• Basil oil to flavor tomato sauce, pesto, salad dressing
• Ginger oil mixed into smoothies, cookies, granola
• Orange oil added to cake, muffin, or scone batter

Safety, Storage, and Handling of Essential Oils

Proper usage and storage helps maintain quality and safety with essential oil cooking ingredients.

Kitchen Safety

When handling essential oils:

• Avoid contact with eyes or sensitive skin (wash hands after).
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Use glass, stainless steel, ceramic for storage - not plastic.
• Make sure ventilation is good if heating oils.

Shelf Life & Storage

For best shelf life:

• Store in dark amber glass bottles tightly sealed.
• Keep away from light, air exposure, and heat to avoid oxidation.
• Refrigeration can prolong shelf life for several years.

Signs of Spoilage

Discard oils if:

• Color changes darken
• Thick texture develops
• Fragrance smells off

With proper usage, therapeutic grade essential oils can be a great addition into many recipes for enhanced nutrition and flavor in food and drink.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.