5 Healthy Recipes Featuring Essential Oils

Essential oils continue to increase in both popularity and availability for emotional, spiritual and physical wellness. However, one area you might not have considered using essential oils is in your favorite recipes. Here are five healthy options to help get you started.

Fruit Infused Water

1 cup fresh strawberriesrn1/2 cup sliced cucumbersrn1 drop doTERRA products lime essential oilrn1/8 cup mint leavesrnIce cubesrnWater In a 1/2 gallon container combine ingredients. Push strawberries against container well to better release their flavors. Add ice if serving immediately, or place in the refrigerator without until ready to serve.

Butternut Squash Soup

1 small diced onionrn1 cup diced carrotsrn3 cups cubed butternut squashrn1/2 cup medium diced celeryrn2 1/2 cups chicken stockrn1 drops cinnamon bark essential oilrn1 drops cardamom essential oilrn½ cup heavy creamrnSalt and Pepper to taste Roast your vegetables on a cookie sheet at 375 degrees until fork tender, about 35 minutes. Place the vegetables with the rest of your ingredients into a stock pot or other heat-safe container and use a stick blender to blend to your preferred soup consistency.

Orange Infused Craisins

rn2 cups dried cranberriesrn5 drops wild orange essential oil For this simple flavor boost, place the ingredients in a glass mason jar and shake. Serve immediately or store for later.

BBQ Rub

The Wetrn2 Tablespoons avocado oil rn10 drops cumin essential oilrn1 drop ginger essential oilrn1 drop cilantro essential oil The Dryrn2 teaspoons pepperrn1 teaspoon saltrn1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepperrn1 tablespoon chili pepperrn1 tablespoon smoked paprika rn1 teaspoon crushed red pepperrn1 teaspoon garlic salt rn1 teaspoon onion salt Combine wet ingredients and rub generously on a lean protein like chicken breast or pork loin. Combine dry ingredients and sprinkle meat generously and bbq like normal.

Meatloaf

2 lbs extra lean ground beefrn1/2 cup shredded carrotrn1 cup minced onionrn1/2 cup chopped cremini mushroomsrn5 minced cloves garlicrn3 lightly beaten large eggsrn1 cup whole wheat seasoned bread crumbsrn2 drops basil essential oilrn2 drops oregano essential oilrn1 teaspoon each salt and pepper Combine all ingredients, being sure not to overwork the meat. Place in 8x4 loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees until thermometer inserted into the center reaches 165 degrees. Now that you have some inspiration, try adding quality essential oils like doTERRA products to some of your favorite recipes to help boost flavor and increase their nutritional value.