Aromatic essential oils are multifaceted elixirs, the very quintessence of the root, bark, leaf, petal, and peel from which they are distilled. Contained within each drop is a multiverse of constituents and the sublime signature of the plant’s spirit. The purity of these unique liquids is captured through the precise, alchemical process of distillation. In this ancient art of botanical transformation, the volatile aromatic compounds of the plant are delicately separated from the non-volatile parts through the use of steam or cold-pressing.

This process is what makes essential oils ideal for culinary applications. Distillation leaves behind the dross, the solid, spent plant matter, known as marc, along with water-soluble components that can be difficult to digest, such as oxalates and phytic acids, which are known to bind with minerals and inhibit their absorption. The result of this alchemical separation is a purified, powerfully potent essence. This concentration is a key distinction from the whole herb; a single drop of essential oil contains the aromatic molecules of a large quantity of the parent plant. 

Long before the advent of modern aroma chemicals, essential oils were the original food and flavor substances. It is the vital monoterpene molecules within these essences that lend a multitude of benefits, from stimulating the senses to supporting the body’s systems. As these vibrant essences are inhaled or imbibed, they can act as a cascade of encouragement, inspiring digestive juices to flow and preparing the body to receive nourishment. This stands in vibrant contrast to the synthetic chemicals of today's food and flavor industry. These chemicals, which are sterile, isolated molecules sometimes grown on E. coli, lack the complex, symbiotic vitality of a whole plant essence. Essential oils are a return to this authentic, living art of culinary alchemy.

This purity and potency are directly tied to a more vibrant taste experience. As much as 80% of our perception of taste is actually derived from our sense of smell. Essential oils being the pure, aromatic compounds of a plant, they offer a concentrated, elevated, and full-spectrum flavor that can delight our senses and our digestion.

The Sense of Smell: A Symphony of Molecular Vibrations
The deep connection between essential oils and our sense of smell extends to the very physics of how we perceive aroma. While the traditional "lock-and-key" theory of olfaction (where a molecule's shape fits a receptor like a key in a lock) is still taught, an increasingly compelling hypothesis is the vibrational theory of olfaction. This theory posits that our olfactory receptors detect the unique vibrational frequencies of a molecule's bonds, rather than just its physical shape. Each aromatic molecule, therefore, possesses a distinct vibrational signature, a kind of molecular chord, that our nose can "hear."

This brings us back to the fun and flavor of essential oils in your kitchen! As the purified quintessence of a plant, free from water, fibers, and other non-volatile compounds, essential oils are a highly concentrated source of these pure aromatic molecules. They are, in effect, the very vibrational signature of the plant. This is precisely why an essential drop or two will imbue a burst of vibrancy to the culinary experience for both the senses of smell and taste. 

The Science of Internal Aromatherapy
Beyond ingestion for flavor, there are additional benefits to internal applications. In their influential book,L'Aromathérapie exactement, doctors Franchomme and Pénoël provided a scientific basis for the internal use of essential oils, a cornerstone of the French model of aromatherapy. Their work outlines how the specific chemical families (chemotypes) of essential oils correlate to precise therapeutic properties. A key scientific insight from their research is the broad-spectrum antimicrobial power of essential oils. They provided rigorous protocols for proper dosing and dilution for safe and effective internal use, including in culinary creations. This laid the foundation of modern medical aromatherapy, offering a systematic way to understand and apply essential oils for their potent effects.

Their protocols for internal use emphasize the importance of using a good carrier. They would recommend mixing a single drop of essential oil into a small amount of organic olive oil or honey to ensure proper dilution before adding it to food or ingesting it. This approach allows for the precise, measured application of potent plant essences in everything from vinaigrettes to herbal infusions, ensuring both efficacy and safety while leveraging the specific therapeutic properties outlined in their research.

The Power of Potency: A Drop's Culinary Blessing
The key to culinary essential oils is to understand their remarkable potency. They are powerfully concentrated plant energy! For clarity, one single drop of Rose essential oil contains the aromatic molecules of 60 Roses. This is why the wise use of oils follows the "less is more" principle: a single drop is often a sufficient dose or serving. A daily allowance of 10 drops (0.5ml) of an oil is a safe and generous guideline.

While the FDA maintains regulations for the internal use of oils, labeling essential oils that are "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS), it is ultimately a matter of purity. Most really real, pure, and organic steam-distilled essential oils are safe to ingest (including many not on the GRAS list). The food and flavor industry itself adds essential oils like Bergamot, Peppermint, and Vanilla to boost the taste and aroma of many items, from juices to liqueurs and teas. The critical distinction is to avoid the low-quality, mass-produced essential oils that may be adulterated or not food grade.

Long before the prevalence of modern vanilla extracts, the original "OG" Vanilla came directly from the precious bean itself. Today's commercial "vanilla flavor" is often composed of synthetic vanillin and an alcohol base—a singular chemical that lacks the true complexity and hundreds of aromatic compounds of the real deal. Our Vanilla Supercritical Extract, in contrast, is a highly concentrated, true-to-the-bean form of vanilla, meticulously extracted without the use of harsh solvents. It is a highly potent essence, and for easy kitchen use, we suggest pre-diluting a small amount in a bottle of olive oil. This simple step allows you to enjoy the full, rich spectrum of real Vanilla with just a single dash, of its soul-satisfying scent. A good practice is to always mix 1-3 drops of essential oil with a carrier like organic honey, olive oil, tallow, butter, ghee, or coconut oil before adding it to a culinary creation. May also be added to a capsule once mixed with oil.

Kitchen Alchemies
Concentrated essences are flavor catalysts inviting you to transform soups, smoothies, stews, teas, desserts, and chocolate into vibrant, flavorful experiences. Here are a few simple inspirations to get you started:

Culinary Profiles:
Herbaceous: Marjoram, Hyssop, Cilantro, Rosemary, Oregano, Sweet Thyme, Savory, Sage, Laurel
Citrus: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Limetta, Sweet Orange, Blood Orange, Tangerine, Yuzu, Citron, Petitgrain, Kumquat
Floral: Neroli Grapefruit Blossom, Rose Otto, Geranium, Ylang, Jasmine Otto, Lavender, Linden
Spice: Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Gingergrass, Lemongrass, All Spice, Black Pepper, Garlic, Schizandra, Nutmeg, Angelica, Cumin
Fresh: Peppermint, Spearmint, Wintergreen, Eucalyptus
Rich + Warm: Vanilla, Coffee, Seabuckthorn, Manuka
Resinous: Frankincenses, Myrrh, Opopanax

Zesty Vinaigrette: Add a couple of drops of Lemon or Lime and Thyme to your favorite vinaigrette base of olive oil and apple cider vinegar for a bright, tangy finish.
Herbal Salt: Mix a few drops of Rosemary or Laurel essential oil with sea salt to create an aromatic finishing salt for vegetables and meats.
Spiced Honey: Stir drops of Cinnamon Bark, Peppermint, or Ginger into a tablespoon of raw honey. Use it to sweeten tea or drizzle over treats.
Minty Cocoa: Add a drop of Peppermint essential oil to your melted chocolate or hot cocoa for a classic, invigorating combination.
Rosy Desserts: Infuse resplendent Rose Otto (with a dash of Bergamot and Lemon) into your baking, ice cream, gummies, chocolate, or confections for a luxurious, delicate flavor.

Beyond our single-note essences, Living Libations has crafted a collection of exquisite elixirs to serve as culinary accents. These include Digest the Best, with its soothing savory essence; Love Wine, for a touch of sweet bliss; Feeling Good Today, offering an herbaceous and uplifting experience; and our Immune Illume blends, which provide a choice between a cooly fortifying or a spicily fortifying flavor for adding to your creations.

Culinary essential oils are a boon to creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy mixing citrus smoothies, crafting savory dishes, and making rosy desserts, all while knowing you are adding digestive force and sensory fun.

________________________________
Further Reading:

Even though the FDA recognizes that over 160 essential oils are safe to ingest. We refer to the protocols and prescriptions provided by the leading professionals in essential oil safety and use, such as:



Living Libations GRAS Edible Oils:

All Spice, Angelica Root, Basil, Basil (Holy), Bergamot, Black Pepper, Caraway, Cardamom, Carrot Seed, Chamomile, Chamomile (Cape), Chamomile (German), Cilantro Leaf, Cinnamon Bark, Clementine, Clove Bud, Coffee Bean, Cumin Seed, Cumin (Black), Cypress, Dill, Elderflower, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Frankincense (Carterii), Garlic, Geranium, Ginger, Ginger Root, Grapefruit, Greenland Moss, Hemp Blossom, Hops, Immortelle, Juniper Berry, Kumquat, Laurel, Lavender, Lavender (Alpine), Lavender (French Fine), Lavender (Maillette), Lemon, Lemon (Green), Lemongrass, Lime, Limetta, Linden Blossom CO2, Mandarin, Manuka, Marjoram, Mastic, Melissa, Myrrh, Neroli, Nutmeg, Orange (Blood), Orange (Sweet), Oregano, Palmarosa, Palo Santo, Peppermint, Peppermint (Willamette), Peppermint (Yakima), Petitgrain (Lemon), Petitgrain (Mandarin), Petitgrain (Orange), Pine (Grand White), Pomegranate Seed, Ravensara, Rose Otto (Damask), Rose Otto (Rhu Gulab), Rose (Apothecary), Rose (Bourbon), Rose (Otto), Rose (Persian Otto), Rosehip CO2 (Organic), Rosemary, Roses over Geranium, Sage, Sage (Clary), Savory, Schizandra, Seabuckthorn Berry, Spearmint, Spruce (Black), Spruce (White), Tangerine, Tarragon, Tea Tree, Thyme, Thyme (Sweet), Tuberose, Turmeric, Vanilla, Wintergreen, Yarrow, Ylang, Ylang Complete, Yuzu

Aromatic essential oils are multifaceted elixirs, the very quintessence of the root, bark, leaf, petal, and peel from which they are distilled. Contained within each drop is a multiverse of constituents and the sublime signature of the plant’s spirit. The purity of these unique liquids is captured through the precise, alchemical process of distillation. In this ancient art of botanical transformation, the volatile aromatic compounds of the plant are delicately separated from the non-volatile parts through the use of steam or cold-pressing.

This process is what makes essential oils ideal for culinary applications. Distillation leaves behind the dross, the solid, spent plant matter, known as marc, along with water-soluble components that can be difficult to digest, such as oxalates and phytic acids, which are known to bind with minerals and inhibit their absorption. The result of this alchemical separation is a purified, powerfully potent essence. This concentration is a key distinction from the whole herb; a single drop of essential oil contains the aromatic molecules of a large quantity of the parent plant.

Long before the advent of modern aroma chemicals, essential oils were the original food and flavor substances. It is the vital monoterpene molecules within these essences that lend a multitude of benefits, from stimulating the senses to supporting the body’s systems. As these vibrant essences are inhaled or imbibed, they can act as a cascade of encouragement, inspiring digestive juices to flow and preparing the body to receive nourishment. This stands in vibrant contrast to the synthetic chemicals of today's food and flavor industry. These chemicals, which are sterile, isolated molecules sometimes grown on E. coli, lack the complex, symbiotic vitality of a whole plant essence. Essential oils are a return to this authentic, living art of culinary alchemy.

This purity and potency are directly tied to a more vibrant taste experience. As much as 80% of our perception of taste is actually derived from our sense of smell. Essential oils being the pure, aromatic compounds of a plant, they offer a concentrated, elevated, and full-spectrum flavor that can delight our senses and our digestion.

The Sense of Smell: A Symphony of Molecular Vibrations
This brings us back to the fun and flavor of essential oils in your kitchen! As the purified quintessence of a plant, free from water, fibers, and other non-volatile compounds, essential oils are a highly concentrated source of these pure aromatic molecules. They are, in effect, the very vibrational signature of the plant. This is precisely why an essential drop or two will imbue a burst of vibrancy to the culinary experience for both the senses of smell and taste.

The Science of Internal Aromatherapy
Beyond ingestion for flavor, there are additional benefits to internal applications. In their influential book, L'Aromathérapie exactement, doctors Franchomme and Pénoël provided a scientific basis for the internal use of essential oils, a cornerstone of the French model of aromatherapy. Their work outlines how the specific chemical families (chemotypes) of essential oils correlate to precise therapeutic properties. A key scientific insight from their research is the broad-spectrum antimicrobial power of essential oils. They provided rigorous protocols for proper dosing and dilution for safe and effective internal use, including in culinary creations. This laid the foundation of modern medical aromatherapy, offering a systematic way to understand and apply essential oils for their potent effects.

Their protocols for internal use emphasize the importance of using a good carrier. They would recommend mixing a single drop of essential oil into a small amount of organic olive oil or honey to ensure proper dilution before adding it to food or ingesting it. This approach allows for the precise, measured application of potent plant essences in everything from vinaigrettes to herbal infusions, ensuring both efficacy and safety while leveraging the specific therapeutic properties outlined in their research.

The Power of Potency: A Drop's Culinary Blessing
The key to culinary essential oils is to understand their remarkable potency. They are powerfully concentrated plant energy! For clarity, one single drop of rose essential oil contains the aromatic molecules of 60 roses. This is why the wise use of oils follows the "less is more" principle: a single drop is often a sufficient dose or serving. A daily allowance of 10 drops (0.5ml) of an oil is a safe and generous guideline.

While the FDA maintains regulations for the internal use of oils, labeling essential oils that are "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS), it is ultimately a matter of purity. Most really real, pure, and organic steam-distilled essential oils are safe to ingest (including many not on the GRAS list). The food and flavor industry itself adds essential oils like bergamot, peppermint, and vanilla to boost the taste and aroma of many items, from juices to liqueurs and teas. The critical distinction is to avoid the low-quality, mass-produced essential oils that may be adulterated or not food grade.

Long before the prevalence of modern vanilla extracts, the original "OG" vanilla came directly from the precious bean itself. Today's commercial "vanilla flavor" is often composed of synthetic vanillin and an alcohol base—a singular chemical that lacks the true complexity and hundreds of aromatic compounds of the real deal. Our Vanilla Supercritical Extract, in contrast, is a highly concentrated, true-to-the-bean form of vanilla, meticulously extracted without the use of harsh solvents. It is a highly potent essence, and for easy kitchen use, we suggest pre-diluting a small amount in a bottle of olive oil. This simple step allows you to enjoy the full, rich spectrum of real vanilla with just a single dash, of its soul-satisfying scent. A good practice is to always mix 1-3 drops of essential oil with a carrier like organic honey, olive oil, tallow, butter, ghee, or coconut oil before adding it to a culinary creation. May also be added to a capsule once mixed with oil.

Kitchen Alchemies
Concentrated essences are flavor catalysts inviting you to transform soups, smoothies, stews, teas, desserts, and chocolate into vibrant, flavorful experiences. Here are a few simple inspirations to get you started:

Culinary Profiles:
Herbaceous: Marjoram, Hyssop, Cilantro, Rosemary, Oregano, Sweet Thyme, Savory, Sage, Laurel
Citrus: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Limetta, Sweet Orange, Blood Orange, Tangerine, Yuzu, Citron, Petitgrain, Kumquat
Floral: Neroli, Grapefruit Blossom, Rose Otto, Geranium, Ylang, Jasmine Otto, Lavender, Linden
Spice: Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Gingergrass, Lemongrass, All Spice, Black Pepper, Garlic, Schizandra, Nutmeg, Angelica, Cumin
Fresh: Peppermint, Spearmint, Wintergreen, Eucalyptus
Rich + Warm: Vanilla, Coffee, Seabuckthorn, Manuka
Resinous: Frankincenses, Myrrh, Opopanax

Zesty Vinaigrette: Add a couple of drops of Lemon or Lime and Thyme to your favorite vinaigrette base of olive oil and apple cider vinegar for a bright, tangy finish.
Herbal Salt: Mix a few drops of Rosemary or Laurel essential oil with sea salt to create an aromatic finishing salt for vegetables and meats.
Spiced Honey: Stir drops of Cinnamon Bark, Peppermint, or Ginger into a tablespoon of raw honey. Use it to sweeten tea or drizzle over treats.
Minty Cocoa: Add a drop of Peppermint essential oil to your melted chocolate or hot cocoa for a classic, invigorating combination.
Rosy Desserts: Infuse resplendent Rose Otto (with a dash of Bergamot and Lemon) into your baking, ice cream, gummies, chocolate, or confections for a luxurious, delicate flavor.

Beyond our single-note essences, Living Libations has crafted a collection of exquisite elixirs to serve as culinary accents. These include Zest the Best, with its soothing savory essence; Love Wine, for a touch of sweet bliss; Feeling Good Today, offering an herbaceous and uplifting experience; and our Immune Illume blends, which provide a choice between a cooly fortifying or a spicily fortifying flavor for adding to your creations.

Culinary essential oils are a boon to creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy mixing citrus smoothies, crafting savory dishes, and making rosy desserts, all while knowing you are adding digestive force and sensory fun.

________________________________
Further Reading:

Even though the FDA recognizes that over 160 essential oils are safe to ingest. We refer to the protocols and prescriptions provided by the leading professionals in essential oil safety and use, such as:



Living Libations GRAS Edible Oils:

All Spice, Angelica Root, Basil, Basil (Holy), Bergamot, Black Pepper, Caraway, Cardamom, Carrot Seed, Chamomile, Chamomile (Cape), Chamomile (German), Cilantro Leaf, Cinnamon Bark, Clementine, Clove Bud, Coffee Bean, Cumin Seed, Cumin (Black), Cypress, Dill, Elderflower, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Frankincense (Carterii), Garlic, Geranium, Ginger, Ginger Root, Grapefruit, Greenland Moss, Hemp Blossom, Hops, Immortelle, Juniper Berry, Kumquat, Laurel, Lavender, Lavender (Alpine), Lavender (French Fine), Lavender (Maillette), Lemon, Lemon (Green), Lemongrass, Lime, Limetta, Linden Blossom CO2, Mandarin, Manuka, Marjoram, Mastic, Melissa, Myrrh, Neroli, Nutmeg, Orange (Blood), Orange (Sweet), Oregano, Palmarosa, Palo Santo, Peppermint, Peppermint (Willamette), Peppermint (Yakima), Petitgrain (Lemon), Petitgrain (Mandarin), Petitgrain (Orange), Pine (Grand White), Pomegranate Seed, Ravensara, Rose Otto (Damask), Rose Otto (Rhu Gulab), Rose (Apothecary), Rose (Bourbon), Rose (Otto), Rose (Persian Otto), Rosehip CO2 (Organic), Rosemary, Roses over Geranium, Sage, Sage (Clary), Savory, Schizandra, Seabuckthorn Berry, Spearmint, Spruce (Black), Spruce (White), Tangerine, Tarragon, Tea Tree, Thyme, Thyme (Sweet), Tuberose, Turmeric, Vanilla, Wintergreen, Yarrow, Ylang, Ylang Complete, Yuzu