How to Use Essential Oils: Cooking

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How to Use Essential Oils in Cooking

Cooking with essential oils is a flavorful and creative way to elevate your dishes, but it’s important to use them correctly for the best results. Here’s a simple guide to help you incorporate essential oils into your culinary adventures:

Cooking with Essential Oils: Basic Rules

  1. Zest Substitutes
  • Zest of one lemon, lime, or orange = 10-12 drops of essential oil.
  1. Juice Substitutes
  • One teaspoon of juice = 1 drop of essential oil.
  1. Extract Substitutes
  • One teaspoon of extract = 15 drops of essential oil.
  1. Dried Herbs Substitutes
  • Half teaspoon of dried herbs = 1 drop of essential oil.
  1. Fresh Herbs Substitutes
  • One tablespoon of fresh herbs = 2 drops of essential oil.
  1. For Potent or Hot Spices
  • Oils like cinnamon, peppermint, clove, cassia, cilantro, basil, marjoram, oregano, and thyme are very concentrated.
  • Use the toothpick method: Dip a clean toothpick into the oil and swirl it into your recipe. Add more as needed.

Quick Tips for Cooking with Essential Oils

  • Start Small: Essential oils are highly concentrated, so begin with a small amount and adjust to taste.
  • Mix with Fat or Liquid: Blend oils with a fat (butter, oil) or liquid (broth, sauce) to distribute the flavor evenly.
  • Add at the Right Time: For strong flavors, like oregano or thyme, add early in cooking. For delicate oils, like citrus or basil, add just before serving.
  • Avoid Overheating: Essential oils can lose their potency with excessive heat. When possible, add them to warm (not boiling) dishes.

Substitute and Elevate

The easiest way to start cooking with essential oils is to replace herbs, spices, zests, juices, or extracts with essential oils. They’re especially great for sauces, marinades, baked goods, beverages, and dressings!

Why Cook with Essential Oils?

  • They provide a fresh, potent flavor.
  • They’re often more cost-effective than buying fresh or dried herbs regularly.
  • A single drop delivers the health benefits of the plant, enhancing both flavor and wellness.

With these guidelines, you can turn simple recipes into culinary masterpieces while enjoying the aromatic and therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Start experimenting with your favorite dishes today!

Essential Oils in the Bible

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The verse in Exodus 16:31, “And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey,” recounts a miraculous provision of food from God to the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness after their escape from Egypt. The story of manna is deeply symbolic and reflects themes of trust, divine provision, and sustenance.

After fleeing Egypt and crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites faced hardships, including scarcity of food. They complained to Moses about their hunger, longing for the abundance they remembered in Egypt. In response, God provided manna—a mysterious, edible substance that appeared on the ground each morning like dew. Manna’s description as “like coriander seed, white” and tasting “like wafers made with honey” conveys its nourishing and pleasant qualities, highlighting God’s generosity.

While manna itself isn’t directly connected to essential oils, the Bible often references fragrant plants and resins like frankincense, myrrh, and spikenard, which were used in anointing, worship, and healing practices. Manna shares a similar symbolic role in providing physical and spiritual sustenance. Its sweet taste and miraculous nature reinforced the idea that God would meet the needs of His people, teaching them to rely on Him daily for provision and to obey His commandments.

In broader biblical tradition, manna became a symbol of God’s faithfulness, a lesson in gratitude, and a foreshadowing of spiritual nourishment, as referenced by Jesus in the New Testament when He referred to Himself as the “bread of life” (John 6:35). The connection between natural elements like manna and spiritual truths underscores the Bible’s recurring theme of God’s care through the gifts of creation.

While the verse in Exodus 16:31 doesn’t explicitly mention essential oils, there is a subtle connection to the biblical use of natural substances for physical and spiritual well-being. Manna is described as resembling coriander seed, a plant that is still valued today for its essential oil, known for its warming, energizing, and digestive properties. This description links manna to the natural world and its potential to provide both nourishment and healing.

In biblical times, essential oils and aromatic resins like frankincense, myrrh, and spikenard were widely used not only for anointing and worship but also for their medicinal benefits. Manna, while primarily a miraculous food, fits within this broader biblical theme of God providing sustenance and wellness through nature. The honey-like taste of manna suggests a sweet and wholesome quality, paralleling how essential oils often embody the healing and restorative properties of the plants they are derived from.

This connection can be seen as a reminder of how God’s provision extends beyond immediate needs to include elements of comfort and health. Just as manna sustained the Israelites physically and spiritually in their wilderness journey, essential oils and natural remedies can be seen as part of the divine design for maintaining well-being, echoing the care and nourishment symbolized by manna.

Ode to Basil

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Oh, fragrant basil, herb divine,
With spicy notes and touch of thyme,
You calm the storm, you ease the mind,
A tranquil balm for humankind.

In a diffuser, your essence flows,
Promoting focus as knowledge grows.
While studying or reading through the night,
You sharpen thoughts and bring delight.

In kitchens, you take center stage,
A single drop on the culinary page,
Transforming dishes, fresh and bright,
A taste of gardens in every bite.

For weary souls, you’re a tender balm,
With wintergreen, you restore the calm.
A massage of oils, the stress will cease,
Neck to shoulders, you bring sweet peace.

During cycles, you lend your grace,
A soothing touch, a warm embrace.
Internally taken, a drop will do,
To steady and comfort the body anew.

Oh, basil, friend of both heart and plate,
A gift from nature, so simple, so great.
In every drop, a story untold,
Of wellness, flavor, and courage bold.

How to Use Essential Oils: Bee & Wasp Stings

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Essential oils can provide soothing relief for stings and help reduce discomfort when used correctly. Here’s how you can incorporate them into your care routine:

1. Apply Lavender or Tea Tree Oil Neat

Out of all essential oils, lavender and tea tree can be safely applied directly to the skin (neat). Simply place a drop of either oil on the sting area to help reduce swelling and soothe irritation.

2. Create a Venom-Absorbing Clay Mask

For a deeper detox, use a homemade clay mask to absorb toxins from the sting area. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 tsp bentonite clay
  • 1 tsp activated charcoal powder
  • 2 drops lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops rosemary essential oil

How to use it:

  • Mix the ingredients with enough water to make a thick paste.
  • Apply the paste to the sting area.
  • Allow it to dry for 15 minutes.
  • Rinse off thoroughly with warm water.

This mask not only draws out toxins but also soothes the skin.

3. Explore the 9 Best Essential Oils for Stings

These oils can be used individually or blended for their calming, antiseptic, and soothing properties:

  • Roman Chamomile: Calms inflammation and soothes irritation.
  • Eucalyptus: Reduces swelling and provides cooling relief.
  • Lavender: Known for its soothing and healing properties.
  • Melissa: Helps reduce redness and irritation.
  • Peppermint: Provides a cooling sensation for immediate comfort.
  • Rosemary: Assists with circulation and detoxification.
  • Tea Tree: Offers antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Thyme: Helps prevent infection.
  • Vetiver: Soothes the skin and calms irritation.

By using essential oils thoughtfully and safely, you can turn a sting into a moment of care and healing. Learn more about essential oils at lensoils.com.

Winter Diffuser Blends

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Winter Diffuser Blends for a Fresh Start to the New Year

As we say goodbye to the holidays and embrace the fresh opportunities of the new year, these winter diffuser blends will fill your home with warmth, energy, and comfort. Try these blends to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere or a bright and invigorating vibe to start 2025 off right!

Crystal Snow

For a crisp, refreshing scent that mimics the cool air of a snowy day:

  • 5 drops Peppermint
  • 2 drops Ylang Ylang

Frosted Trees

Bring the fresh, forest-like aroma of evergreens into your space:

  • 4 drops Siberian Fir
  • 2 drops Peppermint
  • 1 drop Wintergreen

Tea Time

Perfect for chilly afternoons, this warm and spicy blend creates a cozy, tea-like atmosphere:

  • 1 drop Cardamom
  • 2 drops Cinnamon Bark
  • 3 drops Wild Orange
  • 1 drop Clove

Mittens

Wrap yourself in the warmth of this comforting, citrusy blend:

  • 2 drops Cinnamon Bark
  • 4 drops Wild Orange
  • 2 drops Cedarwood

New Year’s Fresh Start (Bonus Blend for January 1st)

Infuse your space with optimism and clarity for the year ahead:

  • 3 drops Lemon
  • 2 drops Eucalyptus
  • 3 drops Frankincense

Start the new year with scents that inspire joy, calm, and motivation. These blends are perfect for winter days when you want to unwind, reflect, or set new intentions.

Learn more about essential oils and creative diffuser blends at lensoils.com. Here’s to a bright and aromatic 2025!

Funny True Stories

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“Ah, the classic newspaper time warp—where Monday crashes Tuesday’s party, and Thursday’s front page might moonlight as Sunday brunch! Just remember, folks: if you don’t like today’s news, just wait until page 6. And kudos to Robin Shetler for showing us how to make a newspaper sound like a choose-your-own-adventure novel. ‘Turn to page 5 to see what might have happened on Tuesday!'”

Health Proverb

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The proverb “Symptoms, then, are in reality nothing but a cry from suffering organs” is attributed to Jean-Martin Charcot, a 19th-century French neurologist often regarded as one of the founders of modern neurology. Charcot’s work was groundbreaking in understanding the link between physical symptoms and underlying medical conditions, particularly in the fields of neurology and psychiatry.

Charcot lived during an era when medical science was transitioning from traditional, often superficial treatments to a deeper exploration of the body’s inner workings. He believed that symptoms should not be ignored or merely alleviated—they were the body’s way of signaling distress or dysfunction. This idea was revolutionary at the time, as it encouraged doctors to move beyond treating symptoms to diagnosing and addressing the root causes of diseases.

Charcot’s expertise in neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, reinforced his belief that symptoms were vital clues. His work emphasized careful observation and listening to the “language” of the body to understand the suffering of its organs. This approach laid the foundation for modern diagnostic techniques, encouraging a more empathetic and scientific method of medical care. The proverb reflects Charcot’s philosophy that every symptom is meaningful, urging physicians and patients alike to view them as essential guides to healing.

The Seeds of Timeless Wisdom

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Long ago, in lands where mountains kissed the sky and the desert stretched far and wide, humanity found treasures hidden in plain sight. They were not gold or jewels but plants—humble, unassuming, yet brimming with secrets that whispered through the ages. One of these plants would change the way people saw healing, nourishment, and even trust. But before we get to that, let’s start with the foundation of its legacy.

The earliest healers didn’t wear lab coats or work in sterile clinics. They were farmers, shepherds, and midwives who turned to the earth’s bounty for answers. Oils pressed from leaves, roots, and seeds became their medicine. A mere drop could soothe pain or sweeten a sour stomach. These ancient remedies, passed through generations, became the foundation of modern wellness. Yet, even with all our advancements, some secrets from the past remain indispensable.

For centuries, the carrot family has been a source of health and nourishment. From its roots came earthy sustenance, and from its seeds, oils that calmed and healed. Plants like cumin and fennel have become kitchen staples, their aromatic seeds flavoring dishes and aiding digestion. These seeds, steeped in history, whisper their benefits into every bite. But there was one cousin in this family, small and quiet, that rose to fame in ways no one could predict.

This tiny hero carried its aroma into the stories of many cultures. Bread baked with its seeds graced ancient tables, offering sustenance and solace. Tales from long-forgotten kitchens spoke of this seed’s power to soothe a worried mind and ease a troubled gut. Meanwhile, in distant lands, the same seeds became symbols of loyalty, ensuring that belongings laced with their scent remained unstealable. Such is the legacy of these simple yet profound seeds.

And so we arrive at caraway seed. Native to Asia but beloved worldwide, it has stood the test of time as both a healer and protector. Its essential oil, extracted from the seed, has amazing benefits. A soothing abdominal massage with caraway seed oil calms discomfort; a single drop in a daily rinse refreshes the breath and supports oral health. Blend it with lavender in a bath, and you’ll find peace in its calming embrace. In biblical times, caraway seed even found its way into bread, a testament to its enduring value.

Now, whenever you see that tiny seed, remember its journey—from ancient remedies to modern wellness. It’s more than a spice; it’s a bridge between the wisdom of the past and the promise of the future. And now you know… the rest of the story.