Essential oils are a natural, flavorful way to make your food and drinks more delicious. They can also provide aromatherapy and other health benefits.
It takes a lot of plant material to produce one drop of oil, so these concentrated compounds should be used with care. Only use those marked as safe for ingestion and follow the label instructions.
Oregano
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a common herb with antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant properties. Oil of oregano is derived from the leaves and stems of this plant, and it has many health benefits. Its major terpenes, including carvacrol and thymol, have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. In one lab study, oregano oil was effective at stopping bacteria that can cause infections in people and animals that do not respond to antibiotics.
Oregano is also a rich source of dietary antioxidants. The phenolic acids in oregano such as limonene, terpinene, and ocimene help reduce the oxidation of fats and other foods.
McCormick uses high quality oregano leaves that are carefully screened for purity to make our Oregano spice. The leaves are then hand-harvested and carefully dried to preserve their color, flavor and aroma. Our oregano is often used to add flavor and spice to pasta sauces, soups and stews. Oregano can also be used to treat small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha
Research suggests that peppermint can help with indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome, and it can also help relieve pain and improve skin health. The plant can be eaten in the form of tea or taken as capsules or supplements. Peppermint may not be suitable for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, though.
People who want to use peppermint for a headache or to help reduce itching can apply diluted oil to the skin. This oil can also be added to a diffuser for an energizing scent and to improve the air quality in the room.
Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as Lavender is the most popular of all essential oils. Lavender oil soothes itchy skin, promotes faster healing from venomous insect bites, and has anti-microbial properties that help heal minor wounds. It also moisturizes dry skin and reduces the appearance of aging spots.
Lavender essential oil is distilled from fresh flowers with the plant growing conditions contributing to the quality of the resulting oil. Season, climate, moisture levels, and cloud coverage are just a few factors that impact the quality of the resulting Lavender oil.
Synthetic Lavender perfume oils created in a lab are of lower quality than the naturally derived oil. Lavender is used in aromatherapy, to relax and calm the mind, balance hormones and emotions, and as a natural sleep aid. When diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond, it can be used on the skin to relieve stress and tension, reduce itching, ease headaches, and sooth stomach issues.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a popular fragrance in many soaps, perfumes and air fresheners. Its benefits include aiding in a cough, relieving pain and soothing sore muscles.
In one small study, people with rheumatoid arthritis inhaled eucalyptus oil three times a day for a month and reported less pain and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that eucalyptus oil can reduce the number of bacteria in your nose, which may help with colds and sinus infections.
Eucalyptus is also a common ingredient in muscle rubs and lotions. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent addition to massage oil. For a homemade eucalyptus rub, LaBant recommends blending equal parts of the essential oil with a carrier oil like olive or coconut. She adds that a rollerball is an easy way to apply the oil on your skin because it helps keep the scent concentrated. When shopping for a quality eucalyptus oil, look for a label that clearly states the species of the plant and how it was grown.
