Essential oils are generally used in natural health care and many skincare products. But what if your favorite essential oil reminded you of a favorite food? There are lots of fragrance oils on the market that simulate food aromas – such as blueberry muffin, chocolate mud pie, and other exotic names – but such oils are synthetic in both aroma and use. However, some pure essential oils that are extracted from plants are also reminiscent of a certain food product – and are natural, too!

Although this type of “aromatherapy” is not considered “true aromatherapy” by some (it leans more towards perfumery), I wrote this post as a quick, fun – yet informative – look at some of these essential oils. It should not lessen the importance of the powerful, therapeutic uses of essential oils – and the knowledge required to use them.

Suggestions for Use of Essential Oils That Smell Like Food

The essential oils mentioned in this post are suggested for external use only – and in dilution with a carrier base. You could add the chosen essential oil to a cream, lotion, or butter base for a fun gift for a friend who likes natural skincare products. Chocolate-based products make a fun gift for a chocoholic or a romantic partner.

However, in all circumstances, do not attempt to ingest the product! Essential oils can have serious side effects if not used safely and in the manner intended.

The essential oils suggested here are based on my own observations – and research for particular clients. They are provided for educational purposes only. You should do further research on dilution rates and suitable bases for your particular situation before using.

Candy Aromas

The sense of smell is capable of triggering many memories, so choose your scent wisely. Some of these scents may stimulate hunger, given their close resemblance to food aromas:

• star anise (Illicium verum) – reminiscent of licorice

• cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) – reminiscent of cinnamon buns

• aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) – reminiscent of aniseed balls (which were made with aniseed oil). This was a type of hard, candy ball, popular in the UK when I was a child.

Beverage Aromas

If your craving is coffee and/or chocolate, the following essential oils may stimulate your senses:

• benzoin (Styrax benzoin) – reminiscent of chocolate

• cacao absolute(Theobroma cacao) – it smells like chocolate, because it is “chocolate!” Cacao absolute is made from the solvent extraction of cacao beans

• coffee bean (Coffea arabica) – reminiscent of coffee, as it is expeller pressed from actual coffee beans.

Cautions for Use

All essential oils carry possible contra-indications for use – such as in pregnancy, with the elderly, with babies and young children, with certain medications, and with certain health conditions. Consult a certified aromatherapist on the suitability of using the essential oils, mentioned here, in a product base.

Learn More About Essential Oils with Sedona Aromatherapie

If you would like to learn more about using essential oils creatively, healthily, and safely, consider one of the Sedona Aromatherapie home study aromatherapy courses. Visit the courses home page to learn more.

References:

• Author is a UK-certified aromatherapist, published author in aromatherapy, custom blend creator, approved aromatherapy education provider, and life-long learner.