The Bible and Your Essential Oils!
Happy Easter, friends! In honor of this holy holiday I thought I’d share with you guys a little history about oils. Specifically, oils and the Bible. Did you know that the Bible contains over 200 references to aromatics, incense, and ointments? There is a strong appeal in connecting with our ancient past, and that connection can be a major draw into the world of remedies. Knowing that countless generations have turned to the same healing properties is comforting, and even more so when we can connect it to Biblical times. With that said, there are conflicting opinions on the topic of essential oils in the Bible itself. The bottom line for me is that God gave us these healing oils for our use and benefit – as God’s Medicine. And there are healing oils mentioned in the Bible! Let’s walk through historical record and each oil itself to see how oils were used then and how that wisdom might benefit us now. Now, you won’t find your favorite blend in the Bible, but there is some that you will find you have on your shelf. Like Frankincense and Cedearwood. There’s also some that you might recognize, and after reading this post might consider putting on your next essential rewards order.
The Cassia of the Bible resembled our cinnamon more than anything. According to an etymology breakdown by BibleHub online, cassia is likely “the inner bark of Cinnamomum cassia, a plant growing in eastern Asia closely allied to that which yields the cinnamon of commerce. It is a fragrant, aromatic bark and was probably used in a powdered form.” The Bible lists cassia as: An anointing oil (Exodus 30:24) A perfume (Psalm 45:8) and precious commodities (Ezekiel 27:19) Like cinnamon, Cinnamomum cassia is rich in cinnamaldehyde when derived from the bark. If cassia is not available, cinnamon essential oil would be a fair switch.
Mentioned most commonly as a burned wood for ceremonial purposes, cedarwood is associated with cleansing and purification. These majestic, ancient trees are still around today, and are a source of antioxidant essential oil. The Bible lists cedarwood as: A ceremonial tool for cleansing leprosy and (Leviticus 14, Numbers 19) A perfume (Psalm 45:8) A symbol of abundance and provision (Numbers 24:6, Psalm 92:12, Ezekiel 31:3) A symbol of security and stability (Song of Solomon 1:17; 8:9; Zechariah 11:2) The choice wood for building, trading and currency (referenced by several verses in 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Ezra 3, Jeremiah 22, Ezekiel 17) And mentioned by Solomon in his proverbs and sacred writings (I Kings 4:34) There are several uses of cedarwood oil. I’ve explained in other post online how much I love this oil. It’s supports many different thing, like hormonal support, hair loss/growth, sleep support. So many wonderful things! It’s one that you should always have in your tool kit. And see, they even used it in the Bible! Doesn’t that make you want it THAT much more!
Mostly mentioned as a companion to cedar, cypress is celebrated in the Scripture as a symbol of strength and security. It was the choice wood for building, trading and currency (referenced by several verses in 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Isaiah 41) A fragrant hardwood and symbol of security & stability (Isaiah 44:14) A symbol of prosperity (Isaiah 60:13, Hosea 14:8, Zechariah 11:2) And the choice wood for weaponry (Nahum 2:3) Cypress is the chosen translation likely due to the Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), an evergreen from which we derive an essential oil. Known simply as cypress oil, it is comprised largely of pinene and limonene and is an effective antibacterial essential oil.
Frankincense!! Oh, sweet Frankincense. If you know me at all, you know this is one of my favorite oils. And there is so much research to support it’s uses. It’s used as a natural healer. And if you know the Christmas story, you already know at least one place where frankincense is mentioned in the Bible. Elsewhere, in Exodus 30:34 and Revelation 18:13, frankincense is mentioned as part of incense for a priestly rite and as indication of wealth and prosperity in spice trade. The Bible lists Frankincense as: A part of ceremonial offerings (Referenced several times in Leviticus 2, 5, 6, 24; Numbers 5, 1 Chronicles 9, Nehemiah 13) A holy ceremonial perfume (Exodus 30:34) A perfume (Song of Solomon 3:6; 4:6) A precious commodity – potential currency (Isaiah 60:6; Jeremiah 6:20; Revelations 18:13) The gifts of the Magi to the Christ child (Mathew 2:11) As a healing remedy, Frankincense oil is not only antimicrobial but also an immunostimulant. Could God have been protecting His priests (and Son!) through the use of Frankincense?
The modern hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis, has been used for antifungal, antibacterial, larvicidal and a insect biting deterrent. The Bible lists hyssop as: A part of ritual cleansing and ceremonial offerings (Referenced several times in Exodus 12; Leviticus 14; Numbers 19; Psalm 51; Hebrews 9) The sponge that soaked up the sour wine that was given to Jesus on the cross (John 19:29) And was mentioned by Solomon in his proverbs and sacred writings (I Kings 4:34).
With well documented use throughout the ages, Myrrh is easy to identify and enjoy. It is by far, the most decorated oil in the Bible being listed as: A precious commodity – potential currency (Genesis 37:25) Anointing oil (Exodus 30:23) An ointment (Song of Solomon 5:5) A perfume (Psalm 45:8, Proverbs 7:17, Song of Solomon 1:13, 4:14, 5:13) An incense (Song of Solomon 3:6, 4:6) A with mixed edible spices to be eaten (Song of Solomon 5:1) The gifts of the Magi to the Christ child (Mathew 2:11) Mixed with wine and given to Jesus on the cross (Mark 15:23) Burial preparations Nicodemus used for Jesus’ in the tomb (John 19:39). Unlike other products from trees, it isn’t the wood that is used but the resin that comes from it. Once exposed to air, it hardens and can be powdered, used as-is, or now, distilled for essential oil. Interestingly, myrrh and Frankincense essential oils have a synergistic effect when combined, each improving the others’ antimicrobial benefits.
Myrtle isn’t mentioned frequently, but its presence indicates growth and abundance. It likely refers to the Myrtus communis plant, which is grown around Jerusalem to this day. The Bible lists myrtle as: The choice wood for building ceremonial booths (Nehemiah 8:15) A symbol of provision (Isaiah 41:19; 55:13) and a symbol of protection (Zechariah 1:8, 10-11). Myrtle is a low growing plant with flowers that produce an intense, lovely aroma. This is said to be the meaning of Esther’s Hebrew name – and she would have likely enjoyed her namesake as a perfume in the king’s palace! Today, the essential oil specifically has undergone a fair amount of research, revealing itself as antimicrobial and an antioxidant, among other benefits.
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14) While not all essential oils that share Biblical names are identifiable, available, or used now as they were then, the study of ancient botanical preparations is fascinating. When we see threads of benefit – antimicrobials as anointing or temple oils, for example, keeping the population healthy – we begin to deepen our understanding of creation and the order that God set into place. The anointing oil, for example, contains fragrant ingredients that would contain at least some of the volatile (essential) oils no matter how it was produced. “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh [about 6g] Half as much of fragrant cinnamon [about 3g] 250 shekels of fragrant calamus [about 3 kg] 500 shekels of cassia [about 6g] And a hin of olive oil [about 5 quarts] “Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil. Then use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law, the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand. You shall consecrate them so they will be most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy.'” (Exodus 30:22-29)
If all of this is interesting to you, Young Living has a line of oils called, “Oils of Ancient Scripture”. It contains 10 oils from the most significant plants, botanicals, materials, and resins in the Bible—from Cypress (Isaiah 44:14) to “the rose of Sharon” (Song of Solomon 2:1). With the refreshing scents of Myrtle and Cedarwood and the rich fragrances of Frankincense and Myrrh, this kit is designed to help you savor and enjoy the beautiful aromas and intriguing histories of these precious, pure essential oils. I have not purchased this item, but I can tell you it is absolutely on my wish list.
How amazing is it to know that these oils are some that our ancestors used! These aren’t “new age, hippie oils” they are old, from the ground, scientific, and PUREly amazing tools that EVERYONE should be using! History was my favorite subject in school, so all of this is very fascinating to me, and hopefully to you as well. As always, if you have ANY questions about oils, Young Living, or anything let me know. I hope you enjoyed your Easter Sunday, filled with Jesus, family, food, and Easter egg hunts! Bless all of you, and happy oiling!
