The Bible is certainly a book worth reading. For some it is the source of their religious beliefs, for others it is a source of good morals and ideas which should be incorporated in everyone’s lives.
But besides being the guidance for many Christian, the Bible also possesses a lot of information about our world and the wonders we can find within it. Amongst these wonders are 12 Essential Healing Oils of the Bible that possess remarkable healing abilities.
We don’t know about you, but when something is said to have remarkable healing abilities and is mentioned in the Bible, we have to take it seriously. But before we dive into the Bible and the essential oils that have been mentioned in it, let’s take a look at essential oils from a historic perspective.
12 Essential Healing Oils of the Bible in History
Essential oils have been used in many continents throughout history. Their healing abilities have been noted and taken advantage of by many cultures.
Because of their wide use, it is nearly impossible to point out a time in our history when the use of essential oils has spread throughout the globe. However, there is plenty of evidence which points to these culture using essential oils frequently.
Egypt
During ancient times, Egyptians used essential oils and aromatic oils very frequently in their culture. They often used fragrance oil during mummifications and burials. Different balsams, perfumed oils and aromatic vinegars were used daily by the wealthier people who resided in Egypt.
China
Huang Ti, the legendary Yellow Emperor, wrote in his famous “The Yellow Emperor’s Book of Internal Medicine” about hundreds of different fragrance oils and aromatic oils which are still being used today in some eastern medicines.
India
Throughout the long history of India, many essential oils were incorporated in healing potions which were used frequently. The potions and the essential oils that were used vary between 700 different substances, each producing a different type of effect depending on the combination it was used in.
Greece
Grecians incorporated their use of essential oils from Egyptians. Many Greek soldiers used to carry ointment of Myrrh into battle to use against infections and inflammations. Hypocrites documented the used of over 300 different types of plants, many of which are the source of essential oils used today.
Rome
The Romans were known for using scented oils and fragrance oils frequently as perfume on their bodies, bedding, and clothing. It was also considered to be a standard to use these oils in bath houses and during massages.
Persia
One of the most revered people who documented the properties of over 800 different plants in his books was Ali-Ibn Sana, also known as Avicenna the Arab. He was the first person to discover a good method of distilling essential oils. These methods are still being used today.
Europe
Throughout the Crusades, Knights and their armies passed knowledge of herbal medicine, which they learn in the Middle East, among Western Europe. They had knowledge of distillation and carried perfumes with them frequently.
Modern Uses of Essential Oils
Throughout the recent few decades the methods for distilling essential oils at their purest have been perfected. As scientific studies became more advances in the last century, components which are responsible for the healing properties of certain plants have been isolated and deriving them from the plants has been honed.
At the same time, this ability to separate the chemical components created the appeal to synthesize and mimic these compounds so that we can benefit from the effects of these plants without actually growing them.
However, we should always remember that each essential oil mentioned in the Bible had an intended purpose and attempting to recreate the compounds which were forged by God as we see fit may come with unforeseen consequences.
The 12 Healing Oils of the Bible
While there have been many different oils mentioned in the Bible, there are only about twelve that have been singled out as potential essential oils or aromatic extracts, and these can usually be found in your neighboring grocery store or pharmaceutical store today.
Some of these essential oils are easily recognized and are referred to by their common name, like frankincense. Others are a bit more complicated and you might not even know how to pronounce their names. Let’s take a look at the each of these essential oils and find out more about them.
1. Cedarwood
Throughout Biblical times, cedarwood was used commonly during ceremonial purposes, it was associated with purification and cleansing. The trees which produced cedarwood are most likely the cedars of Lebanon and they are still around today. An essential oil is produced from these trees that offers excellent antioxidant properties. In the Bible, cedarwood is mentioned as:
- A perfume (Psalm 45:8)
- A symbol of security and stability (Song of Solomon 1:17; 8:9; Zechariah 11:2)
- Mentioned by Solomon in his proverbs and sacred writings (I Kings 4:34)
- A ceremonial tool for cleansing leprosy (Leviticus 14, Numbers 19)
Ancient Pharaohs of Egypt were embalmed in cedarwood oil. Modern science proves the antioxidant properties of cedarwood oil and it is used as an essential oil in aromatherapy today.
2. Aloes
Aloes oil is renowned for its ability to help with burned and damaged skin. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and even antimicrobial capabilities. In the Bible, Aloes refers to an extract from the tree’s heartwood which is used for healing and embalming.
Modern English language uses the word Aloe as a name for the modern spiky plant we know today, but this isn’t the same plant as mentioned in the Bible. Aloes is listed as:
- A perfume (Psalm 45:8, Proverbs 7:17)
- An incense (Song of Solomon 4:14)
- Burial ointment for Christ (John 19:39)
- A symbol of abundance and provision (Numbers 24:6)
Some people think that aloeswood is the same as sandalwood. Also known as agarwood, this healing oil is capable of great things.
It’s an anti-rheumatic, has antimicrobial capabilities, can be used as an antioxidant, and can even be used as an analgesic. This essential oil is definitely worth being called healing oil.
3. Cassia
Some people mistake the herb senna for cassia because its proper name begins with cassia. However, the cassia in the Bible bears a closer resemblance to what we know today as cinnamon.
Biblical studies point to cassia as being 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.” Cassia is mention in the Bible as:
- Precious commodities (Ezekiel 27:19)
- A perfume (Psalm 45:8)
- An anointing oil (Exodus 30:24)
Cinnamaldehyde is the sole reason why, just like cinnamon, Cinnamomum cassia has major healing properties. While getting access to cassia might be a bit tougher today, you should get the same benefits by using cinnamon essential oil as a sufficient substitute.
4. Cypress
Usually cypress is mentioned alongside cedar, and is often referred to as a symbol of strength and security. In modern Bible translations, cypress is mentioned as:
- A fragrant hardwood and symbol of security & stability (Isaiah 44:14)
- The choice wood for weaponry (Nahum 2:3)
- A symbol of prosperity (Isaiah 60:13, Hosea 14:8, Zechariah 11:2)
Chances are the reason why cypress was chosen as the word to translate the tree used in the Bible was because of the Mediterranean cypress, an evergreen from which we derive an essential oil. This essential oil has antibacterial properties.
5. Frankincense
We all know about frankincense and its ability to heal. Obviously, frankincense is mention in the Christmas story in the Bible. It is also mentioned as indication of wealth and prosperity in spice trade. In the Bible it is listed as:
- A holy ceremonial perfume (Exodus 30:34)
- A precious commodity – potential currency (Isaiah 60:6; Jeremiah 6:20; Revelations 18:13)
- A perfume (Song of Solomon 3:6; 4:6)
- A part of ceremonial offerings (Referenced several times in Leviticus 2, 5, 6, 24; Numbers 5, 1 Chronicles 9, Nehemiah 13)
- The gifts of the Magi to the Christ child (Mathew 2:11)
Frankincense oil is used for its antimicrobial properties, but it is also a powerful immunostimulant. Interesting how such a powerful essential oil was being used to protect God’s priests and his son.
6. Hyssop
Modern hyssop is used for its antibacterial, antifungal, and larvicidal properties. Although, our modern hyssop is not native to the area of Palestine, which means that the oil used in the Bible for cleansing and rituals was not the same hyssop we know of today. Hyssop is listed in the Bible as:
- The sponge that soaked up the sour wine that was given to Jesus on the cross (John 19:29)
- Mentioned by Solomon in his proverbs and sacred writings (I Kings 4:34)
- A part of ritual cleansing and ceremonial offerings (Referenced several times in Exodus 12; Leviticus 14; Numbers 19; Psalm 51; Hebrews 9)
Even though modern hyssop is not the same oil which was used in the Bible, research shows that the hyssop used during biblical times was most likely closely related to thyme and marjoram, which is an even better fit if you ask us.
7. Galbanum
This was one of the least known oils used in the Bible. It was supposed to be used as incense in the heart of the temple. Research shows that this was a gum tree closely related to the Ferula family, but precise species is unknown. The Bible lists galbanum as:
- A holy ceremonial perfume (Exodus 30:34)
In modern day, Ferula gummosa is collected and sold as galbanum. It has high antimicrobial properties and has really high potential when used in dental health.
8. Myrtle
Even though myrtle isn’t actually mentioned very frequently in the Bible, its presence in the Bible does indicate high amounts of growth and abundance. Myrtus communis is most likely the plant that the Bible is referring to and it is still found in Jerusalem to this day. In the Bible, myrtle is listed as:
- A symbol of provision (Isaiah 41:19; 55:13)
- A symbol of protection (Zechariah 1:8, 10-11)
- The choice wood for building ceremonial booths (Nehemiah 8:15)
This plant grows low to the ground and produces a fragrant aroma. Today, the essential oil of myrtle has been determined to possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, amongst other major benefits which can be used to improve one’s health.
9. Myrrh
Hands down the most decorated oil in the Bible, myrrh is easily identifiable and used. It is listed amongst the Bible in many different moments as:
- Anointing oil (Exodus 30:23)
- A perfume (Psalm 45:8, Proverbs 7:17, Song of Solomon 1:13, 4:14, 5:13)
- A with mixed edible spices to be eaten (Song of Solomon 5:1)
- Mixed with wine and given to Jesus on the cross (Mark 15:23)
- A precious commodity – potential currency (Genesis 37:25)
- An ointment (Song of Solomon 5:5)
- An incense (Song of Solomon 3:6, 4:6)
- The gifts of the Magi to the Christ child (Mathew 2:11)
- Burial preparations Nicodemus used for Jesus’ in the tomb (John 19:39)
Unlike other essential oils, myrrh is derived from the resin which comes out of the myrrh tree that dries as soon as it is exposed to air.
The resin is powdered and can be used as is or diluted into an essential oil. When combined with frankincense, myrrh improves the antimicrobial capabilities of frankincense and vice versa.
10. Spikenard
Used by a woman to anoint Jesus in Bethany, this essential oil was highly prized as a perfume and considered to be very precious.
Some beauty treatment formulas still use spikenard in their formula today. The Bible mentions it as:
- A prized, desired plant (Song of Solomon 4:13-14)
- A royal fragrant aroma (Song of Solomon 1:2)
- A costly ointment/perfume used to anoint Christ (Mark 14:3; John 12:3)
The only possible beneficial effect of spikenard that has been determined today is as an anti-inflammatory. Otherwise, it is currently only being used as a perfume.
11. Rose of Sharon
The identity of this plant is very controversial. Thought to be used as a metaphor, it could actually be referred to as any flower that grows easily in harsh conditions. The Bible makes a reference to Rose of Sharon as:
- A mention of the “Beloved” (Song of Solomon 2:1)
Crocus, tulip, or lily, are all possible contenders. Some speculate that it is the Rock Rose, Cistus ladanifer, which is closely related to labdanum.
Unfortunately, there is no recipe book for the plants mentioned in the Bible which can indicate ancient use, so the identity of the plant is left to our total imaginations.
12. Onycha
The full identity of this oil is somewhat convoluted. It was mentioned in the holy anointing oil recipe and nowhere else.
Some state that onycha is actually resin of the Styrax benzoin tree, others point to it as being the shell of a mussel. Balsam or laudanum could also be onycha. The Bible lists it as:
- A holy ceremonial perfume (Exodus 30:34)
Styrax benzoin and Cistus labdanum have been developed in modern day into essential oils and are often diffused into the air. Both of these have not been carefully researched and only labdanum is speculated to have good antioxidant capabilities.
12 Essential Healing Oils of the Bible Conclusion
Because of countless amounts of translations, the exact identity of each essential oil can sometimes be hard to determine, but we have managed to single out a few of these oils. If these oils are mentioned in the Bible, then they certainly hold a purpose.
Furthermore, many of these essential oils were used for anointing and cleansing reasons, which leads us to believe that they possess antibacterial and healing properties. Whatever the case is, the importance and capabilities of these oils are not to be overlooked.
