An Historical Perspective
The oils and
aromatics mentioned in the Bible were more valuable than gold and silver.
Israel’s King Hezekaih kept “the spices, and the precious ointment” (2 Kings
20:13) together with silver and gold in the royal treasure chamber.
Merriam-Webster’s
Collegiate Dictionary defines anoint as “to apply oil to as a sacred rite,
especially for consecration.” It has been suggested that the holy anointing oil
described in Exodus 30:23-25 is a symbol of being set apart for special
purposes in God’s kingdom. People and objects were anointed throughout the
Bible: Aaron and his sons were anointed priests, the Tabernacle and all of its
vessels were anointed before being put into service, and Saul and David were
anointed to be kings. The Hebrew word for Messiah, Moschiach, means “Anointed
One.” Jesus Christ was twice anointed with the oil of spikenard, which was so
expensive that Judas was indignant that it wasn’t sold to raise money for the
poor.
God mandated that the
anointing oil be fragrant when He instructed Moses to add spices and fragrant
oils to the base of pure olive oil. Psalm 45 informs us that the
garments of the Messiah are fragrant with myrrh, aloes, and cassia. In one
Bible translation of Philippians 4:18, Paul described gifts given as “a
fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.”
Incense was offered twice
daily in the Tabernacle and later in the temple in Jerusalem. In Proverbs
27:9 we are told “ointment and perfume rejoice in the heart.” The New
Testament suggests that incense offering represents the prayers of saints. In
Revelation 5:8, “four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down
before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours,
which are the prayers of saints,” the King James translators chose to translate
the Greek word “thumiama” as “odours” rather than “incense”. According to
Strong"s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, “thumiama” ritual use
of incense
represented God’s power over life and death in Numbers 16:46-48 wherein
the High Priest Aaron walked through the congregation with it, stopping a deadly
plague.
Therapeutic Effects of the
Twelve Oils of Ancient Scripture
Considering there are 12 oils
mentioned numerous times throughout the Holy Scriptures it is no coincidence
that God has given these oil to mankind to sustain a healthy body. These oils
alone address all the body systems and appear to be prophetic when considering
the volatile times fast approaching God’s people. A brief synopsis of the oils
will be presented to further educate those interested in taking responsibility
for their own health.
Aloes/Sandalwood
– (Santalum album)
“And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night,
and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight”
(John 19:39). Many botanists believe that aloes was derived from sandalwood,
one of the oldest incenses known to man. Its 4,000-year history includes use as
a carved wood as well as distillation for its sweet-, woody-, and fruity-scented
oil. The great quantity of myrrh and aloes used in preparing Christ’s body for
burial was indicative of respect.
Action:
Sandalwood is high in sesquiterpenes that have been researched in Europe for
their ability to stimulate the pineal gland and the limbic region of the brain.
The pineal gland is responsible for releasing melatonin, a powerful antioxidant
that enhances deep sleep. Sandalwood is similar to Frankincense oil in its
support of nerves and circulation.
Indications:
Bronchitis (chronic), herpes, cystitis, and skin tumors.
Uses: May help with cystitis and urinary tract infections. It may
also be beneficial for acne, depression, pulmonary infections, menstrual
problems, nervous tension, and skin infection. It may help dry or dehydrated
skin.
Emotional Uses: May unlock emotional trauma
fro DNA of cells, oxygenate the pineal and pituitary glands, thus improving
attitude.
Cassia
– (Cinnamomum cassia)
“All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory
palaces, whereby they have made thee glad” (Psalm 45:8). Two of the oldest
known spices in the world are cinnamon and cassia. It was an ingredient in the
holy anointing oil and the incense that was burned daily in the temple. While
its aroma is similar to cinnamon, cassia is chemically and physically quite
different.
Action: Antibacterial, antiviral,
and anti-fungal.
Uses: The British have used this oil
specifically for flatulent dyspepsia or colic with nausea. In Chinese medicine
it is used particularly for vascular disorders. Cassia oil is among the most
antiseptic of essential oils.
Cedarwood – (Cedrus atlantica)
“Then the priest shall command to take for him who is to be cleansed two
birds alive and clean and Cedarwood and scarlet material and hyssop.”
(Leviticus14:4). The cedars of Lebanon were used to build Solomon’s Temple and
Herod’s Temple where Christ taught. Cedar was an integral part of two biblical
purification rituals – one for lepers and another for those who were impure from
touching a dead body. Cedar was noted for its incorruptibility; and in ancient
times, clothing was anointed with cedar to protect if from humidity.
Action: Mildly antiseptic, Cedarwood may
be effective against tuberculosis, bronchitis, gonorrhea, urinary infections,
and skin disorders such as acne and psoriasis. It can reduce hardening of the
artery walls. It also may help stimulate the pineal gland, which releases
melatonin, an antioxidant hormone associated with deep sleep.
Uses: Cedarwood may help with acne,
anxiety, arthritis, congestion, coughs, cystitis, dandruff, psoriasis,
respiratory system, sinusitis, skin diseases and fluid retention.
Emotional Uses: It is high in
sesquiterpenes that can stimulate the limbic region of the brain (the center of
our emotions). It is recognized for its calming and purifying effects.
Cypress
– (Cupressus sempervirens)
“He hewest him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he
strengthen for himself among the trees of the forest” (Isaiah 44:14). The
cypress tree is renowned for its durability. The sturdy cypress doors of the
St. Peter’s in Rome, for example, show no signs of decay, even after 1,200
years! The mighty cypress groves of Lebanon were described in the Apocryphal
Book of Ecclesiasticus as trees “which groweth up to the clouds” (50:10). Some
Bible scholars believe that cypress may be the “gopher wood” used to build
Noah’s Ark.
Action: Improves circulation and
supports the nerves and intestines. Anti-infectious, antibacterial,
anti-microbial (causative agent of tuberculosis), and strengthens blood of
capillaries.
Indications: Arthritis, bronchitis,
circulation, cramps, hemorrhoids, insomnia, intestinal parasites, menopausal
problems, menstrual pin, pancreas insufficiencies, pulmonary infections,
rheumatism, spasms, throat problems, varicose veins, and fluid retention.
Use: This oil may be beneficial for
asthma, strengthening blood capillary walls, reducing cellulite, circulatory
system, strengthening connective tissue, coughs, edema, improving energy,
gallbladder, bleeding gums, hemorrhaging, laryngitis, liver disorders, muscular
cramps, nervous tension, nose bleeds, and ovarian cysts. It is outstanding when
used in skin care, lessening scar tissue.
Emotional Use: Cypress influences,
strengthens, and helps ease the feeling of loss. It creates a feeling of
security, grounding, and helps heal emotional trauma.
Frankincense-
(Olibanum-Boswellia carteri)
“Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke,
perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?”
(Song of Solomon 3:6).
An ancient synonym for frankincense is “olibanum”, derived from the Latin Olium
libanum (oil from Lebanon). Because frankincense symbolizes divinity, it was
one of the three gifts given to the Christ child. The temples of antiquity were
fragrant with the aroma of burning frankincense. It was well known for its
healing powers during the time of Christ. “Used to treat every conceivable ill
known to man”, frankincense was valued more than gold during the ancient times.
Frankincense is now being researched and used therapeutically in European
hospitals and is being investigated for its ability to improve human growth
hormone production.
Action: Expectorant, anti-tumoral,
immune-stimulant, anti-catarrhal, and anti-depressant.
Indications:
Asthma, depression, and ulcers. Supports the immune system. It increases the
activity of leukocytes in defense of the body against infection.
Uses: This oil may help with allergies,
bites (insect and snake), bronchitis, cancer, respiratory infections,
diphtheria, headaches, hemorrhaging, herpes, high blood pressure, inflammation,
stress, tonsillitis, typhoid, and warts.
Galbanum – (Ferula gummosa)
“And the Lord said unto Moses, “take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and
onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense; of each there
shall be a like weight” (Exodus 30:34). There is an interesting suggestion
in the Jewish Talmud as to why this powerful, less-than-fragrant resin was used
in the holy incense: “Every communal fast that does not include sinners of
Israel is not a fast.” This has been linked to the fact that incense included
spices or perfumes with lovely fragrances, but was not complete without one
spice, galbanum, with its earthy odor. Also during Biblical times this oil was
used for its medicinal properties.
Action: Anti-infectious,
anti-inflammatory, stimulant, supporting to the kidneys and menstruation,
analgesic, light antispasmodic, and strengthening for the body.
Indications: Asthma, inflammation, poor
circulation and wounds.
Uses: May help with abscesses, acne,
asthma, bronchitis, chronic coughs, cramps, cuts, indigestion, muscular aches
and pains, nervous tension, rheumatism, scar tissue, stress, wrinkles, and
wounds.
Hyssop
– (Hyssopus officinalis)
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter
than snow” (Psalm 51:7). The hyssop plant was used during the exodus from
Egypt to dab the Hebrews’ doorposts with lamb’s blood, protecting them from the
plague of death. Hyssop may be the most difficult biblical plant to identify
because so many possibilities have been suggested. However, because hyssop
(along with cedar) was used in purification rituals, modern-day hyssop with the
chemical constituent carvacrol, which has antibacterial properties, make it a
likely choice.
Action: Anti-asthmatic, anti-catarrhal,
anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, antiseptic,
antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, decongestant, diuretic, mucolytic, and
sedative.
Indications: Arthritis, asthma,
bruises, respiratory infections, coughs, cuts, dermatitis, indigestion, fatigue,
nervous tension, parasites (expelling worms), rheumatism, sore throats, viral
infections, and wounds.
Uses: This
oil may help with colds and coughs, digestions, fever, gout, regulating lipid
metabolism, raising low blood pressure, clearing lungs, discharging mucus,
strengthening and toning the nervous system, preventing scarring, and viral
infections.
Emotional Uses: Hyssop may be beneficial
for anxiety and may also aid concentration and alertness by stimulating and
clearing the mind.
Myrrh – (Commiphora myrrha)
“I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, and aloes, and cinnamon” (Proverbs
7:17). Christ was given myrrh at His birth; and along with aloes, it was used
in preparing His body for burial. Myrrh was included in the holy anointing oil
and was well known to the ancient perfumers. From Ester 2:12, one learns that
the candidates from which King Ahaseuerus was to pick his queen were prepared by
anointing: “six month with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours. The
Arabian people of antiquity used myrrh for a variety of skin conditions.
Action: Anti-infectious, antiviral,
parasitic (worms), hormone-like, anti-inflammatory, soothes skin conditions,
anti-hyperthyroid, and supports immune system.
Indications:
Bronchitis, diarrhea, dysentery, hyperthyroidism, stretch marks, thrush, ulcers,
vaginal thrush and viral hepatitis.
Uses: This oil may help asthma,
athlete’s foot, candida, coughs, eczema, digestion, fungal infection,
gingivitis, gum infections, hemorrhoids, mouth ulcers, ringworm, and sore
throats, skin conditions (chapped and cracked), wounds, and wrinkles.
Myrtle
– (Myrtus communis)
“Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and
myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths,
as it is written” (Nehemiah 8:15). When the Jews came out of Babylonian
captivity, Kin Nehemiah commanded that they gather branches from four trees,
including myrtle. To the ancient Jews, myrtle was symbolic of peace and
justice. One of the promises to Israel for the future is that “instead of
the brier shall come up they myrtle tree” (Isaiah 55:13)
Action: Expectorant, anti-infectious,
liver stimulant, prostate decongestant, light antispasmodic, hormone-like for
the thyroid and ovary, and a tonic for the skin.
Indications: Bronchitis, coughs, hypothyroidism, insomnia, thyroid hormone-like
effects, prostrate decongestant, respiratory tract ailments, sinus infection,
tuberculosis, and ureter infections. Researched by Dr. Daniel Penoel, Myrtle
has been found useful for normalizing hormonal imbalances of the thyroid and
ovaries, as well as balancing the hypothyroid. It has also been researched for
its soothing effects on the respiratory system.
Uses: Asthma, respiratory infections,
cystitis, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia (impaired digestion), flatulence,
hemorrhoids, hormonal imbalances, support immune system, infections, infectious
diseases, pulmonary disorders skin conditions (acne, blemishes, bruises, oily
skin, psoriasis, etc.), and sinusitis. Use on children for chest complaints and
coughs.
Onycha
– (Styrax benzoin)
“And to the Lord said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and
onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense; of each shall
there be a like weight." (Exodus 30:34). The great Jewish scholar Rashi
said that onycha is a kind of root, while the Tulmud states it came from an
annual plant. It is a possibility that styrax benzoin may be the plan source
for onycha. Like frankincense and myrrh, benzoin is a resin.
Action: Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant,
antiseptic, carminative, and expectorant.
Indications: Arthritis, gout, asthma,
bronchitis and skin conditions.
Uses: Poor
circulation, rheumatism, flu, chills, colic, coughs, laryngitis, cuts, chapped
skin, and inflamed and irritated skin conditions.
Emotional
Uses: Traditionally known for its comforting and soothing properties for
nervous tension and stress.
Rose of Sharon/Cistus
– (Labdanum – Cistus Ladanifer)
“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley” (Song of Solomon
2:1). In ancient times, the gum that exudes from this plant was collected from
the hair of goats that had browsed among the bushes.
Cistus has been studied for its effect on cell regeneration.
Action: Anti-infectious, antiviral,
antibacterial, powerful anti-hemorrhaging agent helps reduce inflammation.
Indications: Bronchitis, respiratory
infections, urinary infections, wounds and wrinkles.
Uses: Coughs, rhinitis, and may strengthen and support the immune
system (due to phenol action).
Emotional Uses: Cistus may affect the
upper part of the brain. It may also help quiet the nerves and calm the
insomniac.
Spikenard
– (Nardostachys jatamansi)
“And Jesus being in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at
meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard, very
precious, and she broke the box, and poured the ointment on his head.” (Mark
14:3). Spikenard was transported to the Holy Land in sealed alabaster boxes all
the way from the Himalayan Mountains. When distinguished guest came visiting,
the master of the house showed honor by breaking open the spikenard and
anointing the guest. The Hebrew and the Romans used spikenard in the burial of
their dead. This is why Jesus said of the woman who poured the precious
spikenard oil on Him, “She is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying”
(Mark 14:8).
Action:
Antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and skin tonic.
Indications:
This oil is known for helping the treatment of allergic skin reactions.
Uses: Candida, flatulent indigestion,
insomnia, menstrual difficulties, migraine, nausea, rashes, staph infections,
and tachycardia. According to Dietrich Gumbel, Ph.D. it strengthens the heart
and circulatory system.
Emotional Uses: Relaxing and soothing to the mind.
Gifts to
the Christ Child
The most famous essential oils
are Frankincense and Myrrh, given to the Christ child along with
a gift of gold. At that time, these oils were considered more
valuable than gold. They were probably mankind’s first
medicines.
“And
when they were come into the house they saw the young child with Mary his mother
and fell down, and worshipped him; and when they opened their treasures, they
presented unto him gifts: gold and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11
God told Moses and his people on
their Exodus from Egypt to take with them hundreds of bags of Myrrh,
Frankincense, Cinnamon, Rose and Galbanum.