The Healing Oils of Scripture

By Jan Bowers

This time of year has a certain pull to it… regardless of what religious and spiritual beliefs we hold, the cold winter months inspire introspection, and force us into closer quarters to love and learn from our families and friends.

For several of the world’s major religions, most notably
Christianity, the winter season holds special meaning. Christmas
trees, advent calendars, and carols surround us, reminding
believers to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Small children
everywhere tell of the baby who lay wrapped in a manger,
surrounded by animals, whose birth was presided over by the North Star and who received the wisest of men at his bedside.

In all of the activity, however, we often overlook one very important part of the story—the gifts those Wise Men brought to the baby Jesus. Or rather, the gifts they brought to both Jesus and Mary. Turns out
that Frankincense was an oil that could be used to sterilize the birth environment, and heal almost every cut and scrape a growing young one could run into. Myrrh has been used to heal stretch marks, and can ease any trauma that occurred during the birthing process, among numerous other uses.

Essential oils actually play a very large role in the Bible. 12 principle oils, listed in greater detail on the facing page, are mentioned over 1000 times in the Scriptures. They were used to heal, nourish the body, in trade, and in embalming, birthing, and religious ceremonies. It is written that Jesus was exposed to oils and used them; in some stories recorded in the Bible, God even instructs His followers how to use them! Society as a whole was well-versed in the properties of these amazing healing tools, and they were very much a fabric of the culture.

Christianity was not the only major religion to employ essential oils in spiritual practice—those of the Judaic and Islamic faiths also made frequent use of them. All three faiths, for example, used frankincense to anoint newborn infants and those moving into a new, higher realm of spiritual development.

Although it far exceeds the scope of this article to discuss them in depth, a short introduction to the 12 primary oils of Scripture follows. Just like the time of year, these oils are a window of opportunity and an open invitation to renew your commitment to your spiritual well-being, and the well-being of those you love, this holiday season. May it be a peaceful one.

Aloes/Sandalwood - beneficial in skin care; supports the female reproductive and endocrine systems; used in ancient times to assist in meditation, as an aphrodisiac, and in embalming. Oxygenates the pineal gland, a part of the brain known as the seat of our emotions; can be useful in meditative practices.

Cassia - immune system builder and supportive of metabolic functions; used in ancient times as an ingredient in Moses’ Holy Anointing Oil. Among the most antiseptic of essential oils.

Cedarwood - enhancesdeep sleep; provokes emotional releases and mental clarity; used in ancient times to cleanse lepers, in embalming, and for ritual cleansing after touching a dead body or anything else “unclean.” Also used in cosmetics and to treat skin problems.

Cypress - supports the circulatory system; strengthens blood capillaries, controls hemorrhages and nose bleeds; eases feelings of loss, promotes feelings of security and grounding; supportive of women during menstruation; promotes the production of white blood cells; used in ancient times to treat arthritis, laryngitis, cramps, and for
reduction of scars.

Frankincense - considered a holy anointing oil in the Middle East; used in cancer treatments; depression; allergies; headaches; bronchial problems; herpes and other STDs; typhoid; warts; brain damage and massive head injuries; immune builder; expectorant.

Galbanum - used as part of the Holy Anointing Oil, in various medications and perfumes, as a diuretic and pain reliever, and to treat spasms and cramps. Recognized for its antiseptic and body-supporting properties.

Hyssop - relieves anxiety; to ease arthritis, asthma, and respiratory infections; metabolizes fat; detoxifying and emotionally balancing. Used in ancient times as a spiritual cleanser to help focus the mind in meditation and purify from sin, addictions, and destructive habits.

Myrrh - protects pregnant mothers against infection and disease and elevate their feelings of well-being; diffused and inhaled during labor to reduce anxiety; to remove stretch marks; for skin conditions, oral hygiene, embalming, and as an insect repellant.

Myrtle - thyroid and hormone balancer; soothes the respiratory system; decongestant; to treat sinus infections, colds, flus, coughs, bronchitis, tuberculosis, asthmas, and skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and bruises.

Onycha - Used in ancient times as a perfume and fixative, to heal skin wounds, and as part of the Holy Anointing Oil.

Rose of Sharon/Cistus - antiseptic, immune enhancing, calming, aids in cell regeneration. Used in ancient times as a mood elevator, and in perfumes.

Spikenard - to relieve allergies, migraines, and nausea; cardiovascular support; relaxing, soothing, calming, and mood elevating. Used in ancient times as a powerful medicine, in perfumes and incense, skin tonic, and mood enhancer that reduces anxiety.