In December 2016, I had a 25 Days of Oils in the Bible on my Using the Scents God Gave You Facebook page. It was lots of fun and many people enjoyed the information, so I’m combining the posts here in one blog post for easy viewing!
(*NOTE: These photos are copyrighted. Please do not download, edit, or use for personal or business use.)
Day 1
Sometimes it is said that essential oils and aromatherapy are a “hippy thing” or “new age.”
The truth is that plant oils were given to us by God for our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. More than any other therapeutic substance mentioned in Scripture, aromatic plants appear over 1,000 times throughout the Bible.
A whopping 70% of the books of the Bible mention plant oils, their uses, and/or the plants from which they are derived. Plant oils were a part of everyday life for prophets, kings, queens, the disciples, and even the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. They are not “snake oil” or a “hippy thing.” They are a gift from God.
In Ezekial 47:12 and Revelations 22:2, we are told that these are the very things that God created, down to the microparticles in the oils, to provide synergistic benefits for our physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Proverbs 27:9 says: “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart…”
Proverbs 21:20 says “Precious treasure and oil remain in the house of the wise.”
Essential oils are a gift from God to us, His children. They are special. They have been a gift too long ignored and misunderstood. The time has come to correct those misunderstandings and bring essential oils back into the uses for which God intended them.
(Dr. David Stewart, retired minister and former university science professor)
Day 2
There is much controversy over whether the plant oils in the Bible were actually “essential” oils as we know them today. Most people assume they could not have been essential oils due to the belief that they did not have the knowledge of steam distillation back then.
However, there is evidence of steam distillation all the way back from 3500 BC. Mesopotamian evidence is found in material excavated from Tepe Gawra on the River Tigris. Fragments of four ceramic bowls were excavated from levels dating to 3500BC. This photo is a terra cotta distiller from about 3,000 B.C. that is on exhibit in a Pakistan museum.
Distinctive vessels, quite probably for distillation, have been found at widely separated sites in India and Pakistan. The first group to be reported had been excavated in 1930 at Sirkap, site of Taxila in the Indus Valley. The city originated on this site circa the second century BC and it remained in occupation for three centuries. The still itself was found in levels of the time of the Saka invasions (i.e. 90 BC to AD 25).
We have plenty of evidence that the ancient people had the knowledge of extracting oils from plants through this process to use in their anointing oils, perfume, and therapeutic oils. You can read my full post with pictures of ancient distillers here: http://yldist.com/godscents/bibleoils/
However, let’s say that it is also possible that some of the oils mentioned were not steam-distilled “essential” oils as we know them today. Even so, the plants are the same and the benefits can only be magnified with the proper steam distillation methods! Regardless of the specifics, we are so blessed to be able to use plants in their many forms and their amazing properties designed by God for our physical, spiritual, and emotional health!
Day 3
Cassia is rich in biblical history and is mentioned in one of the oldest known medical records, the Ebers Papyrus (dating from 16th century BC).
From the bark of a tree, cassia appears 4 times in Scripture, including in Moses’ Holy Anointing Oil.
Cassia helps support a strong immune system and strengthens the body’s natural defenses. It is used to support blood sugar, arterial health, and overall health.
There is lots of amazing research on this essential oil’s benefits for our health. Please take a moment to click on the links and research them for yourself!
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26919256
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26677144
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27452659
Day 4
Used traditionally for meditation, sandalwood oil is uplifting and relaxing and is valued in skin care for its moisturizing properties.It comes from the wood of the tree and is mentioned five times in Scripture.
“”Like valleys they spread out, like gardens beside a river, like ALOES planted by the LORD, like cedars beside the waters.” (Numbers 24:6)
“All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and ALOES and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.” (Psalm 45:8)
“I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, ALOES and cinnamon.” (Proverbs 7:17)
“Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates with choice fruits, with henna and nard, and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of incense tree, with myrrh and ALOES and all the finest spices.” (Song of Solomon 4:14)
AND FINALLY, for Jesus’ burial:
“Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and ALOES, about seventy-five pounds.” (John 19:39)
75 pounds of aloes and myrrh would be worth $150,000-$200,000 in today’s market. The incredible value of these spices demonstrates two things: 1–The wealth of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea must have been great and 2–Their respect and reverence for their Lord and Savior must also have been very great.
So what is sandalwood used for today?
Sandalwood contains one of the highest concentration of sesquiterpenes of all oils. Sesquiterpenes deprogram misinformation in the brain and carry oxygen at a cellular level, helping with focus, concentration, and stimulating the release of melatonin.
Sandalwood is also supportive of female reproductive and endocrine systems and has been used to support urinary health.
(Sandalwood is santalum album which comes from India whereas Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood is Santalum paniculatum which differs slightly in the constituents and uses.)
Day 5
Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) has a warm, woodsy aroma that creates a comforting, uplifting experience. The cedar tree is mentioned around 65 times in Scripture, 10 of these specifically referencing cedar oil.
The references to cedar oil in Scripture are mostly found in Leviticus where it is prescribed for purifying skin and the home. Cedarwood was used by the ancient Egyptians and Sumerians for embalming, hygenic and other purposes and was mentioned on a Babylonian tablet dated 1800 B.C.
Cedarwood is very high in sesquiterpenes which support mental health, promoting focus, concentration, and stimulating melantonin production.
Research shows that cedarwood is also great for supporting hair growth and skin health.
Cedarwood is offered as a single oil and is found in Young Living products such as Grounding™, Highest Potential™, and Brain Power™ essential oil blends and Cel-Lite Magic™ massage oil.
Check out some of the amazing modern-day research on this ancient oil!
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9828867
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26344850
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22430697
Day 6
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
“Sempervirens” is a Greek word that means “live forever.”
Cypress wood is noted for its durability as it was used most famously for the original doors of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican that legends say lasted over 1,000 years.
Cypress appears in Scripture five times.
Genesis 6:14; Isaiah 44:14; Isaiah 41:19; 1 Kings 9:11; Song of Solomon 1:17
Cypress essential oil is most commonly used to support circulation, strengthening blood capillaries, proper blood flow, and production of white blood cells. It is also helpful for soothing minor chest discomfort. Diffuse to promote feelings of security and grounding, as well as to support correct information in the cellular memory.
Young Living’s cypress essential oil is available as a single oil, as an oil in the Ancient Oils of Scripture kit, and is found in the blends Aroma Siez, Aroma Life, and R.C.
A few samples of some modern-day research on this amazing essential oil:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27486357
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22557167
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24399792
Day 7
Hyssop (Hyssop officinalis)
Hyssop is mentioned a dozen times in Scripture, many of which demonstrate Hyssop as purifying:
Psalm 51:7: “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.”
Leviticus 14:4: “and hyssop be brought for the person to be cleansed.”
Leviticus 14:49: “To purify the house he is to take two birds and some cedar wood, scarlet yarn and hyssop.”
The hyssop plant was used to paint the doorframes of houses before Passover (Exodus 12:22) and was used to lift a sponge with vinegar to Jesus on the cross (John 19:29).
Ancient and modern-day uses for hyssop is for its spiritually and physically cleansing properties.
Another common use for hyssop is for supporting the respiratory system to clear out lungs and to support the immune system.
Hyssop is available from Young Living as a single oil and in blends White Angelica, Awaken, Harmony, Exodus II, Relieve It, and Immupower.
Caution: Avoid use if epileptic. Keep out of reach of children. Not for use on children (as a single oil; some blends containing it are safe for use on children).
Check out some of the amazing research on this amazing plant/plant oil:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1708226
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7741735
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17353250
Day 8
Myrtle (Myrtus communis) is referenced in Scripture five times, including as “Hadassah,” the Hebrew name for Esther which means Myrtle.
If you read Zechariah 1:7-11, you will find a vision that takes place among myrtle trees.
Sukkot, commonly translated as Feast of Tabernacles, includes myrtle branches in its ceremony. (Nehemiah 8:15)
Myrtle essential oil’s most common uses are for supporting the thyroid and overall endocrine system as well as its ability to support the respiratory system. For these reasons, Myrtle is found in the EndoFlex essential oil blend for supporting the endocrine system as well as R.C. for supporting respiratory health.
Myrtle has an elevating aroma that is pleasing when diffused. It also has properties that can help beautify and enhance the appearance of healthy-looking skin when applied topically.
Myrtle is also in the blend Purification and is available as a single oil separately as well as in the Ancient Oils of Scripture Kit.
Day 9
Onycha (Styrax benzoin)
Now here’s an oil you may have never heard of but you should know about it!
Referenced directly just once in Scripture, this essential oil is not worthy of being overlooked! It was a main ingredient in the holy incense in the book of Exodus.
Onycha has been used as very effective tincture in hospitals and other health fields for over 200 years. With the defenses we are losing nowadays due to evolving strains, some are rediscovering the effectiveness of this tincture.
Aromatically, onycha is very soothing as well as uplifting. It is typically inhaled to support upper respiratory health and commonly used on skin.
The chemical composition of onycha oil is unique. It contains more organic acids than any other oil. These include benzoic and cinnamic acids. It also contains a compound named “vanillin aldehyde” which is a dominant compound in the beans of the vanilla plants of tropical South America. This is what gives onycha its characteristic vanilla smell.
Onycha oil is an absolute, extracted from a tree resin by solvents, not by distillation. It is darkly colored and very thick. It will not usually pour through the small opening in the dropper cap of most essential oil bottles.
This is definitely an essential oil worth having on hand at all times! Currently, the only way to obtain onycha is in Young Living’s Ancient Oils of Scripture kit.
https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/oils-of-ancient-scripture-kit
Day 10
Cistus (Cistus ladanifer, also known as Labdanum, “rock rose,” and Rose of Sharon)
In addition to appearing specifically in Song of Solomon 2:1, cistus is mentioned as ladanum in its original Hebrew word but was incorrectly translated to myrrh in Genesis 37:25 and 43:11.
This essential oil produced from the branches of the beautiful Rose of Sharon plant has many amazing health benefits and is one that is good to have on hand at all times!
It supports the sympathetic nervous system as well as the immune system by aiding in normal cell regeneration. It’s honey-like fragrance is also calming and uplifting.
But the most important reason I have it on hand at all times is something I am not allowed to discuss openly… We keep this oil on hand at all times during our goats’ kidding (birthing) season just to support normal, healthy levels of blood clotting, and year round for our family in case the need arises for it suddenly!
Cistus is available as a single oil, in the Ancient Oils of Scripture Kit, and is also an important essential oil in the kids’ Owie blend as well as ImmuPower, KidScents Tender Tush ointment, OOLA Balance, and The Gift.
Just a sample of some of the research available on this amazing oil:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669012001884
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26934730
Day 11
In Exodus 30:23-24, God gives a recipe to Moses for a “holy anointing oil” as follows:
Myrrh: 500 shekels
Cassia: 500 shekels
Cinnamon: 250 shekels
Calamus: 250 shekels
Olive Oil: 1 hin
Using the Complete Jewish Bible to calculate these amounts into modern-day volume weights, we will find that the blend is 84% essential oils and 16% carrier oil. From this, we can see that the Hebrews used large quantities of essential oils in minimal dilutions.
This Holy Anointing oil is used throughout Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers to anoint the tabernacle and various things within it.
This oil formula is high in phenylpropanoids, making it an excellent way to keep the priests clean despite all of the shared cleansing ritual waters and the handling of many animals for sacrifices.
Young Living’s Exodus II blend, while not a duplicate of Moses’ anointing formula, contains all of the Holy Anointing Oil ingredients, plus the oils of the holy incense (Exodus 30:34-35) (except for onycha). It also contains hyssop (See Day 7) and spikenard (coming up!).
In verses Exodus 30:32-33 and 37-38, there is a caveat for the formulas of the holy anointing oil and holy incense to not be used on anything else. It is believed by many Biblical scholars, however, that these prohibitions are no longer in effect–cancelled by God himself as stated in Jeremiah 3:8. To Christians, that new covenant was initiated with the death and resurrection of Christ. It is a matter each person will have to decide for themselves.
Day 12
Oil of Joy:
Did you know that there are multiple verses in Scripture that tell of an “Oil of Joy”?!
For example:
“You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
(Psalm 45:7)
“to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.”
(Isaiah 61:3)
“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
(Hebrews 1:9)
Our sense of smell is directly connected to the emotional part of our brain. Long before science knew this, God knew it! The aromas of plant oils touch our emotions in ways that cannot reach them by any other means.
Think of our central brain as a librarian that files our emotional memories. Whenever we experience an emotion, the central brain takes it and files it somewhere in your body. In order to recall and access that memory, the emotional brain has to locate it and call it up wherever it has been stored so it can pass it on to the frontal lobes of the brain to be revisualized, re-experienced, and/or articulated.
Emotions that are not dealt with are stored and repressed. These can cause pain and bodily malfunctions on all levels—physical, mental, social, and spiritual.
In order to achieve full health, we must address deep-rooted emotional blocks, and essential oils were designed by God to help do exactly that!
(Now we don’t know exactly what oils were being referred to in the oil of joy. Psalms 45:7 makes some suggestions. Young Living’s blend of essential oils called Joy contains oils proven to support mental health. It is often worn as a perfume for its uplifting aroma. But everyone can find oils that work for them to help bring out stored emotions and help lift their mood.)
Day 13
One of my all-time favorites! Myrrh!!
Myrrh is mentioned 18 times directly in Scripture and 138 times indirectly, making it the most-referenced aromatic oil of the Bible. One of the mentions, and my personal favorite, is found in Esther 2:12: “Before a young woman’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics.”
Myrrh is definitely a great choice for using daily to keep a youthful appearance!
In Scripture, myrrh was commonly used on pregnant women to anoint themselves for physical and spiritual protection for them and their pre-born children.
Because it is so gentle (yet effective), it is also a great oil to use for infants, even (and especially) on the day of birth. It is a must for helping keep a newborn’s umbilical healthy.
Myrrh was required in the formula for the holy anointing oil given to Moses in Exodus 30 and David sings of myrrh as an oil of gladness in Psalm 45.
Myrrh was also one of the gifts brought to the Christ child, and Mary would definitely have known how to use it to keep Him healthy!
In many places in God’s word, the word translated to “ointment” was actually “muron,” the Greek word for myrrh. Thus, almost no ointment is complete without myrrh!
Myrrh was offered to Jesus both at His birth and His death. It was also used to anoint Jesus and in preparing His body for burial by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.
There are so many benefits to myrrh in addition to the ones already detailed. Because of its bitter taste, myrrh can stimulate bile production.
Myrrh is a powerful antioxidant and is high in sesquiterpenes to stimulate the limbic system of the brain (the center of memory and emotions) and the hypothalamus, pineal, and pituitary glands. The hypothalamus is the master gland of the human body, producing many vital hormones, including thyroid and growth hormones.
Myrrh is available as a single oil, in the Ancient Oils of Scripture kit, and in many blends and supplements available from Young Living.
For some research on myrrh, check these links out!
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25978097
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25590370
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24137478
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23888738
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22737515
Day 14
Frankincense is mentioned in Scripture 22 times directly and 59 times indirectly. It was used in the holy anointing oil of Moses, was in a prophesy of gifts of the wise men as told in Isaiah chapters 59 and 60, and of course most of us remember Frankincense in the Bible when it was brought to the Christ child (along with myrrh and gold).
Thousands of years later, Frankincense is still highly valued for its many, many therapeutic benefits.
Here is some pretty amazing research confirming what God has known all along—Frankincense supports mental health!
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520110415.htm
Modern-day research proves what ancient people have known all along–Frankincense supports mental and spiritual health. The research found that frankincense activates meditation pathways in the brain that are not very well understood yet. Science may not understand it, but God does and always has.
REF: http://www.fasebj.org/content/22/8/3024.abstract
In addition to elevated spiritual experiences, the benefits of Frankincense essential oil include maintaining radiant skin. Its ability to smooth the look of healthy skin makes this oil a key part of our Boswellia Wrinkle Cream™. I use it as part of my nightly facial regimen to maintain youthful skin!
The actual species of frankincense used during the time of Christ’s childhood and the frankincense most likely brought to him was more boswellia sacra, aka Sacred Frankincense. Young Living is the only company with direct access to Oman where their Sacred Frankincense is grown, harvested, and even distilled in their own private distillery, making it a variety of frankincense with unmatched therapeutic properties and purity.
There’s a lot to be said about this amazing oil.
Day 15
We’ve talked a little about Frankincense and a little about myrrh, but these oils deserve another day together because they’re so amazing!
Together, there is a whopping total of 237 references to frankincense or myrrh in the Bible (directly and indirectly)!
Along with gold, frankincense and myrrh were brought to the Christ child by the wise men. (Matthew 2:11)
The wise men would not have to explain the use of these things to Mary. She knew the therapeutic potential and uses of each of these things in raising a child. She knew these things because it was common knowledge during that period in history.
Pound for pound, frankincense would have been the most valuable thing given to the Christ child, even more valuable than gold. Throughout history, there are numerous references to precious plant oils being valued more highly than the things we value today such as gold and silver.
We would be wise to heed the ancient wisdom about these two precious oils.
Day 16
3 Wise Men!
Yes, this is an essential oil blend! Yesterday we talked a little about the wonders of frankincense and myrrh, but we didn’t cover this oh-so-amazing essential oil blend! It is one of my all-time favorites! Read on to learn why I love it so much!
The 3 Wise Men™ blend contains Sandalwood, Frankincense, Myrrh, Juniper, and Spruce. It is pre-diluted with sweet almond oil which I love because I can just use it straight out of the bottle for my nightly face regimen! And it does miracles for my skin!
All of these oils were used in Biblical times, including oils of spruce and the almond carrier oil.
This blend has all of the amazing benefits of frankincense and myrrh with the additional benefits of sandalwood that we talked about on Day 4!
Juniper appears in Scripture in Job 30:4: “Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots for their meat.” This oil is used for many things including digestive support, circulatory support, nerve health, skin health, and supporting the body’s natural detoxification.
Spruce is used for many things but its most common use is for supporting emotional and spiritual health. All the oils combined in 3 Wise Men are specifically shown to encourage stimulation of the pineal gland through aromatic molecules inhaled from these oils that travel directly into the center of the brain where forgotten memories (good and bad) as well as emotions are stored.
This part of the brain does not understand words and cannot be communicated to with spoke or written language; it responds only to smell. Hence, essential oils provide a powerful way to contact this portion of our brain that stores our feelings and emotions, thereby supporting emotional/spiritual health.
This is a beautiful part of God’s intelligent and creative design of the human body.
Maybe the reason the Wise Men were wise is because they valued (and used) these oils.
Day 17
Oils plus prayer!
Jesus not only taught his disciples that prayer and repentance were part of the [therapeutic] procedure, he also taught the use of oils. Since the New Testament does not explain much about which oils are to be used, many have interpreted that to mean that it doesn’t matter. They believe that the oil is of symbolic or ritualistic value only, and that plain olive, or just any old oil, will do. Some churches have even used mineral oil, which is a petroleum product and potentially harmful. Some Christians reject the idea of therapeutic oils altogether, remarking that ‘Prayer is enough. You don’t need the oils.’
Essential oils are special creations of God, infused with His Word. (Genesis 1:11-12, John 1:1) Being the products of God’s words and thoughts, they respond to our words and thoughts.
Essential oils magnify intent.
When we apply them and mentally or verbally direct them to places in the body that need therapy, the oils respond to your thoughts and understand. When we pray over oils, their frequencies increase. When their electromagnetic frequencies increase, so does their ability to uplift and [support the body]. When our intent is expressed as prayer, oils amplify that intent and increase the effectiveness of the prayer.
Prayer can work without oils. Oils can work without prayer. When both are used together, each increases the power of the other such that their combined ability to [support the body] is greater than the sum of the two. This is no coincidence. Prayer and oils were meant to be used together.
~Dr. David Stewart, retired Methodist minister and former university science professor
Day 18
Purity
The oils of the Bible had therapeutic properties because they were grown and distilled the way God intended, never being contaminated with synthetic, man-made chemicals or toxins. Furthermore, they were gently extracted to preserve their life force and therapeutic constituents. To obtain oils with the same potential as those of the Bible, one must find growers and distillers and honest retailers.
Unfortunately, the industry of essential oils has become more and more infiltrated with adulterated essential oils, some that don’t even contain any of the plant’s original properties. Some even contain a byproduct of plants different than the one(s) listed on the label! (For instance, most lavender sold is lavender hybrid called lavandin, and most peppermint sold is cornmint.)
Over 90% of the oils sold as “essential” oils in America are food or fragrance grades and unsuitable for health applications. One cannot go just anywhere and expect to find therapeutic oils. Therapeutic oils are almost never sold in retail stores.
On Day 6, we talked about Cypress in the Bible and it’s great health benefits. As you can see, most cypress essential oil unfortunately is not distilled properly in order to give us those properties that God intended for it to have.
When I knew I wanted to use essential oils based on Scripture, I knew I had to find oils that retained the properties in the plants that God intended for us to have. That is why I spent two years researching quality. The proper distillation for cypress is one of many things I found. Here’s more about what my research found and why I feel so very content that the oils I use contain the constituents that God intended for the plant oils to have. http://healthyfamiliesforgod.com/2016/02/theonlyoilsforme/
Another example of proper distillation that is so uncommon in the industry nowadays but so necessary if we want to have essential oils to support our health the way God intended them to! The starting material can be fabulous but if distillation isn’t right, the plant is wasted and therapeutic benefits are lost.
Can you find any other company in America that owns their own distilleries?! Only Young Living! In fact, they own the largest privately-owned distillery in America! That’s part of their Seed to Sealcommitment to ensure the oils are pure and therapeutic.
Check out more info on this topic in my post The Part of Essential Oil Processing That Matters the Most: http://yldist.com/godscents/the-part-of-essential-oil-processing-that-matters-most/
Day 19: Unction
Unction is a word most people don’t realize, and it’s robbing them of health.
When a situation arises where we need to support our health better, Scripture gives us very specific instructions on what to do. It tells us to go to the elders of the church where we should be prayed over and anointed with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14)
In Mark 6:13, it tells us how the disciples followed Jesus’ command to do exactly that.
It wasn’t because there weren’t doctors around back then, because there are very specific instances before this in Scripture that demonstrate there were.
This is a Biblical practice called Unction: the action of anointing someone with oil or ointment as a religious rite or as a symbol of investiture as a monarch; treatment with a therapeutic oil or ointment.
Benson’s Commentary says: “This single conspicuous gift, which Christ committed to his apostles, (Mark 6:13,) remained in the church long after the other miraculous gifts were withdrawn. Indeed it seems to have been designed to remain always, and St. James directs the elders, who were the most, if not the only gifted men, to administer it. This was the whole process of physic in the Christian Church till it was lost through unbelief.”
Lost through unbelief. Whoa.
How many times have you been encouraged by your church to go there and follow the practice of unction when your health needs support?!
Regardless of the absence of this practice and command in today’s churches, these are the instructions God gave His people. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Day 20
Ruta Graveolens (Rue)
Rue is mentioned as an article of tithing in Luke 11:42. It is a strong-smelling perennial shrub with gray-green leaves and lemon-yellow clusters of flowers. It is widely used in Biblical times as a condiment, a charm, and for therapeutic purposes. Its most common modern-day use is for soothing the body and mind to support a good night’s sleep.
Ruta graveolens is found in Young Living’s most common sleep products including RutaVaLa blend and Roll-On (which also contain valerian and lavender), SleepEssence supplement, and Common Sense essential oil blend.
Check out some of the amazing research on this oil to see how else it can help support your wellness!
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27914569
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27738859
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27297508
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27272785
Day 21
Do you love cilantro?! Did you know that coriander is cilantro seed? They are whitish seeds that grow from the top of a cilantro plant when it goes to seed, allowing lots more delicious cilantro to grow from those seeds! It’s one of my favorite plants to grow (and eat!)!
Did you know that coriander is mentioned in the Bible too?! The manna from heaven was described as being “white like coriander seed” in Exodus 16:31 and Numbers 11:7.
This ancient plant has been used for thousands of years and coriander seeds were even found in the ancient Egyptian tomb of Ramses II.
Coriander essential oil has been researched at Cairo University for its ability to support glucose, insulin, and pancreatic function.
Because of its ability to support healthy skin, coriander essential oil is found in many of Young Living’s skin care products including Animal Scents Ointment, various shower gels, Genesis hand and body lotion, KidScents lotion, Rose ointment, Sandalwood Moisture Cream, A.R.T. Renewal Serum, Wolfberry Eye Cream, and other body care products.
Coriander oil’s fragrance is soothing and calming, which is why it’s found in many of Young Living’s emotional-supporting blends including Acceptance, Awaken, Believe, Clarity, Forgiveness, Gentle Baby, Gratitude, Harmony, Humility, Inspiration, Joy, Magnify Your Purpose, Oola Balance, Oola Grow, and a few others.
Coriander has a high ORAC score (298,300), making it a great choice for antioxidant support!
There are so many great uses for this essential oil!
Dilute to use topically.
Check out some of the amazing research on this plant oil and share it with those who may benefit from the info!
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27222836
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26889386
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26109513
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24901768
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24793421
Day 22
Loss of Some Essential Oil References from Hebrew to English
English translations of Scripture have removed many plant oil references to now contain more vague words, losing some of the important meaning. For instance:
–The word “incense” in the Bible sometimes means frankincense. “Lebonah” is Hebrew for frankincense but was translated six times in Scripture to the English word “incense” instead.
–Myrrh has been lost in many places during translation. Some of the vague terms for myrrh used in today’s translations include “gum resin” and “ointment.”
This is unfortunate because Scripture originally details the plant we can use to support our health but that specific information is lost in some places.
When you hear the word “incense” or “ointment” in Scripture, just keep in mind that it is almost always referring to plants/plant oils! These are God’s intended ointments for our bodies and aromas for our minds!
Day 23
The Other Oil in the Bible: Olive Oil
Most people nowadays assume that any reference to “oil” in the Bible is olive oil or another fatty cooking oil. But as we’ve seen over the last few weeks, that’s definitely not the case!
For the most part, references to “oil(s)” in Scripture regarding therapeutic benefits are non-fatty essential oils as we’ve discussed. In order to administer therapy to the body at a cellular level, the molecules of an oil must be tiny enough to penetrate into minute spaces. All of the molecules of essential oils are small enough to penetrate human skin, enter the blood stream, and pass through the blood-brain barrier. The molecules of essential oils are tiny enough to act as chemical messengers, communicating with cellular intelligence at the DNA level. They are also aromatic and evaporate easily, making themselves available to be inhaled.
Common fatty vegetable oils, on the other hand, cannot do this. They have little to no fragrance and long chain molecules that do not penetrate skin to much depth.
However, fatty oils still have their place for nutritional health when eaten and also when used topically along with essential oils.
In Isaiah 1:6, we read of “oil” or “ointment” being applied. In this instance, the Hebrew word is “shemen” which implies a combination of olive oil and essential oils, usually cinnamon and/or cassia.
In the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:34, the Good Samaritan uses “oil and wine” on the beaten man. Here, the Greek word “elion” implies an olive oil base containing aromatic oils as was the custom of the time. It would not be uncommon for travelers in those days to carry wine, myrrh, and olive oil wherever they went.
When it comes to therapeutic oils in the Bible, essential oils most certainly are involved! Olive oil is most commonly used as a carrier for essential oils and as a food-item in Scripture.
Day 24
Immortality from Plants
I used to think that when we go to heaven and when God restores the Earth, we would all just be naturally immortal. But according to Scripture, it’s actually going to be plants that keep us healthy.
“Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”
Ezekial 47:12
Everything God created on Earth contains a glimpse of what it will be on the Earth when He restores it to its fullness. The plants He has created have so much to offer us for our health now, not just in the future!
Day 25
For the final day of the 25 Days of Oils in the Bible, I gave away a resin burner with genuine Frankincense resin. Click here to learn more about this beautiful resin burner!
You can also click here to check out my post Are Essential Oils New Age for a brief overview on the topic.
For TONS more information, you can click here for my essential oils website.
Thanks for joining me on a journey of 25 Days of Oils in the Bible! May you be blessed with the benefits of the physical and mental benefits of genuine essential oils from our Creator!
~Sara Jo Poff
Holistic Health Practitioner
Healthy Families for God
Using the Scents God Gave You