The oils and aromatics
mentioned in the Bible were more valuable than gold and silver. Israel's king Hezekiah kept "the spices and the precious ointment"
together with silver and gold in the royal treasure chamber (2 Kgs. 20:13). And the spikenard used to anoint
the feet of Jesus (John 12:5) was valued at a year's wages.
Historically, one fact emphasizes
the value of oils in the ancient world. When the tomb of King Tutankhamen was opened by Howard Carter, a stunning collection
of gold objects was discovered, untouched by grave robbers. However, almost all
of the aromatic oils buried with the king had been stolen.
With this in mind, you can enrich
your understanding of the setting of the Bible by becoming familiar with the oils that played such a great part in the lives
of people at that time.
A DEEPER EXPLANATION OF
THE PROPERTIES OF THE SACRED OILS
ALOES/SANDALWOOD - (Santalum album)
Sandalwood has been used in the Middle East for thousands of years as an enhancement to meditation and prayer. It
quiets the mental chatter that distracts us during our meditation on the Word of God. It allows the mind to move into
the deepest states of meditation. Sandalwood affects energy in so many different ways because it is a very complex oil with many different
actions at the subtle level. One of its greatest virtues lies in Its scent. It invokes a feeling
of spiritual wholeness and divine sensuality.
Sandalwood helps to keep you grounded, helps calm during periods of fear,
and helps you to surrender to God's divine will.
It stimulates the pituitary and pineal glands. It is a builder of the
entire endocrine system. It is very high in substances that are similar to the male hormone (androgen). It is the regulator
of the uterus.
Sesquiterpene content is 90%. Sesquiterpenes have the ability to pull
oxygen out of food and air. Thus, they increase oxygen in the body as well as the brain. Increased oxygen to the brain stimulates
the pineal and pituitary glands and the amygdala.
It is believed that the "aloes" mentioned in the Bible was fragrant
sandalwood.
"And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night,
and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight." (John 19:39)
CASSIA - (Cinnamomum cassia)
Similar to Cinnamon, but it smells sweeter and more pleasant. It enhances
circulation and supports the heart and empowers the will. It also is especially helpful during menopause. One of it's uses
was to awaken the body from feelings of sluggishness.
Cassia has 90% phenol propenoids. Phenol propenoids increase frequency.
Cassia was a key ingredient in temple incense in ancient times. (Other oils with phenol propenoids are clove 90%, basil
75%, cinnamon 73%, nutmeg 7.5%.)
A recent study shows that extracts of this herb can stimulate T-lymphocyte
activity and immuno-globulin production by B cells, which are the key elements of immune function. Caution - Cassia oil may
be irritating to the skin. Use on the bottom of the feet.
Cassia was a key ingredient in the temple incense (Exodus 30:24). Its
euphoric properties are praised in Psalms: "All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces,
whereby they have made thee glad." (Psalms 45:8)
CEDARWOOD - (Cedrus atlantica)
Steadiness and balance this is the primary effect
of cedarwood. Inhaling cedarwood
oil relaxes an over-analytic mind. Cedarwood has been used since time immemorial in civilizations as diverse
as Egypt and Tibet. It was thought to strengthen our connection with God. Cedarwood was used
in the construction of temples to symbolize this.
Cedarwood oil is a powerful mucolytic The “Cedar” is in fact a form of
Juniper. It can be used as an underarm deodorant and has a scent that men like. This oil is most effective
with ADD children, helping to stabilize Beta/Theta waves. Its sesquiterpene content
is 98%.
From the mighty "Cedars of Lebanon" came the fragrant and long-lasting wood used to build Solomon's temple. "And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that
is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the
wall." (1 Kings 4:33)
Oil of cedarwood is also mentioned four times in Leviticus, Chapter 14, as a cleansing ritual applied
to the right ear, right thumb, and right big toe.
CYPRESS - (Cupressus sempervirens)
Cypress oil is helpful in menopause and with painful transitions such as bereavement. Cypress helps reestablish the ability to flow with life
without anxiety. Using
Cypress oil on the spleen point under the left rib cage supports better assimilation of food. Cypress oil
is good for anything in excess. It is a balancer of the female system
and is often combined with clary sage for hot flashes and is used to reduce or inhibit ovarian cysts.
Cypress is good for aiding with the natural flow of things.
Good for the transition of death and with grieving.
This oil is extracted from the cypress tree, which
has wood so durable that the cypress doors of St. Peter's in Rome show no sign of decay even after 1,200 years. "He heweth him
down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of
the forest." (Isaiah 44:14)
FRANKINCENSE - (Boswellia carteri)
Sometimes called olibanum. It is one of the most ancient of the incenses, having
been in use for at least 3,000 years.
Frankincense increases oxygenation. Frankincense has the
ability to deepen and slow the breath. It was an important oil for anointing the dying. It can be used for tumors, along with Lavender .
Frankincense has a sesquiterpene level of 8-11%.
The Hebrew word for frankincense, levonah (sometimes translated as "incense"),
is mentioned in the Bible 22 times and referenced indirectly another 59 times.
"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)
GALBANUM - (Ferula gummosa)
This oil allows for the total surrender to the Creator. It was
used to balance extreme or intense emotions. Galbanum has a sesquiterpene level of 11%. Galbanum
was a favorite oil of Moses. This oil has a pungent, balsamic odor.
"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)
HYSSOP - (Hyssopus officinalis)
Hyssop has a very long history as a cleansing herb. Both the Egyptians
and the Hebrews used it. Use it to cleanse any area in which you are planning to give a healing. Hyssop is a protective herb of the heavens. Hyssop expands lung capacity
by releasing stress held in the nervous system. This is a good oil for “Type A” personalities,
since they are the cause of their own internal pressure. Rubbing Hyssop oil on the shoulders helps reduce tension
and stress. Using Hyssop on the lung reflex points of the hands and feet helps break up congestion. Massaging
with deep pressure into the colon reflex points of the hands and feet helps release stagnated solids
from the colon and purges toxins from the physical body.
While there is some dispute among scholars as to the exact species of
Biblical hyssop, an antiseptic or cleansing property is clearly implied because it was employed in many purification rites,
both physical and spiritual. When King David acknowledged his offenses (adultery and murder) he cried out in repentence, "Purge
me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." (Psalms 51:7)
Caution - People with epilepsy or high blood pressure should consult
a health care professional before using Hyssop oil.
MYRRH - (Commiphora myrrha)
Massage the neck with Myrrh oil to relax. The use of Myrrh goes back at least 4,000 years.
Use it to aid in meditation on the Word of God and before any healing session. The oil creates awareness. It moves
fluids and is good for weight loss. It is an excellent inhalation for compulsive eaters.
Myrrh has a sesquiterpene level of 62%.
Queen Esther was massaged with oil of myrrh for six months in
preparation for her marriage to the king (Esther 2:12). Myrrh was used in burial (John 19:39). It was the main ingredient of the holy anointing
oil (Exodus 30:23). It was also highly regarded by David and Solomon, "I have perfumed
my bed with myrrh, and aloes and cinnamon." (Proverbs 7:17)
MYRTLE - (Myrtus communis)
Myrtle oil balances the inner male and female traits.
In the Bible, Queen Esther's Hebrew name was Hadassah which means "myrtle."
(Esther 2:7) Esther was her Persian name.
This oil is helpful with allergies.
Myrtle has been researched by Daniel Penoel, MD, for normalizing hormonal
imbalances of the thyroid and ovaries. It balances hypothyroidism. It is also a liver stimulant.
Myrtle branches are still used by the Jews for the Feast of Tabernacles.
"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)
ONYCHA - (Styrax benzoin)
It was formerly used to ‘cast out devils. It is beneficial
to an irritated nervous system and balances the hormonal system.
Onycha was an ingredient in the holy anointing oil of the Bible. 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. And you shall make it a pefume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered
together, pure and holy." (Exodus 30:34-35)
ROSE OF SHARON/CISTUS - (Cistus ladanifer)
Also called Rock Rose or labdanum. This is a fragrance of prophecy. Rose
of Sharon brings awareness that God is within our reach as we fulfill our role here on earth.
Not a true rose (Rosa damascena) the beautiful blooms of this plant have
a soft honey-like scent and are thought to be the flowers of a shrub that grows wild on the Plains of Sharon just west of
Jerusalem. "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley." (Song of Solomon 2:1)
SPIKENARD - (Nardostachys jatamansi)
Known as Jatamansi in India, it is one of the best oils for calming the nerves. It is grounding and settles an out-of-balance mind. It is a post-digestive oil in India. (One drop taken near the end of the
meal calms the stomach.) It is a stimulant to the male hormonal system. In ancient times it was used in preparation for the departure
of the spirit to the heavens. The use of Spikenard allowed the release of fears of the unknown.
It is a fragrance of forgiveness. This is the oil that Mary Magdeline anointed Jesus' feet with early in his ministry (Luke 7:36-38). It
is the same oil Mary, the sister of Lazarus, applied to Jesus feet again six days
before he was crucified (John 12:1-3) Some of the disciples weren't happy with her action, as the oil
was very costly. Jesus responded to them, saying, "Let her alone: against the day of My burying has she
kept this."
(John 12:4-8).
Perhaps the anointing was to prepare Jesus for his coming death.
A very expensive oil, spikenard was sealed in alabaster
boxes. "And 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 brake the box, and poured it on his head."
(Mark 14:3)
