I’m so excited I can’t stand it. I recently ordered a beautiful kit from Young Living called 12 Oils of Ancient Scripture™. You know I love the Bible and getting to actually smell the same scents that Moses, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Jesus, and others lived around and used just thrills me!
So I thought I’d share with you some of what I’ve learned about these oils. I’ll cover 6 this week and 6 later. Here we go!
Aloes/Sandalwood
It is believed that the aloes referred to in the Bible may have been fragrant sandalwood, a spice accessible to the residents of ancient Palestine. It is not referring to what we know as aloe vera.
This is the main oil that was used in Jesus’ burial. Nicodemus brought myrrh and aloes (or sandalwood) to the tomb to be used in the embalming.
John 19:39
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.
100 pounds of Aloes and Myrrh from this verse would be worth $150,000 to $200,000 today. This indicates the deep love and respect that Nicodemus (and Joseph of Arimathea) had for their lord.
Sandalwood essential oil:
- Enhances our ability to sleep deeply
- Can help improve vision
- Conditions wrinkled or chapped skin
- Helps promote the health of bone and connective tissue
- Soothes nervous tension
- May help clear deep-seated emotional and generational issues.
Cassia
Cassia typically refers to cassia bark, the spice made from the bark of East Asian trees related to the “true cinnamon” (Cinnamomum verum) of Sri Lanka.
Cassia oil is part of the Holy Anointing Oil “recipe” given to Moses in Exodus 20 and is listed in the Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian list of 877 prescriptions and recipes dating back to 1600 BC.
There are three different scriptures that mention cassia in the Old Testament. It has a light, cinnamon-like aroma and can have a positive impact on the immune system.
Try cassia essential oil for:
- Optimizing immune health
- Promoting clear vision
- Freshening the breath (add a drop to water and swish in mouth)
- Natural non-toxic air freshener (use in a spray bottle or in air vents in car or house)
- Promoting circulatory health
- You can use it in cooking
- It can promote digestive health
Cedarwood
I’ve talked before about my great love for Cedarwood essential oil; I use it daily. From the mighty Cedars of Lebanon came the fragrant and long-lasting wood used to build Solomon’s temple.
In Leviticus 14:14-20, there is a cleansing ritual where Cedarwood and Hyssop oils are used. Cedarwood can help clear buried emotions and Hyssop releases swallowed emotions and is a spiritual cleanser of past sin and immorality.
Cedarwood was known as the oil of gladness in ancient times, used by the ancient Egyptians for embalming the dead, and also for a variety of purposes including temple worship, mood elevation, and mental clarity. This oil has an affinity for the brain.
Cedarwood may have been the first oil to be obtained by distillation, seeing as the Egyptians and the Sumerians were using it 5,000 years ago.
Cedarwood essential oil:
- Helps to keep insects at bay.
- Promotes the proper function of the lymphatic system; apply on the feet or dilute and apply during a full-body massage.
- Optimizes mental clarity; just inhale!
- Promotes hair growth; rub 1-3 drops into the scalp daily.
Cypress
In ancient times, Cypress (conifer tree or shrub) was used for purification and incense. This oil is frequently used to support the circulatory system.
Cypress is especially comforting during the winter season. Its fresh, herbaceous, slightly evergreen aroma is refreshing and restores feelings of security and stability.
Also, try cypress essential oil to help with:
- Soothing minor cramps – apply on affected area
- Optimizing circulation by rubbing on location
- Maintaining proper blood sugar levels
- Grounding and soothes emotional trauma
- Cypress also helps oxygenate the brain.
Frankincense
Frankincense is another of my used-daily essential oils. Egyptian tradition says that Frankincense is “good from head to toe” and is used to treat every conceivable ill known to man.
Frankincense, also called olibanum, is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia.
Mary and Joseph would have anointed Jesus with it. It was used for skin health and to support the respiratory system. The magi did not have to tell them what to do with it; in biblical times, everyone knew.
Frankincense essential oil:
- Promotes the health of skin, improving the appearance and texture, including aging or dry skin, helpful for age spots and other skin irregularities
- Enhances respiratory health – apply topically on the chest
- Was used by Hebrew priests in ritual purification
- Is still used today as incense in Catholic churches
Frankincense promotes a meditative state and spiritual attuning. It also helps maintain a happy and peaceful mood. Diffuse, inhale, or apply a drop over the forehead and on the crown of the head.
Galbanum
Galbanum is an aromatic gum resin, the product of certain umbelliferous Persian plant species in the genus Ferula. Galbanum was valued for medicinal and spiritual qualities. It was part of the Holy Anointing Oil in Exodus 30.
It was used in ancient temple ritual incense anointings associated with springtime. Galbanum essential oil supports the immune, digestive, respiratory, circulatory and other body systems. It is also useful as an aid for troubled or mature skin.
- If you are feeling overwhelmed, put 2 drops of galbanum on the bottom of each foot.
- Galbanum promotes proper immune function – rub on the glands.
- It’s great for stress-related complaints – combine with frankincense and sandalwood for powerful balancing and amplifying the meditative state.
- It helps to soothe minor body aches.Put a drop on your stomach to promote proper digestion.
Here’s a video I did on some of the essential oils mentioned in the Bible:
I hope you’ve enjoyed this trip into the ancient oils of the Bible. I love history, I love the Bible and I love essential oils. There’s no better way to combine all these loves than with this great essential oils kit from Young Living. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you need any assistance in purchasing your oils.
Learn more in my new book, Be in Health: Bible-Based Health Restoration: Living in Harmony with God’s Ways Regarding Health. Available now.
Beverley Golden says
This is wonderful Carol and I truly feel your excitement and enthusiasm for these very spiritual oils. Learning about them must be an incredible experience for you and then sharing the knowledge with us all, just heightens the experience for you. I think I might have to get some Cedarwood, as insects are drawn to me and seem to love biting me. I hadn’t heard of Galbanum before and learning what each of these oils is beneficial for is fascinating indeed. Keep enjoying the learning and sharing. It is very appreciated!
carundle says
Thanks for the kind words, Beverley. I’m having a ball with these. I’ll be doing a Periscope on them in about 20 minutes. Let me know if you need anything.
Lisa Swanson says
I don’t have much knowledge on essential oils, but I would like to try a few. Is it often recommended to use a few at a time, or are you better off trying one at a time to see how you respond to the oil before adding another?
carundle says
Different people recommend different ways, but it definitely makes sense to me to wait a few hours between trying new oils. Me, I jumped in with both feet and smelled all 11 from my starter kit at the same time! Not that I would recommend that! LOL
Gisele Grenier says
I’ve just started to really understand essential oils. I picked up a book at the library today called “200 Tips, Techniques & Recipes for Natural Beauty”. I’ve only used a couple and didn’t realize they could be used for so much more than just air fragrance.
You have to dilute Galbanum with a base oil first right?
carundle says
I recommend diluting oil essential oils when using topically. They’re very concentrated and a little goes a long way!
Beth says
Sandalwood helps with sleep? Huh, might need a gallon of it 🙂
carundle says
I haven’t tried it for sleep, but different oils work for different people.
Clive Maloney says
Nicodemus was clearly the guy to hang around. I love the smell of sandalwood and cedarwood. They’re two of my favourite scents.
carundle says
They’re so soothing, I love them, too!
Sharon MacLean says
I’m a big fan of essential oils and this blog on ancient oils was amazing to me. Thanks!
carundle says
You’re welcome, Sharon!
Cassandra McIntyre says
Thank you Carol! I also love the Bible and learning about the oils that Jesus used then is very exciting. I look forward to learning of the next six oils.
carundle says
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Cassandra.
Erika Kalmar says
Thank you for sharing Carol! Haven’t heard of Frankincense before. Looking forward to read about the next set of oils…
carundle says
Glad you enjoyed it, Erika.
Roslyn Tanner Evans says
I loved this tour of Ancient Oils of the Bible. I am going to pass it on to one my daughter-in-laws. I look forward to reading and learning about the next group. Your passion for what you believe in and your product is guiding you in exciting ways.
carundle says
Thanks, Roz. Yes, it’s exciting to me to combine 2 of my loves like this.
Michael Kawula says
Some of these I haven’t heard of but the benefits of them are amazing. Also, I had no idea any of them had anything to do with the bible. The only one I had heard of associated with the bible is Frankincense.
carundle says
I, too, didn’t realize how common essential oils were during bible times. I’m enjoying learning about it.
webly says
A friend recently sent me some oil samples I confess that I really enjoyed them. It’s great to look to natural resources especially now when there is a pill even for sneezing.
carundle says
Yes, I agree, Webly, natural resources are great and I enjoy sharing them with others!
Julie Maloney says
I’m fairly new to essential oils but I quickly became a fan. I just the versatility of each oil and even without the therapeutic effects the smells are amazing.
The story around the bible and how the oils were used during those times is fascinating.
carundle says
It’s amazing how quickly one falls in love with the oils, isn’t it, Julie?
Jackie Harder says
Cool beans! I can tell how excited you are. Thanks for the back story on these oils — fascinating. I have a friend who uses essential oils and she loads up on them. Gives me a headache to be around her.
carundle says
I’m glad you’re enjoying the backstories, Jackie. Sorry your friend’s oils are bothering you. Hopefully she is using unadulterated oils.
Kristen Wilson says
I can honestly say I am not well versed in the Bible, but had no idea.. but it really makes sense.. the are essential oils… so it would make sense that being natural, they were used back in the BC days
carundle says
To be honest, Kristen, even though I am well versed in the Bible, the oils were hidden in plain sight for me. I didn’t see them until someone pointed them out. That’s what I hope to do for others.
Liz Benoit Cozby says
This was so cool. I was baptized with the same oil that Mary Magdelene used to wash Jesus’ feet, so I’m completely with you on the whole biblical references for essential oils. I didn’t know some of these, so thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
carundle says
Thanks, Liz. Glad you enjoyed it.
Katarina Andersson says
Thanks for always giving so much great info about essential oils.
carundle says
You’re welcome, Katarina!
Dermakin Review says
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right here! Best of luck for the next!