Essential Oils Aromatherapy is an ancient art and science with a biblical foundation and historical information from different cultures around the world.
"Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment."
John 12:3
Other biblical references to essential oils
SANDALWOOD
"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
Exodus 30:24
Psalms 45:8
Ezekiel 27:19
"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.
Traditional 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
Leviticus 14:4, 6, 49, 51, 52
Numbers 19:6
"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.
Traditional 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
"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.
Traditional 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.
Historical 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.
CALAMUS
Exodus 30:23 Song of Solomon 4:14 Ezekiel 27:19
CINNAMON
Exodus 30:23 Proverbs 7:17 Song of Solomon 4:14
Revelation 18:13
CORIANDER
Exodus 16:31 Numbers 11:7
FRANKINCENSE
Exodus 30:34,Leviticus 2:1, 2, 15, 16, 5:11, 6:15, 24:7
Numbers 5:15,1 Chronicles 9:29, Nehemiah 13:5, 9
Song of Solomon 3:6, 4:6, 14,Matthew 2:11, Revelation 18:13
"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.
Traditional Indications: Asthma, depression, and ulcers. Supports the immune system. It increases the activity of leukocytes in defense of the body against infection.
Historical 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
Exodus 30:43
"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.
Historical 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
Exodus 12:22, Leviticus 14:4, 6, 49, 51, 52, Numbers 19:6, 18, 1 Kings 4:33, Psalms 51:7
John 19:29 Hebrews 9:19
"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.
Traditional Indications: Arthritis, asthma, bruises, respiratory
infections, coughs, cuts, dermatitis, indigestion, fatigue, nervous tension, parasites (expelling worms), rheumatism, sore throats, viral infections, and wounds.
Historical 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.
JUNIPER
Job 30:4
MYRRH
Genesis 37:25, 43:11 Exodus 30:23 Esther 2:12
Psalms 45:8 Song of Solomon 1:13, 3:6, 4:6 &14, 5:1, 5, 13
Matthew 2:11 Mark 15:23John 19:39
"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.
Traditional Indications: Bronchitis, diarrhea, dysentery, hyperthyroidism, stretch marks, thrush, ulcers, vaginal thrush and viral hepatitis.
Historical 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
Nehemiah 8:15
Isaiah 41:19, 55:13
"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.
Traditional 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.
Historical 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.
SPIKENARD
Song of Solomon 1:12, 4:13, 14
Mark 14:3 John 12:3
"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.
Traditional Indications: This oil is known for helping the treatment of allergic skin reactions.
Historical 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.
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