Essential oils are known to be some of the oldest and most powerful substances on earth. The Bible contains over 200 references to oils, incense, ointments, and other aromatics. They were used for the healing of the sick, anointing, and religious rituals. Oils were used to treat ailments of all kinds and were highly treasured. The Egyptians used many different oils for rituals, including cleaning their bodies and embalming their dead. Hippocrates (the Father of Medicine), the Greeks, the Romans, Napoleon, European Crusaders, the Arabians (developers of distillation), and even early American colonists have used essential oils.
All of the oil history suggests that the people of ancient times may have understood oils better than we do now. Somehow over time, this knowledge became forgotten and lost. However, things of value have a way of coming back and for this reason the history of oils continues. Natural solutions have been used for thousands of years. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that people began to rediscover essential oils. History does repeat itself.
We Will Focus on the Following Oils:
 |
| Are you familiar with any of these oils? |
Cassia (Cinnamomum Cassia)
PRIMARY BENEFITS
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Supports healthy immune function
- Warming, uplifting aroma
USES
- Add one drop to citrus blends or diffuse with Clove and Ginger during Fall and Winter.
- Take one to two drops in veggie capsules for added immune support when seasonal threats are high.
- Combine one drop with fractionated coconut oil and apply to sore, achy joints.
- Combine one to two drops along with Lemon in a glass of water to aid digestion or ward off hunger cravings.
BIBLE REFERENCES
CASSIA RESEARCH
Cedarwood (Juniperus Virginiana)
Known for its rich hue and warm, woody scent, Cedarwood essential oil provides a myriad of health benefits that date back to biblical times. Cedarwood is native to cold climates, thriving in high altitudes and growing up to 100 feet. Reminiscent of its size and strength, Cedarwood has a grounding aroma that evokes feelings of wellness and vitality. Diffusing or inhaling Cedarwood will help maintain healthy breathing and respiratory function and, when applied topically, Cedarwood promotes clear, healthy skin. Additionally, Cedarwood is frequently used in massage therapy to relax and soothe the mind and body. Cedarwood is known to be an effective bug repellent.
PRIMARY BENEFITS
- Supports and maintains healthy respiratory function
- Expedites skin recovery
- Promotes clear, healthy skin
- Works great for massage therapy
- Eases nervous tension and anxiety
- Repels moths and other insects
USES
- Diffuse after a stressful day to relax the mind and body.
- Use with a carrier oil in massage therapy.
- Add 1–2 drops to facial toner or moisturizer for added clarifying properties.
- Inhale directly or diffuse to promote healthy respiratory function.
 |
BIBLE REFERENCES
(Leviticus 14:4) the priest shall order that two live clean birds and some CEDAR WOOD, scarlet yarn and hyssop be brought for the person to be cleansed.
(Leviticus 14:6) He is then to take the live bird and dip it, together with the CEDAR WOOD, the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, into the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water.
(Leviticus 14:49) To purify the house he is to take two birds and some CEDAR WOOD, scarlet yarn and hyssop.
(Leviticus 14:51) Then he is to take the CEDAR WOOD, the hyssop, the scarlet yarn and the live bird, dip them into the blood of the dead bird and the fresh water, and sprinkle the house seven times.
(Leviticus 14:52) He shall purify the house with the bird’s blood, the fresh water, the live bird, the CEDAR WOOD, the hyssop and the scarlet yarn.
(Numbers 19:6) The priest is to take some CEDAR WOOD, hyssop and scarlet wool and throw them onto the burning heifer.
(Numbers 24:6) “Like valleys they spread out, like gardens beside a river, like aloes planted by the Lord, like CEDARS beside the waters.
(Judges 9:15) “The thornbush said to the trees, ‘If you really want to anoint me king over you, come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, then let fire come out of the thornbush and consume the CEDARS of Lebanon!’
(2 Samuel 5:11) Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with CEDAR logs and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David.
(2 Samuel 7:2) he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of CEDAR, while the ark of God remains in a tent.”
(2 Samuel 7:7) Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, “Why have you not built me a house of CEDAR?”’
(1 Kings 4:33) He spoke about plant life, from the CEDAR of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish.
(1 Kings 5:6) “So give orders that CEDARS of Lebanon be cut for me. My men will work with yours, and I will pay you for your men whatever wages you set. You know that we have no one so skilled in felling timber as the Sidonians.”
(1 Kings 5:8) So Hiram sent word to Solomon: “I have received the message you sent me and will do all you want in providing the CEDAR and juniper logs.
(1 Kings 5:10) In this way Hiram kept Solomon supplied with all the CEDAR and juniper logs he wanted,
(1 Kings 6:9) So he built the temple and completed it, roofing it with beams and CEDAR planks.
(1 Kings 6:10) And he built the side rooms all along the temple. The height of each was five cubits, and they were attached to the temple by beams of CEDAR.
(1 Kings 6:15) He lined its interior walls with CEDAR boards, paneling them from the floor of the temple to the ceiling, and covered the floor of the temple with planks of juniper.
(1 Kings 6:16) He partitioned off twenty cubits at the rear of the temple with CEDAR boards from floor to ceiling to form within the temple an inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place.
(1 Kings 6:18) The inside of the temple was CEDAR, carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was CEDAR; no stone was to be seen.
(1 Kings 6:20) The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty wide and twenty high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold, and he also overlaid the altar of CEDAR.
(1 Kings 6:36) And he built the inner courtyard of three courses of dressed stone and one course of trimmed CEDAR beams.
(1 Kings 7:2) He built the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon a hundred cubits long, fifty wide and thirty high, with four rows of CEDAR columns supporting trimmed CEDAR beams.
(1 Kings 7:3) It was roofed with CEDAR above the beams that rested on the columns—forty-five beams, fifteen to a row.
(1 Kings 7:7) He built the throne hall, the Hall of Justice, where he was to judge, and he covered it with CEDAR from floor to ceiling.
CEDARWOOD RESEARCH
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum)
Cinnamon has been known since early antiquity. It was imported to Egypt as early as 2000 BC, but those who report it had come from China confuse it with cassia. Cinnamon was so highly prized among ancient nations that it was regarded as a gift fit for monarchs. The Hebrew Bible makes specific mention of the spice many times: first when Moses is commanded to use both sweet cinnamon and cassia in the holy anointing oil; in Proverbs where the lover’s bed is perfumed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon; and in Song of Solomon, a song describing the beauty of his beloved, cinnamon scents her garments like ‘the smell of Lebanon’. Cinnamon is derived from a tropical, evergreen tree that grows up to 45 feet high and has highly fragrant bark, leaves, and flowers. Extracted from bark, cinnamon oil contains strong cleansing and immune enhancing properties. Due to its high content of cinnamaldehyde, Cinnamon should be diluted with fractionated coconut oil when applied to the skin and only one to two drops are needed for internal benefits. Cinnamon is very purifying to the circulatory system and it helps promote circulation, both internally and when applied to the skin, helping to ease sore muscles and joints. Cinnamon helps maintain a healthy immune system, especially when seasonal threats are high. When diffused, Cinnamon promotes clear breathing while purifying the air. Cinnamon is frequently used in mouth rinses and gums for its oral health benefits. Cinnamon has a long history of culinary uses, adding spice to desserts, entrees, and hot drinks.
PRIMARY BENEFITS
- Promotes circulation both internally and when applied to skin
- Helps maintains a healthy immune system
- Promotes oral health
- Helps alleviate sore muscles and joints
- Long used to flavor food and for its internal health benefits
USES
- Put 2 drops in empty veggie capsule for immune support.
- Place 1 drop of Cinnamon essential oil in hot water or tea and drink slowly to soothe your throat.
- Put 2–3 drops in a spray bottle for a quick and effective cleaning spray.
- Place one drop on your toothbrush then add toothpaste.
- Dilute with fractionated coconut oil then apply to cold, achy joints during winter time.
BIBLE REFERENCES
(Exodus 30:23) “Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant CINNAMON, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus,
(Proverbs 7:17) I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and CINNAMON.
(Song of Songs 4:14) nard and saffron, calamus and CINNAMON, with every kind of incense tree, with myrrh and aloes and all the finest spices.
(Revelation 18:13) cargoes of CINNAMON and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and human beings sold as slaves.
CINNAMON RESEARCH
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Derived from the branches of the tall evergreen tree, Cypress essential oil has a fresh, clean aroma that’s energizing and refreshing. In antiquity, Cypress was used to fumigate the air when there was a death. Cypress is frequently used in spas and by massage therapists for its ability to soothe tight, tense muscles, and promote circulation. Cypress can be diffused or inhaled directly to assist with clear breathing and healthy respiratory function. It can be used as a throat gargle for these same benefits, but should not be swallowed or taken internally. Cypress contains monoterpenes, making it beneficial for oily skin conditions and to stimulate localized blood flow. It has a grounding, yet stimulating effect on the emotions, making it a popular oil to diffuse during times of transition or loss.
PRIMARY BENEFITS
- Assists with clear breathing
- Promotes healthy circulation
- Soothes tight, tense muscles
- Supports localized blood flow
- Beneficial for oils skin conditions
USES
- Diffuse, inhale, or gargle at the first signs of throat discomfort.
- Rub on the chest with fractionated coconut oil to support healthy breathing.
- Apply to tight, sore muscles or use with a carrier oil for massage.
- Mix together Cypress and Grapefruit essential oil with fractionated coconut oil and rub on problem areas to help give skin a firmer, more youthful appearance.
- Add one to two drops to toner to help reduce oily skin conditions.
 |
BIBLE REFERENCES
CYPRESS RESEARCH
PRIMARY BENEFITS
- Alleviates the pain and discomfort of sore muscles and joints
- Supports clear breathing and respiratory function
- Energizes the body and mind
USES
- Apply to cold, achy muscles and joints during winter time.
- Diffuse or apply to chest to promote clear breathing.
- Add 1–2 drops to a hot bath to relax and breathe in White Fir’s cleansing aroma.
- Diffuse to reduce mental fatigue at work.
 |
BIBLE REFERENCES
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii, frereana, and sacra)
It is common knowledge that the wise men brought the Christ child gold, frankincense, and myrrh in the New Testament. Frankincense is renowned as one of the most prized and precious oils, so precious its value in Biblical times was like unto gold. Frankincense has extraordinary internal and external health benefits. In addition to its notoriety in the New Testament, the Babylonians and Assyrians would burn Frankincense in religious ceremonies and the ancient Egyptians used Frankincense resin for everything from perfume to salves for soothing skin. This centuries-old knowledge contributes to the modern uses of Frankincense today. It’s soothing and beautifying properties are used to rejuvenate skin and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. As the king of oils, Frankincense is known to promote cellular health and immunity and can be consumed daily for these internal benefits. It also promotes a healthy inflammatory response and acts as an overall tonic to the body’s systems, helping them function optimally. When inhaled or diffused, Frankincense induces feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction, and overall wellness.
PRIMARY BENEFITS
- Helps build and maintain a healthy immune system
- Promotes cellular health
- Reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks
USES
- Rub Frankincense on your hands after a long day of gardening or working to promote a normal inflammatory response.
- Can help promote youthful, radiant–looking skin and slow the signs of aging by reducing the appearance of skin imperfections.
- Can be applied to the bottoms of feet to relax and balance mood swings.
- Dry weather can take a toll on your nails. Try applying a drop of Frankincense to strengthen weak fingernails.
 |
BIBLE REFERENCES
(Exodus 30:34) And the Lord said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure FRANKINCENSE: of each shall there be a like weight:
(Leviticus 2:1) And when any will offer a meat offering unto the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put FRANKINCENSE thereon:
(Leviticus 2:2) And he shall bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the FRANKINCENSE thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord:
(Leviticus 2:15) And thou shalt put oil upon it, and lay FRANKINCENSE thereon: it is a meat offering.
(Leviticus 2:16) And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, part of the beaten corn thereof, and part of the oil thereof, with all the FRANKINCENSE thereof: it is an offering made by fire unto the Lord.
(Leviticus 5:11) But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any FRANKINCENSE thereon: for it is a sin offering.
(Leviticus 6:15) And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the meat offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the FRANKINCENSE which is upon the meat offering, and shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour, even the memorial of it, unto the Lord.
(Leviticus 24:7) And thou shalt put pure FRANKINCENSE upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the Lord.
(Numbers 5:15) Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put FRANKINCENSE thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.
(1 Chronicles 9:29) Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the FRANKINCENSE, and the spices.
(Nehemiah 13:5) And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the FRANKINCENSE, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.
(Nehemiah 13:9) Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the FRANKINCENSE.
(Song of Solomon 3:6) 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 4:6) Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of FRANKINCENSE.
(Song of Solomon 4:14) Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of FRANKINCENSE; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:
(Matthew 2:11) And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and FRANKINCENSE and myrrh.
(Revelation 18:13) And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and FRANKINCENSE, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
FRANKINCENSE RESEARCH
Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis)
Juniper berries have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs at multiple sites. The berries imported into Egypt may have come from Greece. The Greeks record using juniper berries as a medicine long before mentioning their use in food. The Greeks used the berries in many of their Olympics events because of their belief that the berries increased physical stamina in athletes. The Romans used juniper berries as a cheap domestically produced substitute for the expensive black pepper and long pepper imported from India. Derived from the coniferous tree, Juniper Berry essential oil has a rich history of traditional uses and therapeutic benefits. Juniper Berry acts as a natural cleansing agent, both internally and externally. Juniper Berry supports healthy kidney and urinary function and is very beneficial to the skin. Its woody, spicy, yet fresh aroma has a calming effect that helps relieve tension and stress. When diffused, Juniper Berry helps to cleanse and purify the air.
PRIMARY BENEFITS
- Supports healthy kidney and urinary function
- May benefit problematic skin areas
- Acts as a natural cleansing and detoxifying agent
- Helps relieve tension and stress
USES
- Add 1–2 drops to water or citrus drinks as part of a natural cleansing regimen.
- Apply 1 drop to problematic skin areas to promote a clear, healthy complexion.
- Diffuse with citrus oils to freshen and purify the air and to lessen stress.
 |
BIBLE REFERENCES
(1 Kings 19:4-5) But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a JUNIPER tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. And as he lay and slept under a JUNIPER tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
(Job 30:4) Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and JUNIPER roots for their meat.
(Psalm 120:4) Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of JUNIPER.
JUNIPER BERRY RESEARCH
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
Myrrh was used by the ancient Egyptians for the embalming of mummies. Myrrh was an ingredient of the consecrated incense used in the first and second temples at Jerusalem, as described in the Old Testament. Myrrh is also listed as an ingredient in the holy anointing oil used to anoint the tabernacle, high priests, and kings. Myrrh was so treasured it was also one of the three precious gifts given to the Christ child by the magi. Ancient records show that Myrrh was deemed so valuable that at times it was valued at its weight in gold. Myrrh essential oil is derived from the gummy resin of the small, thorny Myrrh tree and has been used for centuries for its internal and external health benefits. Also referenced in the Bible as the Balm of Gilead, Myrrh has been used throughout history as a perfume, incense, and medicine. It was also employed in embalming and religious ceremonies. Myrrh has powerful cleansing properties, especially for the mouth and throat. It is also soothing to the skin—promoting a smooth, youthful looking complexion—and promotes emotional balance and well-being.
PRIMARY BENEFITS
- Powerful cleansing properties, especially for the mouth and throat
- Soothing to the skin; promotes a smooth, youthful-looking complexion
- Promotes emotional balance and well-being
USES
- Add 1–2 drops to toothpaste for added cleansing benefits and to promote oral health.
- Diffuse to help promote awareness and uplift your mood.
- Add to your lotion/moisturizer to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Add 1–2 drops to ¼ cup of water with a little agave or honey to help stomach aches.
 |
BIBLE REFERENCES
(Genesis 37:25) And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and MYRRH, going to carry it down to Egypt.
(Genesis 43:11) And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and MYRRH, nuts, and almonds:
(Exodus 30:23) Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure MYRRH five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,
(Esther 2:12) Now when every maid’s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of MYRRH, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
(Psalm 45:8) All thy garments smell of MYRRH, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
(Proverbs 7:17) I have perfumed my bed with MYRRH, aloes, and cinnamon.
(Song of Solomon 1:13) A bundle of MYRRH is my well-beloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.
(Song of Solomon 3:6) 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 4:6) Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of MYRRH, and to the hill of frankincense.
(Song of Solomon 4:14) Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; MYRRH and aloes, with all the chief spices:
(Song of Solomon 5:1) I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my MYRRH with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.
(Song of Solomon 5:5) I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with MYRRH, and my fingers with sweet smelling MYRRH, upon the handles of the lock.
(Song of Solomon 5:13) His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling MYRRH.
(Matthew 2:11) And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and MYRRH.
(Mark 15:23) And they gave him to drink wine mingled with MYRRH: but he received it not.
(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.
MYRRH RESEARCH
Essential Oils Are Back, But Are They SAFE?
Oils of the Bible and ancient times were not essential oils. The quality, purity, grade, and potency were not that of modern essential oils because they did not use the process of steam distillation. There are several grades of essential oils, none of which are regulated. Be sure to choose high quality verified pure essential oils are organic and free of fillers, pesticides and foreign contaminants.
References
How Do You Get These Oils in Your Home?
Featured at:
