Oils Ain't Oils - Ancient Secrets of Healing Oils

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years in various ways just as they are now, in perfume, medicinal, and other uses. However, unlike essential oils today, historically it was the resin that was used. Distillation processes to obtain the oils, as we have today, were not available. We can imagine early man making extracts from stems, leaves, bark, and roots, and noting which reduced pain, which reduced swelling, which were calming, and which were stimulating. By trial and error, remedies were discovered and recipes of cherished traditional treatments were passed on from generation to generation. The Melaleuca Wellness Guide tells us that ancient civilizations developed methods to extract plant essences. They gathered olives and pressed them into olive oil, and used olive oil for food, ointments, and perfumed oils. In 2003 the remains of the world’s oldest “perfume making factory” was found at Pyrgos, Cyprus. The Age reports that in 1850 BC a violent earthquake covered the site with earth. From the residues found at the amazingly well-preserved site, four perfumes were recreated. They “distilled them according to techniques described by Pliny the Elder (A.D. 23–79), by grinding the herbs, adding them to oil and water, and burying them in a long-necked jug over hot embers for twelve hours.” The methods and results are quite different from modern distilled oils that are produced today.

Ezekiel 47:12 states “And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”

Our planet was made with what is necessary for life and health. Below are some essential oils that were used during biblical times with Bible verses as relevant. Cassia and Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil Cassia of the Bible resembles our cinnamon bark oil as stated by Biblehub: “the inner bark of Cinnamomum cassia, a plant growing in eastern Asia closely allied to that which yields the cinnamon of commerce. It is a fragrant, aromatic bark and was probably used in a powdered form.” In Exodus 30:24 Cassia is used as an anointing oil, Psalm 45:8 mentions Cassia being used as a perfume, and in Ezekiel 27:19 Cassia is used as a commodity in trading.

Cassia and Cinnamon Bark essential oil has been used for their antibacterial and antifungal properties. In a laboratory-conducted study, cinnamon bark essential oil was found to have strong antimicrobial activity against twenty-one types of bacteria and four Candida species.

Cedarwood Oil Throughout the Old Testament, Cedarwood is mentioned being used in various ways:

• A ceremonial tool for cleansing leprosy and during ceremonial cleansing (Leviticus 14, Numbers 19)

• A perfume (Psalm 45:8)

• A symbol of abundance and provision (Numbers 24:6, Psalm 92:12, Ezekiel 31:3)

• A symbol of security and stability (Song of Solomon 1:17; 8:9; Zechariah 11:2)

• The choice wood for building, trading, and currency (referenced by several verses in 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Ezra 3, Jeremiah 22, Ezekiel 17)

• Mentioned by Solomon in his proverbs and sacred writings (I Kings 4:34)

During biblical times and World War II, Cedarwood essential oil was found to have high anti-inflammatory activity and wound healing properties. The Melaleuca Wellness Guide notes that diffusing cedarwood oil aids as an air purifier as well.

Cypress wood was used by the Phoenicians and Cretans to build ships and houses (1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Isaiah 41). Whereas Egyptians made sarcophagi from it and the Greeks used it to carve statues of their gods. The cross of Jesus was also made of cypress wood. As noted in The Melaleuca Wellness Guide, cypress oil is used for its antifungal and antimicrobial properties. The Melaleuca Wellness Guide also suggests using a blend of cypress with geranium and lemon diluted with a carrier oil massage into legs during the day. Or at night use a blend of cypress and peppermint to aid in circulation and varicose veins.

Frankincense, along with Myrrh, is known as being one of the gifts of the Magi to the Christ child (Matthew 2:11). However, frankincense was used as part of ceremonial offerings (Exodus 30, Numbers 5, 1 Chronicles 9, Nehemiah 13), as a perfume (Song of Solomon 3:6), and as a commodity for trading purposes (Isaiah 60:6; Jeremiah 6:20; Revelations 18:13). Frankincense is a potent essential oil due to its healing properties physically and mentally. The Melaleuca Wellness Guide notes that , “Aromatherapy hand massage was beneficial for treating pain and depression in hospice patients. Each hand was massaged for five minutes with a blended mixture of bergamot, lavender and frankincense diluted with sweet almond carrier oil.” Physically, Frankincense not only has antimicrobial properties, but also is an immunostimulant. Frankincense is used to boost immunity, shrink tumors and decrease inflammation through massage and aromatherapy. Myrrh seems to be the first essential oil mentioned in the Bible. In Genesis 37: 23–25, myrrh is one item that the caravan to Egypt is carrying when they come upon Joseph and his brothers. Since ancient times, myrrh has been used for reducing pain, skin infections, inflammation, diarrhea and periodontal diseases. Myrrh has antiseptic, anesthetic, and antitumor properties. Myrrh is well documented historically and biblically for being used not only as a commodity (Genesis), but also as an anointing oil (Exodus 30:23), an ointment, incense, and to be mixed with edible spices (Song of Solomon), a perfume (Psalms and Proverbs), one of the gifts of the Magi to the Christ child (Matthew 2:11), mixed with wine (Mark 15:23), and used in burial preparations (John 19:39). Myrrh and Frankincense have a synergistic effect when used together. As stated in The Melaleuca Wellness Guide, “Frankincense and myrrh essential oils were tested, together and individually, and found effective against a selection of pathogens. The effect was stronger when frankincense and myrrh essential oils were used together.” Myrtle is not mentioned in the Bible often, but during historical times it was used for building ceremonial booths (Nehemiah 8:15), and as a symbol for provision and protection (Isaiah 41, Zechariah 1). This essential oil has undergone research to show that it has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

The Three Gifts In Matthew 2:11 we are told that the wise men brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the Christ child. These gifts show the great faith of these men, as these gifts were given not because of their value, but because they carried significant meaning.

Gold was a gift for a king. Even in biblical times, as now, gold was considered a precious metal. Pure, simple, indestructible—a royal metal. Gold was rarer in Christ’s time as compared to today. It was a metal kept for use by kings only. This gift signifies kingship of Jesus. Because it was valuable it has been suggested that it helped finance Mary and Joseph’s trip to Egypt (Matt. 2:13–23).

Frankincense was a gift for a priest. Frankincense is a resin from a tree grown in Ethiopia. It was considered a holy tree and only priests were allowed to get the resin, in a way similar to getting syrup from a maple tree. The resin is a dull yellow with a bitter taste, but when lit it gives off a bright light and fragrant smell. In biblical times, frankincense mixed with oil was used to anoint priests, and also mixed with meal offering to God as a thanksgiving. Incense offerings in the Old Testament were never associated with sin offerings, but were set aside for thanksgiving and praise offerings alone.

Myrrh was a gift for use in burial. The word myrrh comes from the Hebrew word “mor” meaning bitter (Ruth 1:20). It was an ingredient used to prepare a body for burial (John 19). The significance of this gift is that it was given to someone who was born to die as our Savior to give us eternal life.

Essential blends have been used for years since the properties of many oils have synergistic qualities. In Exodus 30:22–29 Moses was given a “recipe” for a blend to be used as an anointing oil which involves myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil. These oils were either diffused during ceremonial times or used topically for anointing purposes.

As when using any essential oils it is important to follow the directions covering dilution, blends, how to choose an oil, and much more. ~ Richard M Barry -The Melaleuca Wellness Guide

A big hug, 'til next time,

Cheryl

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