Essential oils have been used for thousands of years, with references to their use dating back to ancient civilizations. The book also mentions the use of essential oils, highlighting their spiritual and medicinal properties.
One of the most commonly referenced essential oils in the Bible is frankincense. This oil is extracted from the resin of the Boswellia tree and has a warm, spicy aroma. In the Bible, frankincense is mentioned several times, including in the story of the wise men who brought frankincense as a gift for baby Jesus. (Matthew 2:11) Frankincense was considered to be a valuable commodity during biblical times and was often used in the practice of anointing, the act of consecrating or setting apart a person or thing for a sacred purpose. (Exodus 30:22-33)
Another essential oil mentioned in the book is myrrh. This oil is extracted from the resin of the Commiphora myrrha tree and has a warm, earthy aroma. In the Bible, myrrh is mentioned as being one of the gifts brought to Jesus by the wise men. (Matthew 2:11) Myrrh was also used in the practice of anointing and was often used in embalming and as perfume. (John 19:39)
Cypress oil is also referenced in the Scripture. This oil is extracted from the leaves and branches of the Cupressus sempervirens tree and has a woody, spicy aroma. In the Bible, cypress is mentioned as being used in the construction of Solomon’s Temple. (1 Kings 6:15-16)
Another essential oil mentioned in the Holy Bible is cinnamon. This oil is extracted from the bark of the Cinnamomum tree and has a warm, spicy aroma. In the Bible, cinnamon is mentioned as an ingredient in the anointing oil used in the Tabernacle, and it was also used as a spice in the incense. (Exodus 30:23)
Lastly, spikenard is an essential oil that is mentioned in the Bible. This oil is extracted from the root of the Nardostachys jatamansi plant and has a woody, musky aroma. In the Bible, the spikenard is used by Mary to anoint Jesus’ feet. (John 12:3)
The Holy Book also mentions the use of essential oils in the practice of anointing, which was the act of consecrating or setting apart a person or thing for a sacred purpose. (James 5:14) Anointing with oil was believed to have healing powers and was often used to heal the sick and to cast out demons. (Mark 6:13)
In addition to their spiritual and medicinal properties, essential oils were also used as perfumes and were considered to be valuable commodities. (Proverbs 7:17)
The oils mentioned above are some of the most commonly referenced essential oils in the Scripture, but other oils are also mentioned. For example, olive oil is also mentioned in the Bible, and it was used for cooking, lighting, and as an ingredient in the anointing oil used in the Tabernacle (Exodus 27 verse 20) Another example is Cassia, which was also an ingredient in the anointing oil and the incense (Exodus 30:24)
In conclusion, the Bible mentions the use of several essential oils, including frankincense, myrrh, cypress, cinnamon, and spikenard. These oils were considered to have spiritual and medicinal properties and were often used in the practice of anointing. They were also used as perfumes and were considered to be valuable commodities. The use of essential oils in the Bible highlights the importance of these natural remedies in ancient times and their continued use today for spiritual and physical well-being.