Spotlight on Ancient Biblical oils

Sacred Oils of Ancient Scripture

Wisdom, Fragrance, and Healing Through the Ages

Scripture often links wisdom with preparation, provision, and care for both body and spirit. Proverbs 21:20 speaks of treasured resources and oil within the home of the wise. Oil signified foresight, nourishment, illumination, consecration, and healing. A household stocked with oil reflected discernment, stewardship, and readiness.
Biblical texts reference aromatic plants and oils repeatedly. More than thirty essential oil–producing plants appear throughout Scripture. The word oil occurs nearly two hundred times, while olive oil alone appears directly only a handful of times yet appears implicitly in well over a hundred passages. Olive oil served many purposes: food, lamp fuel, ceremonial base, and medicinal carrier.
Incense appears dozens of times as well. In most cases, Scripture points toward frankincense, myrrh, galbanum, and onycha. The Hebrew term lebonah, often translated as “incense,” specifically refers to frankincense. Only a small number of passages leave the precise formula unidentified.
Several passages describe oils that uplift the heart and bring gladness. Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, and Hebrews all reference oils that refresh the spirit and restore joy. Scripture also refers to aromatic substances as fragrances, perfumes, ointments, sweet savors, and pleasing aromas. Altogether, biblical texts contain hundreds of references to aromatic plants and their extracts.

The Principal Oils Referenced in Scripture

Fourteen oils appear with notable frequency across biblical writings. These oils range from deeply grounding resins to bright, cleansing herbs and woods. Mentions include both direct naming and contextual inference.
Primary oils include:
Myrrh, Frankincense, Calamus, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Cassia, Galbanum, Onycha (Benzoin), Spikenard, Hyssop, Sandalwood (Aloes), Myrtle, Cypress, and Rose of Sharon (Cistus).
Each oil carried cultural, ceremonial, emotional, and physical significance within ancient life.

Aromatic Chemistry and Purpose

The oils of Scripture share several dominant aromatic families:
  • Sesquiterpenes support oxygenation, cellular communication, emotional grounding, and mental clarity
  • Monoterpenes promote cleansing, immune defense, and cellular signaling
  • Phenols and aldehydes encourage purification and protection
  • Ketones and esters support relaxation, tissue repair, and emotional release
These aromatic compounds interact with the body on multiple levels. Ancient cultures recognized their effects intuitively. Modern research continues to explore their influence on immunity, mood regulation, microbial balance, and nervous system support.

Sacred Blends in Scripture

The Holy Anointing Formula (Exodus 30)

Scripture outlines a sacred blend using olive oil as the carrier, combined with cassia, cinnamon, calamus, myrrh, and other aromatics. This oil consecrated priests, objects, and sacred space. Its composition reflected balance: cleansing spices, grounding resins, and harmonizing woods.

Gifts of the Wise

The offerings of frankincense and myrrh carried profound symbolism. These resins honored kingship, priesthood, sacrifice, and healing. Sandalwood, juniper, and other woods also played roles in ancient ritual and emotional fortification.

Selected Oils and Their Traditional Roles

Frankincense

Used for consecration, prayer, purification, and spiritual focus. Ancient cultures valued its uplifting aroma and grounding influence. Scripture associates frankincense with offerings, worship, and royal anointing.

Myrrh

Linked with protection, preparation, burial, and emotional fortitude. Women used myrrh during pregnancy and childbirth. Its presence at both birth and death underscores its role across the full human journey.

Hyssop

Symbolized cleansing and restoration. Used during Passover, ritual purification, and moments of deep repentance. Its aromatic profile supported respiration and emotional clarity.

Cedarwood

One of the earliest distilled oils. Cultures across Egypt, Sumer, and China valued cedarwood for preservation, cleansing, and calming influence. Scripture connects cedarwood with purification rituals.

Cinnamon and Cassia

Warming spices used in sacred anointing. Their aromatic strength supported preservation, vitality, and protection.

Spikenard

A costly oil associated with devotion, grief, and honor. Gospel accounts describe its use during moments of profound love and sacrifice.

Myrtle, Cypress, Galbanum, Onycha, Sandalwood, Rose of Sharon

Each oil contributed unique qualities ranging from emotional steadiness and respiratory support to ceremonial fragrance and comfort.

Healing Through Aroma in Scripture

Biblical language often uses the Greek word therapeuo, meaning to serve, care for, and restore. Scripture repeatedly links healing with plants, oils, and touch.
“They anointed many who felt unwell and brought restoration.”
“The leaves of the trees serve the healing of the nations.”
These passages reflect an integrated view of healing—physical, emotional, spiritual, and communal.

A Living Tradition

The oils of Scripture supported ancient life in tangible ways: illumination, medicine, ceremony, emotional steadiness, and spiritual awareness. Their use reflects attentiveness, reverence, and trust in creation’s provision.
These aromatic gifts continue to invite reflection, care, and connection across generations
Adapted from the Book: Healing Oils of the Bible · Copyright © 2003 by David Stewart


Recent Blog Posts
Latest insights from the world of business solutions
Small Steps for a Cozy, Balanced Winter: Sleep and frequencies
Embrace the Winter Calm: Cozy Nesting for Balance and Warmth

As daylight fades and temperatures drop, nature invites us to slow down and find peace in winter's embrace. Join us on December 10 for a soothing evening at our Wellness Zoom Gathering, "Cozy Nesting for Balance and Warmth." Discover how gentle shifts in your environment, sound, sleep, and daily rhythm can restore harmony for both you and your furry companions.

The Power of Seasonal Shifts
Seasons shape our inner balance, with winter offering a time for restoration. By aligning with this cycle, we can calm hormones, smooth emotions, and restore energy. Embrace gentler rhythms: warm soups, slower mornings, calm evenings, and shared stillness with your pet.

The Human–Animal Bond: A Mirror of Calm
Our animal companions sense our energy deeply. As your breath calms, so does your pet’s. Together, share tranquil moments, stroll outdoors, and synchronize your rhythms, fostering trust and shared healing.

Creating a Haven of Warmth
"Cozy nesting" crafts a sanctuary for your senses, filled with warm lighting, soothing sounds, grounding scents like cedar or frankincense, and comforting touches. An environment rich in warmth mirrors peace back to you.

Restorative Sleep: The Foundation of Healing
Winter invites deep restorative sleep, crucial for emotional balance and clarity. Create a nightly routine with dim lights, calming activities, and comforting sounds to ease into rest.

Wishing the Sound: Restorative Frequencies for Wholeness
Explore how sound—like a purring cat or 432 Hz music—harmonizes body, mind, and spirit. These vibrations nurture healing and balance for both you and your pet.

Nourishment that Grounds You
Enjoy warm, comforting foods like root vegetable soups that stabilize and nurture. Make meals mindful and shared, soothing your soul and your pet's.

Join us on December 10 6 pm Pacific to reconnect with nature’s rhythm and rediscover peace within and around you. 

Read more...
Create Your Cozy Corner: Tiny Changes for a Warmer, Balanced Winter
Explore how to create a warm, grounding “cozy corner” using tiny winter-friendly changes that promote calm, balance, and connection—especially when sharing the season with pets. Learn simple ways to build sensory comfort, nourish their bodies, slow their breath, ease winter tension, and create meaningful bonding moments with their furry companions.
Read more...
Raising a Child With Expectancy Instead of Expectations
Explore a transformative approach to parenting that shines a light on the power of expectancy over expectation. This blog delves into how subtle shifts in language and mindset can unlock a child's innate potential, nurturing an environment filled with trust, curiosity, and spiritual sensitivity. Discover actionable strategies that guide your children with grace, helping them differentiate between genuine intuition and socially-driven behavior. Expectancy fosters an atmosphere where emotions are safely expressed and individuality is honored, allowing for a child’s growth in wisdom and confidence. Dive deeper into how adopting this perspective can strengthen family bonds and support a harmonious household. If you're yearning for a more peaceful, connected, and faith-centered family life, this read offers gentle guidance and practical solutions.
Read more...