The 12 Oils In The Bible

Anointing oil, mentioned 20 times in Scripture, was used in the Old Testament for pouring on the head of the high priest and his descendants and sprinkling the tabernacle and its furnishings to mark them as holy and set apart to the Lord (Exodus 25:6;Leviticus 8:30;Numbers 4:16). Three times it is called the "holy, anointing oil," and the Jews were strictly forbidden from reproducing it for personal use (Exodus 30:32-33). The recipe for anointing oil is found in Exodus 30:23-24; it contained myrrh, cinnamon and other natural ingredients. There is no indication that the oil or the ingredients had any supernatural power. Rather, the strictness of the guidelines for creating the oil was a test of the obedience of the Israelites and a demonstration of the absolute holiness of God.

Only four New Testament passages refer to the practice of anointing with oil, and none of them offer an explanation for its use. We can draw our conclusions from context. In Mark 6:13, the disciples anoint the sick and heal them. In Mark 14:3-9, Mary anoints Jesus' feet as an act of worship. In James 5:14, the church elders anoint the sick with oil for healing. In Hebrews 1:8-9, God says to Christ as He returns triumphantly to heaven, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever," and God anoints Jesus "with the oil of gladness."

Should Christians use anointing oil today? There is nothing in Scripture that commands or even suggests that we should use similar oil today, but neither is there anything to forbid it. Oil is often used as a symbol for the Holy Spirit in the Bible as in the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins(Matthew 25:1-13). As such, Christians have the presence of the oil of the Spirit who leads us into all truth and anoints us continually with His grace and comfort. “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth” (1 John 2:20).

CYPRESS oil has been used since ancient times for purification and as incense. Cypress is one of the oils most used for the circulatory system. Because cypress assists in moving stagnant matter, it actually benefits many systems of the body: circulatory, digestive, urinary, and integumentary (skin). Cypress is also effective for muscles and joints, the respiratory system, the reproductive system, and the nervous system. Biblical reference: Isaiah 44:14

 

SANDALWOOD (Santalum album) is the most valuable tree in the world. It takes 10 years for the sandalwood tree to form hardwood. Peak hardwood formation is achieved when the tree is between 40-60 years. King Tut’s tomb was filled with alabaster jars of aloewood/sandalwood oil which thieves later stole, leaving the alabaster jars behind. Biblical reference to sandalwood/aloes: “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. (John 19:39)

CASSIA (Cinnamomum cassia) comes from a slender, evergreen tree which grows up to 20 feet tall. It is native to China. The oil is steam distilled from the bark. This exotic fragrance is similar in its aroma to cinnamon, but it is physically and chemically much different. Care must be taken in topical use as it may cause skin irritation. It is antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and an anticoagulant. Biblical reference: Cassia was an ingredient in the Holy Anointing Oil given to Moses.

FRANKINCENSE is useful “head to toe”. In fact, frankincense can be rubbed all over the body, even for infants. Egyptian tradition says that “frankincense is good for everything from gout to a broken head”. If in doubt, use frankincense. Other names for frankincense are “olibanum” or “Oil from Lebanon”. Biblical reference: One of the gifts given to the Christ child.

GALBANUM (ferula gummosa) essential oil is valued for both medicinal and spiritual qualities. Galbanum can be used for emotional balance, indigestion and upliftment. Bibilical reference: Galbanum was known as Moses’ favorite oil. “And the Lord said unto Moses, take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, an onycha, and galbanum, these sweet spices with pure frankincense of each there shall be a like weight.” Exodus 30:34

HYSSOP (hyssopus officinalis) has a very long history as a cleansing herb. Hyssop officinalis is the same species of plant as the hyssop referred to in the Bible. Hyssop has been used medicinally for almost a millennium for its antiseptic properties. Biblical reference: Exodus 12:22 describes the use of hyssop

MYRRH (commiphora myrrha) has one of the highest levels of sesquiterpenes, a class of compounds that has direct effects on the hypothalamus, pituitary and amygdala, the seat of our emotions. Research in Italy demonstrated that myrrh has pain-relieving properties as well. Biblical reference: Myrrh was one of the oils given to the Christ child by the Three Wise Men.

MYRTLE oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the myrtle tree. The Hebrew name for Queen Esther was Hadassah which means myrtle. Myrtle is antimutagenic, a liver stimulant, a prostate and thyroid stimulant, a sinus and lung decongestant, and is antispasmodic. Biblical reference: “Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the briar shall come up the myrtle tree”. . . (Isaiah 55:13)

ONYCHA (styrax benzoin) is also known by the names “benzoin”, “friar’s balm” and “Java frankincense”. Tincture of benzoin was used as an antiseptic in hospitals for more than a hundred years (since the mid 1800s). Onycha contains vanillin aldehyde, which gives it the pleasant aroma of vanilla. Onycha was valued in ancient days for its ability to speed healing of wounds and to help prevent infection. Biblical reference: Onycha holds the high position of being an ingredient of the holy incense (Exodus 30:34).

SPIKENARD (Nardostachys jatamansi) has also been known as “nard” and “false Indian Valerian root” oil. It was prized in early Egypt and in the Middle East during the time of Jesus. The amount of Spikenard that was poured on Jesus after the crucifixion would be worth almost $2,000.00 in today’s currency or a year’s wages for a common laborer in that time. Biblical reference: Oil used to anoint the Savior.

ROSE OF SHARON/CISTUS (Cistus ladanifer) is also known as rock rose. It has been studied for regeneration of the cells. This beautiful oil has a soft honey like scent. Biblical reference: “I am the Rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley” Song of Solomon 2:1

CEDARWOOD (cedrus atlantica) is produced mainly in Morocco and is the species most closely related to the cedars of Lebanon. Used by the Sumerians and Egyptians more than 5000 years ago, cedarwood essential oil is believed to have been the first oil to be obtained by distillation. It was known as the oil of gladness in ancient times, and was used for a variety of purposes including temple worship, mood elevation and mental clarity. Bibilical reference: King David and King Solomon used this wood for the construction of their palaces because of its aromatic oil content which lasts indefinitely.