Oils in the Scriptures

An essential oil is “the life blood of the plant. It is the liquid that flows inside the plant to protect it from harm and to provide nutrients for its growth. This liquid is collected by distilling the plant’s roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and resin. The essential oil for citrus fruits is obtained by “cold pressing” the rind. When you’re taking a walk in the woods, and you smell the trees or rug the leaves of an herb between your fingers–that’s the essence that is being collected into the bottle.

The uses of essential oils can be traced back throughout history for thousands of years as they supported health and well-being and were used in perfumes, trade, and embalming. The steam distillation process was used by the Babylonians, Chinese, East Indians, Egyptians, and Sumerians as far back as 3500 BC. There are over 600 references in the Bible to essential oils and/or the aromatic plants from which they were extracted. Essential oils are also referred to in the Bible as fragrances, odors, ointments, aromas, perfumes, or sweet savors. Incense is mentioned 68 times in the Bible. In 54 of these, the oils of frankincense, myrrh, galbanum, and onycha are indicated.

In January of 2022, I started the reading plan for “Bible in Year” with Father Mike Schmitz. Reading the entire Bible has been on my bucket list for a while. I had started it a couple of times in the past but could never make it past Leviticus. I’m currently on a trajectory to complete this goal in one year and one month which I still think is pretty good! “Bible in a Year” is done in podcast format where Father Mike reads the chapters of the day and then gives a little insight to help with better understanding of those scripture passages. Each episode is about 20 to 30 minutes. I enjoy reading the chapters on my own and then listening to Father Mike’s insights. I highly recommend this challenge!

I love the essential oils in this kit! Maybe it’s the gold labels, but when I smell these oils, I feel like I am holding something precious in my hands. The Oils in Ancient Scriptures collection contains many oils that were used in Biblical times, and they are used in the same ways today. I like finding ways to feel connected to our ancestors. Hunting for plant references has helps me focus more during the daily readings.

These are the essential oils featured in the Scriptures Kit :

• Myrrh
• Frankincense
• Cedarwood
• Cassia
• Onycha
• Hyssop
• Myrtle
• Aloes
• Cypress
• Rose of Sharon