What is the popular oil for healing ?
- Ms Yuna Salazar
- Sep 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 27
The Bible mentions numerous oils and aromatic plants, many of which were used for healing, anointing, and other significant purposes. While several oils are highlighted for their medicinal properties and spiritual significance, frankincense and myrrh are arguably the most popular and frequently referenced for their healing applications in biblical contexts.
Frankincense, often called the "king of oils," was a primary component of holy incense, a medicine, and even a form of currency. It was famously one of the gifts presented to baby Jesus, signifying its immense value. In ancient times, frankincense was believed to be a natural healer for almost any disease. Modern applications suggest its use for boosting immunity, promoting skin cellular health, and decreasing inflammation.
Myrrh is another highly valued oil, mentioned 156 times in Scripture. It was used as an ointment, an embalming ingredient, and for beauty treatments, as seen with Queen Esther. Its most common biblical use was as a component of holy anointing oil. Today, myrrh is recognized for its antibacterial properties and is used to address various skin disorders like eczema and fungal infections, and even to help control diabetes. Like frankincense, myrrh was also a gift to Jesus at his birth, underscoring its importance.
Other significant oils with healing properties mentioned in the Bible include:
Cinnamon: Used in sacred anointing oil and known for aiding stomach ulcers and acting as an antiparasitic.
Cedarwood: Noted for ritual cleansing and believed to help with skin conditions and leprosy.
Hyssop: Primarily used for purification purposes in biblical times, it is also associated with stimulating creativity and opening the circulatory system.
Balsam Fir: Biblically used for musical instruments, its oil is now used as an anticoagulant and for throat, sinus, urinary tract infections, and arthritis.
Myrtle: Used as a perfume and for its prophetic symbolism, it is now extracted for soothing the respiratory system and balancing the thyroid.
Spikenard: A very expensive perfume and precious ointment used as medicine, famously used to anoint Jesus.
Cassia: Similar to cinnamon, it was a key ingredient in holy anointing oil and used to scent garments.
Sandalwood (Aloes): Referred to as an "oil of joy and gladness" and used in embalming.
Cypress: A symbol of strength and used for building, it is also recognized for its healing properties.
Galbanum: A main ingredient in holy incense, it was thought to balance emotions.
Calamus (Sweet Cane): Used in perfumes, incense, and as an ingredient in holy anointing oil.
The Bible frequently refers to essential oils as fragrances, odors, ointments, aromas, perfumes, and sweet savors, with over 600 references to essential oils or the aromatic plants from which they were derived. These oils were considered sacred anointing oils and essential healing oils. The practice of anointing with oil was deeply rooted in biblical traditions for consecration, healing, and sanctification, symbolizing the presence of the Holy Spirit and divine empowerment. While the oil itself was not believed to possess supernatural power, its use was often a test
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