Ancient Scripture Oils – Part 2 of 2

As we discussed in last week’s blog, there are 12 essential oils that are attributed to Ancient Scripture and are the 12 most used by Ancient Egyptians.

Last week, we discussed the first 6: Aloes/Sandalwood, Cassia, Cedarwood, Cypress, Frankincense and Galbanum.  Check my Recent Posts if you missed it.

The following information is sourced from David Stewart, Ph.D., R.A., D.N.M under Sound Concepts.  This is for informational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure and you should always consult your physician before getting off of any medications.

Let’s get right into the last 6 Ancient Scripture oils…

7. Hyssopus Officinalis (Hyssop)

Quoted from EXODUS 12:22 “Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two side posts.”

This scripture refers to the first Passover.  Animal sacrifices were offered almost daily in ancient times, especially in the Jewish temples resulting in bad odors.  Congregations would supply priests with fresh fragrant herbs, which were scattered on the floors daily.  When people walked on them, their fragrant oils would release and freshen the air.

Example of Modern Use:  Hyssop is typically dried and used in herbal teas, but it has been cited as something people need to plant in order to save our bee population.  Did you know that certain pesticides are being attributed to killing off our bee population and without bees, our farms will not be able to produce most fruits and vegetables.  For example, it takes a pumpkin flower being pollinated 4 to 5 times by bees in order to actually start to grow a pumpkin.  This is the same with most fruits and vegetables…bees are important, so let’s start planting Hyssop for ourselves and the bees.


8. Commiphora  Myrrha (Myrrh)

Quoted from MATTHEW 2:11 “They saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented to Him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

Myrrh is the most mentioned in the Bible at 156 times and is the first oil mentioned in the Old Testament (GENESIS 37:25) as well as the last to be mentioned in the New Testament (REVELATION 18:13).  Myrrh was the first to be received by the Christ child along with frankincense and the last to be offered as he stood at the cross (MARK 15:23).

Example of Modern Use: Myrrh has too many uses to list, but a common use is to freshen breath in mouthwash and used in deodorant.  Used in combination with a drop or two of frankincense and a carrier oil, myrrh is also known to reduce the appearance of fine lines while soothing the skin.


9. Myrtus Communis (Myrtle)

Quoted from ISAIAH 55:13 “Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”

In Ancient times, the myrtle tree was a symbol of peace and justice as well as healing. In Biblical times, myrtle was used to:

a. Purify from uncleanliness

b. Restore normal thyroid activity

c. Decongest the respiratory tract and sinuses.

Example of Modern Use: Adding a drop of myrtle to a cotton swab and sniffing has been said by many to relieve a stuffy nose.


10. Styrax Benzoin (Onycha)

Quoted from EXODUS 30:34-35 “And the Lord said unto Moses, take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, these sweet spices with pur frankicense…and make an incense.”

Onycha was used in holy incense and provides a vanilla aroma as it contains vanillin aldehyde, which is also found in the vanilla plant.  Ancient uses of this oil include:

a. Providing antiseptics to the body

b. Providing a calming scent

Example of Modern Use: Onycha is excellent for soothing dry or itchy skin.  Add a couple of drops of Onycha to coconut oil (or your favorite carrier oil) and apply directly on the skin.


11. Cistus Iadanifer (Rose of Sharon)

Quoted from SONG OF SOLOMON 2:1 “I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley.”

Other known names for Rose of Sharon are cistus, labdanum, and rock rose.  In our time, we think of this as a sweet smelling flower with thorny stems, but in this context it is a wild bloom that has grown on the Plains of Sharon (west of Jerusalem) for thousands of years.  Ancient uses have included:

a. Healing cuts and bruises

b. Relieving sciatic nerve pain

Example of Modern Use: Rose of Sharon is often used as aromatherapy that promotes calming and meditation.  Add 5 drops to 4 ounces of water in a diffuser for whole room/house aromatherapy.


12. Nardostachys Jatamansi (Spikenard)

Quoted from SONG OF SOLOMON 1:12 “While the king sits at his table, my spikenard sends forth the smell thereof.”

Ancient customs honored distinguished guests by anointing their head or feet with spikenard.  Jesus was anointed twice the week before he died; MATTHEW 26:6-7, JOHN 12:1-3.  Ancient uses of this fragrance oil have included:

a. Relieving fear and anxiety

b. Preparing the body for burial

Example of Modern Use: Spikenard, like Rose of Sharon, has many benefits which include calming and overall immune support. Add 5 drops to 4 ounces of water in a diffuser for whole room/house aromatherapy.


This is the last six of the twelve oils of Ancient Scripture.  I hope that you found this information helpful.

Two tips for anyone interested in using essential oils:

1. Do your research, buy only high quality therapeutic grade, certified pure essential oils, like Young Living, and

2. The only two oils that are said to no become “hot” on your skin are Lavender and Tea Tree (aka Melaleuca).  You should still test oils on a very small spot on your skin and if you get a “hot” or “burning” sensation, then always add a carrier oil like jojoba, olive oil, or, my favorite, coconut oil.

If you are in or around the Dallas/Fort Worth area, then follow me on Facebook at Naturally Spoiled, so I can keep you posted of when my friend, Vicky, schedules a FREE class solely dedicated to the education/learnings of the Ancient Scripture oils.

Also, in future blogs and on Naturally Spoiled Facebook, I plan to share recipes, that’s right cooking, with essential oils as well as how to use essential oils in beauty products.

Have a question, then don’t hesitate to post a comment here, on Facebook or email at naturally.spoiled.yl@gmail.com.

Happy Oiling!

Your Oilista,

Amy

Ancient Scripture Oils – Part 1

Ancient Scripture Oils – Part 1 of 2

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for a variety of purposes that include: cosmetics, and both spiritually and emotionally uplifting properties. The ancient Egyptian were the first to use what is now termed as the “12 oils of Ancient Scripture” from everything from perfumes, to skin care, to even embalming.

Today, I’d like to share some of this ancient tradition to modern users, in hopes to excite some passion and interest for you too, to explore the all-natural world of essential oils.

Let’s start by talking a little about the process…oils are primarily extracted through careful steam distillation but also through cold pressing, the purest essential oils are far more powerful than the botanicals from which they were extracted. The process varies for the type of oil being extracted.  Remember that essential oils come from nature, so that is plants, flowers and trees.  Any time you hold a bottle of our powerful essential oils, you are holding nature’s pure essence.  To give you an idea of just how potent a bottle of Lemon essential oil is, well, it takes 75 lemons to make just 5ml of Lemon essential oil.  Less is definitely more in the world of essential oils.  If you want to know more about the different oil extraction processes, then please go to http://www.youngliving.com to find out more.

The following information is sourced from David Stewart, Ph.D., R.A., D.N.M under Sound Concepts.  This is for informational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure and you should always consult your physician before getting off of any medications.

Okay, now let’s get into the good stuff…Today’s blog will cover the first 6 of the 12  Ancient Scripture oil and their uses, thanks again to Dr. Stewart for this beneficial information:

1. Santatum Album (Aloes and Sandalwood)

Quoted from JOHN 19:39 “And there came also Nicodemus, which at first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight”

Biblical Aloe was imported from India, which is also known as Sandalwood.  Sandalwood is known for its nuturing of various body systems by:

a. Oxygenating tissue (including the brain)

b. Stimulating the natural secretion of melatonin

c. Aiding in a good night’s rest

d. Preparing bodies for burial

Example of Modern Use: Sandalwood is high in antioxidants that can help reduce damage caused by free radicals, which promote aging. Try adding 5 drops of sandalwood oil to an unscented lotion and applying it directly to the face for anti-aging benefits.


2. Cinnamon Cassia (Cassia)

Quoted from PSALMS 45:8 “All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.”

Cassia, like other essential oils, not only affect our physical bodies but emotions as well. The sense of smell, unlike our other senses, are wired directly to the emotional brain where feelings are catalogued.  Cassis nourishes the body and spirit by:

a. Stimulating feeling s of joy, happiness, and gladness

b. Aiding in emotional healing

Example of Modern Use: To alleviate cold symptoms, diffuse 2 to 3 drops of Cassia oil or inhale the oil twice daily.


3. Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood)

Quoted from LEVITICUS 14:17 “And the rest of the oil (cedrawood, hyssop, and oil) that is in his hand shall the priest put upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleanssed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot.”

King Solomon built his palace and temple from unfinished cedarwood (I Kings 6:9-15). This choice provided Solomon an environment  in which he inhaled molecules of cedarwood oil continuously and in which he could think clearly and administer wise decisions.  Smelling cedarwood has the following effects:

a. Clearing minds of clutter

b. Clarifying thinking

Example of Modern Use: With one drop of cedarwood in the palm of a hand, dip a finger into the oil and rub on the bottom of both big toes, between the eyebrows (careful not to get in the eyes), sides and back of the head (below the hairline), rub hands together with remaining oil and inhale 5 times before bedtime for sleep.  Another application is to use a few drops in a diffuser.


4. Cupressus Sempervirens (Cypress)

Quoted from ISIAH 41:19 “I will plan in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree and the myrtle, and the oil (cypress) tree.”

Modern science has shown that inhaling, applying, or taking cypress oils internally stimulates white blood corpiscle generation which may have beneficial applications following cheomtheraphy and radiation.  The molecules of cypress oil seem to an affinity with all aspects of the cardiovascular system, including blood vessels and heart.  Uses for cypress include:

a. Aiding in the fight against arthritis

b. Aiding in relief of laryngitis

c. Reducing appearance of scar tissue

d. Aiding in the boost of the immune system

Example of Modern Use: Rub a couple of drops under the belly button and bottom of both feet with a carrier oil if it feels “hot” to help ease bed wetting.


5. Boswellia Carteri (Frankincense)

Quoted from LEVITICUS 2:1 “And when any offer a meat offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon.”

Frankincense has been used for religious rituals, flavoring food and for all manners of healing.  It is also the second most frequently mentioned oil of the Bible.  Ancient Egyptians had a saying that “frankincense could heal everything from gout to a broken head.” Frankincense has been used by a variety of religious groups and royalty to help with:

a. Reducing anxiety or concern

b. Promoting focus on spiritual matters

Example Modern Use: Adding a couple of drops of frankincense to your favorite face or body lotion will help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and clear acne.  If added to a diffuser, then it may help to relieve allergies and breathing.


6. Ferula Gummosa (Galbanum)

Quoted from EXODUS 30:34-35 “And the Lord said unto Moses, take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, these sweet spices with pure frankicense…and make an incense.”

Glabanum was one of the four oils in the holy incense, which has been burned in Jewish temples for thousands of years in combination with myrrh, onycha and frankincense.  History shows the following uses of Galbanum:

a. Providing for pain relief

b. Hindering cramps and spasms

c. Repairing abscesses, wounds, wrinkles and acne

d. Battling asthma and chronic coughs

Example of Modern Use: Add a couple of Galbanum drops to coconut oil and apply to face and neck in the morning and the evening to help clear the skin.


Remember to follow my blog on WordPress as next week will be part II covering the last 6 Ancient Scripture oils.

Happy Oiling!

Your Oilista,

Amy

Why am I blogging about Essential Oils?

For years, I have been using essential oils to make beauty products like face creams, acne blasters, body scrubs, etc., but for the last year or so I have been battling hormonal imbalances (joys of getting older) and increased allergies/sinus, and turned to a more natural way to combat these things.  Additionally, with kids, I am always looking for natural ways to keep things clean and disinfected around the house.  Now, for me, essential oils are a daily way of life.

So, of all of the essential oil brands on the market, why do I choose Young Living?

My answer is simple…It is completely certified as 100% pure essential oil. Young Living has control of its product literally from seed to seal, as they plant their own seeds, harvest their own plants/trees, have their own on-site oil extraction processes and then bottle/seal/ship. The product is under strict quality controls even though this industry, much like the herbal supplement industry, doesn’t have any guidelines that they have to follow as far as what is in the product or how it has to be controlled.

Why does that matter? If I can run down to the drug store and pick up essential oils, then why would I care? Well, I have been using essential oils for years in the creation of different products like facial creams, wrinkle-reducers, acne blasters, and then moved into home type products such as fabric softeners, laundry detergents, dryer sheets, home fragrances; and of course, well-being like strengthening my family’s immune systems during cold and flu season. During this time, I have found that the essential oil used really does matter because some other products don’t seem to have as much of the actual essential oil in them, like they are “watered down” and some of them are even produced from chemicals and not the natural plant itself.

Since the big chemical companies have been given the green light to put chemicals in all of our foods and even genetically alter the seeds that produce our food, I have been on a mission to get GMOs out of my family’s lives…though you can’t totally get away from it, yet, I have made a start by using essential oils to help boost our immune systems in hopes of avoiding the cold and flu season, purify the air in my house, (with 3 dogs, you have no idea how much this has helped – we are no longer “nose-blind”), my office and even my car as well as continuing with the home and beauty products.  I have  even starting to infuse with some foods that I cook. I learned that you need to be very careful with ingesting essential oils, but have talked to so many people about how they do it and swear by it, that I am giving it a shot.

In addition to the many books and online resources out there, Dish Network has a channel 218 ZLVNG (formerly called Veria) that has shows dedicated to the use of essential oils in foods, which is very informative.

So again, why Young Living? They have control of their entire seed to seal process and are independently certified as being 100% pure.

So, why this blog?  I am passionate about essential oils and their many benefits, and want to get the word out to others that may share my same passion.

Are essential oils for everyone? You won’t know until you try it : )

Stay tuned to this blog for information on the history, benefits and many uses of essential oils.

Don’t forget to follow my blog and like/share Naturally Spoiled on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/Naturally-Spoiled-1654017751481392.

Happy Oiling!

Your friendly, neighborhood Oilista,

Amy