QUICK SUMMARY
The 12 Healing oils of the Bible refer to the aromatic plants, resins, spices, and infused oils mentioned throughout Scripture for anointing, worship, cleansing rituals, embalming, medicine, and everyday use. While they were not modern steam-distilled essential oils, they carried real therapeutic value in Biblical times. The same God-designed plants continue to inform natural health practices today and remind us of the healing wisdom built into creation itself.
The 12 botanicals often referred to as the “Healing Oils of the Bible” continue to shape how we use essential oils today, and they include:
- Aloes (the aromatic heartwood extract used as perfume and in the burial of Christ)
- Cassia (a cinnamon-like anointing oil and fragrant spice)
- Cedarwood (a wood associated with cleansing rituals and used for building and worship spaces)
- Cypress (a symbol of strength and protection, valued for construction and weaponry)
- Frankincense (a holy ceremonial resin and gift of the Magi, known today for its antimicrobial and immune-supportive qualities)
- Galbanum (a richly scented gum included in the sacred incense)
- Hyssop (a cleansing herb used in purification rituals, with modern parallels like thyme or marjoram)
- Myrrh (a treasured anointing oil, perfume, and part of Jesus’ burial preparation, with strong antimicrobial benefits that pair well with frankincense)
- Myrtle (a symbol of God’s provision and protection, offering antioxidant and antimicrobial properties)
- Onycha (a mysterious incense ingredient believed to come from shell resin or a fragrant plant like labdanum)
- Rose of Sharon (a beautifully fragrant flower with debated identity, often associated with a crocus or Rock Rose)
- Spikenard (a rare and costly perfume used to anoint Christ, recognized today for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects.
The link between aromatherapy and Scripture has stirred debate for years, and for good reason. People want to know whether the “healing oils of the Bible” are real, and whether the botanical remedies used by our Biblical ancestors connect in any meaningful way to the essential oils we use today.
What draws so many of us in is the continuity. Generations before us turned to these same plants for worship, cleansing, comfort, and wellness. It is deeply grounding to remember that God built healing into creation long before modern science tried to imitate it.
And that is the heart of it. God provided these Biblical botanicals as part of His design for abundant living. When the Creator gives us tools for health, we receive them with gratitude and use them with wisdom.
Table of Contents
Biblical Oils vs. Modern Essential Oils: Understanding the Difference
You’ve probably heard the saying, “If it was good enough for Baby Jesus, it’s good enough for me.”
It sounds clever, but it isn’t accurate.
Jesus didn’t use frankincense essential oil. Or any essential oil in the modern sense. The magi brought gold, frankincense resin, and myrrh resin. Those resins were valuable, fragrant, and medicinal, but they were not the steam-distilled essential oils we use today.
Simply put, essential oils didn’t exist in Biblical times as we know them today. This is because the technology required to produce concentrated essential oils wouldn’t appear until the early 11th century.
What Scripture does record is the widespread use of aromatic plants, pressed oils, infused oils, ointments, resins, spices, and incense. These preparations were used for worship, cleansing, medicine, embalming, trade, and daily life. They carried both spiritual meaning and practical healing value.
In other words, the “healing oils of the Bible” were real, but they were extracted using the methods available at the time: pressing, soaking, infusing, burning, or mixing resins and spices into carrier oils.
The botanicals were the same. The form was different.
The 12 Essential Biblical Oils: Uses, History, and Modern Application
You won’t find your favorite blend listed alongside your favorite verse, but there are plenty of botanicals and oils listed in the Bible. Twelve healing oils of the Bible, in particular, have been singled out as potential essential healing oils or aromatic extracts and most can be purchased as such today.
1. Aloes
Wondering why the cactus-like plant is here? Merriam-Webster has a similar thought, by highlighting aloe first as the tropical plant with a healing gel. But then, the bigger picture emerges: plural: the fragrant wood of an East Indian tree (Aquilaria agallocha) of the mezereon family When the Bible refers to aloes, it’s the aromatic extract (or mash) of a tree’s heartwood, used for healing and especially embalming. Old English borrowed the word, then applied it to the spiky plant we know now. The Bible lists aloe(s) as:
- A symbol of abundance and provision (Numbers 24:6)
- A perfume (Psalm 45:8, Proverbs 7:17)
- An incense (Song of Solomon 4:14)
- Burial ointment for Christ (John 19:39)
While some claim that aloes or aloeswood are the same as sandalwood, the direct connection – A. agallocha – has a powerful healing oil component itself. Used as an incense and cosmetic oil, aloeswood (or eaglewood or agarwood) is known for its benefits as a stimulant and cardiac tonic and can even have some digestive wellness benefits!
2. Cassia
Unlike the herb senna, whose proper name begins with Cassia, the cassia of the Bible resembled our cinnamon more than anything. According to an etymology breakdown by BibleHub online, cassia is likely “the inner bark of Cinnamomum cassia, a plant growing in eastern Asia closely allied to that which yields the cinnamon of commerce. It is a fragrant, aromatic bark and was probably used in a powdered form.” The Bible lists cassia as:
- An anointing oil (Exodus 30:24)
- A perfume (Psalm 45:8)
- Precious commodities (Ezekiel 27:19)
Like cinnamon, Cinnamomum cassia is rich in cinnamaldehyde when derived from the bark. If C. cassia is not available, cinnamon essential healing oil would be a fair switch.
3. Cedarwood
Mentioned most commonly as a burned wood for ceremonial purposes, cedarwood is associated with cleansing and purification. These majestic, ancient trees – likely the cedar of Lebanon (C. libani) – are still around today and are a source of antioxidant essential healing oil. According to an analysis of both C. libani and the more commonly used C. atlantica. The Bible lists cedarwood as:
- A ceremonial tool for cleansing leprosy (Leviticus 14, Numbers 19)
- A perfume (Psalm 45:8)
- A symbol of abundance and provision (Numbers 24:6, Psalm 92:12, Ezekiel 31:3)
- A symbol of security and stability (Song of Solomon 1:17; 8:9; Zechariah 11:2)
- The choice wood for building, trading, and currency (referenced by several verses in 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Ezra 3, Jeremiah 22, Ezekiel 17)
- Mentioned by Solomon in his proverbs and sacred writings (I Kings 4:34)
There are several uses of cedarwood essential oil. The oil extracted from the cedars of Lebanon, for example, was used to embalm the ancient Pharaohs of Egypt. And today, modern scientists have demonstrated the antioxidant properties of cedarwood oil.
4. Cypress
Mostly mentioned as a companion to cedar, cypress is celebrated in the Scripture as a symbol of strength and security. One Bible dictionary states this about Cypress (Hebrew word tirzah): “The Hebrew word is found only in (Isaiah 44:14) We are quite unable to assign any definite rendering to it. The true cypress is a native of the Taurus. The Hebrew word points to some tree with a hard grain, and this is all that can be positively said of it.” Most modern Bible translations, however, lists cypress several times as:
- The choice wood for building, trading, and currency (referenced by several verses in 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Isaiah 41)
- A fragrant hardwood and symbol of security & stability (Isaiah 44:14)
- A symbol of prosperity (Isaiah 60:13, Hosea 14:8, Zechariah 11:2)
- The choice wood for weaponry (Nahum 2:3)
Cypress is the chosen translation likely due to the Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), an evergreen from which we derive an essential healing oil. Known simply as cypress oil, it is comprised largely of pinene and limonene and is an effective antibacterial essential healing oil. Whether this is the tree spoken of or anyone burned it for its fragrant release of oil remains to be seen.
5. Frankincense
If you know me at all, you know this is one of my favorite oils because of all the research support its used as a natural healer. And if you know the Christmas story, you already know at least one place where frankincense is mentioned in the Bible. Elsewhere, in Exodus 30:34 and Revelation 18:13, frankincense is mentioned as part of incense for a priestly rite and as indication of wealth and prosperity in spice trade. The Bible lists frankincense as:
- A part of ceremonial offerings (Referenced several times in Leviticus 2, 5, 6, 24; Numbers 5, 1 Chronicles 9, Nehemiah 13)
- A holy ceremonial perfume (Exodus 30:34)
- A perfume (Song of Solomon 3:6; 4:6)
- A precious commodity – potential currency (Isaiah 60:6; Jeremiah 6:20; Revelations 18:13)
- The gifts of the Magi to the Christ child (Mathew 2:11)
As a healing remedy, frankincense oil is not only antimicrobial but also an immunostimulant. (9) Could God have been protecting His priests (and Son!) through the use of frankincense?
6. Galbanum
One of the more unfamiliar of the oils, galbanum was listed in the recipe for incense to be used in the heart of the temple. We don’t know the exact species referred to, but we know it was a gum that likely came from a plant in the Ferula family. The Bible lists galbanum as:
- A holy ceremonial perfume (Exodus 30:34)
Today, Ferula gummosa is collected and sold as galbanum. It has exhibited antimicrobial effects and potential for use in oral health.
7. Hyssop
The modern hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis, has been used for antifungal, antibacterial, larvicidal and insect biting deterrent activities. However, according to the International Bible Encyclopedia, this hyssop is not native to the area of Palestine and is not likely to be the oil mentioned throughout the Bible for cleansing and rituals. The Bible lists hyssop as:
- A part of ritual cleansing and ceremonial offerings (Referenced several times in Exodus 12; Leviticus 14; Numbers 19; Psalm 51; Hebrews 9)
- The sponge that soaked up the sour wine that was given to Jesus on the cross (John 19:29)
- Mentioned by Solomon in his proverbs and sacred writings (I Kings 4:34)
While H. officinalis does seem to accomplish similar purposes, I personally find it more interesting that the strongest contenders for actual hyssop would be an even closer fit for such purposes: thyme and marjoram.
8. Myrrh
With well-documented use throughout the ages, myrrh is easy to identify and enjoy. It by far, the most decorated oil in the Bible being listed as:
- A precious commodity – potential currency (Genesis 37:25)
- Anointing oil (Exodus 30:23)
- An ointment (Song of Solomon 5:5)
- A perfume (Psalm 45:8, Proverbs 7:17, Song of Solomon 1:13, 4:14, 5:13)
- An incense (Song of Solomon 3:6, 4:6)
- A with mixed edible spices to be eaten (Song of Solomon 5:1)
- The gifts of the Magi to the Christ child (Mathew 2:11)
- Mixed with wine and given to Jesus on the cross (Mark 15:23)
- Burial preparations Nicodemus used for Jesus’ in the tomb (John 19:39)
Unlike other products from trees, it isn’t the wood that is used but the resin that comes from it. Once exposed to air, it hardens and can be powdered, used as-is, or now, distilled for a healing oil. Interestingly, myrrh and frankincense essential healing oils have a synergistic effect when combined, each improving the others’ antimicrobial benefits.
9. Myrtle
Myrtle isn’t mentioned frequently, but its presence indicates growth and abundance. It likely refers to the Myrtus communis plant, which is grown around Jerusalem to this day. The Bible lists myrtle as:
- The choice wood for building ceremonial booths (Nehemiah 8:15)
- A symbol of provision (Isaiah 41:19; 55:13)
- A symbol of protection (Zechariah 1:8, 10-11)
Myrtle is a low growing plant with flowers that produce an intense, lovely aroma. This is said to be the meaning of Esther’s Hebrew name – and she would have likely enjoyed her namesake as a perfume in the king’s palace! Today, the essential healing oil specifically has undergone a fair amount of research, revealing itself as antimicrobial and an antioxidant, among other benefits.
10. Onycha
Perhaps the most obscure on the list, onycha was mentioned in the holy anointing oil “recipe” and nowhere else. While some sources claim onycha is the resin of the Styrax benzoin tree, there is little to substantiate the claim. The more commonly accepted view is that it refers to the shell of a mussel, which would have been scraped or powdered and burned. Still others attribute it to balsam or laudanum, a fragrant flowering plant. The Bible lists onycha as:
- A holy ceremonial perfume (Exodus 30:34)
Both Styrax benzoin and Cistus labdanum are developed into essential healing oils now and can be added to blends and diffused. Neither has been researched thoroughly, though labdanum seems to have good antioxidant capabilities.
11. Rose of Sharon
A rose may not simply be a rose in this case, as the Rose of Sharon is another disputed for its identity. Usually referred to in a metaphorical sense, it could actually refer to any flower that grows well in unfavorable circumstances. It has been said that the “Rose of Sharon” first appeared in the 1611 King James Version of the Bible. The Bible lists Rose of Sharon as:
- A reference to the “Beloved” (Song of Solomon 2:1)
Contenders include a crocus, tulip, or lily, while there are some who contend that it is the Rock Rose, Cistus ladanifer, which is very closely related to labdanum. Without a clear connection and no Biblical “recipe” to indicate ancient use, we are left to imagine the potential of this beautiful, fragrant life in the midst of harsh, thorny crags.
12. Spikenard
First introduced in the Old Testament, spikenard is probably most well known as one of the expensive perfumes that the woman anointed Jesus with in Bethany. Spikenard – Nardostachys jatamansi – was highly prized as a perfume and very precious. It’s still used in some beauty treatments to this day. The Bible lists spikenard as:
- A royal fragrant aroma A symbol (Song of Solomon 1:2)
- A prized, desired plant (Song of Solomon 4:13-14)
- A costly ointment/perfume used to anoint Christ (Mark 14:3; John 12:3)
Although there isn’t much available yet on the benefits of spikenard (beyond perfumery) as an essential healing oil, an isolated compound has shown promising effects as an anti-inflammatory.
How Ancient Cultures Extracted and Used Aromatic Oils
Essential oils in their earliest form were simply the aromatic components naturally present in botanical matter. Anyone who has walked through a fragrant garden and brushed a rose knows how easily those fragrances are released. Our ancestors noticed the same thing, and they found ways to capture and use those aromas long before modern distillation existed.
Ancient writings from Rome, Greece, Egypt, and the Near East describe oils, perfumes, ointments, and aromatic preparations used for bathing, healing, worship, and daily life. Most were created by pressing plant material into olive oil, soaking resins, or heating botanicals to draw out their fragrance. These weren’t essential oils as we know them, but they were effective extracts rooted in the natural chemistry of the plant.
Archaeologists have even uncovered early distillation-style tools made of clay, suggesting that crude attempts to concentrate aromatic vapors began thousands of years ago. These early efforts would have produced something closer to a hydrosol (aromatic water with a subtle concentration of volatile compounds) rather than today’s potent essential oils.
The point is simple: while our Biblical ancestors did not have modern essential oils, they absolutely understood how to extract, preserve, and use the God-given therapeutic properties of fragrant plants.
Modern Use of Biblical Oils
As the ancient world relied on infused oils, resins, and aromatic preparations, the modern world has taken a significant leap forward in understanding how these botanicals work. In the early twentieth century, advances in chemistry and steam distillation gave researchers the ability to identify individual plant compounds and study their effects with precision. This opened the door to what we now recognize as modern aromatherapy.
Today’s essential oils are far more concentrated than anything our Biblical ancestors produced. Steam distillation, cold pressing, and other extraction methods allow us to capture the most active, volatile components of a plant in a highly purified form. This gives us the ability to measure potency, evaluate safety, and apply these oils with a level of accuracy that ancient cultures simply didn’t possess.
But with progress also comes a challenge. The fragrance industry often attempts to imitate these botanicals with synthetic chemicals. These lab-created scents may mimic the aroma, but they do not reflect the complexity, purity, or God-designed therapeutic value of true plant extracts.
For those of us who value Biblical wisdom and natural health, modern essential oils offer a way to reconnect with the same plants mentioned throughout Scripture while using them responsibly and safely. The technology has changed, but the purpose remains the same: to honor the healing gifts built into creation and use them in ways that support wellness, balance, and daily life.
Anointing with Biblical Oils: The Modern Daily Anointing Oil Recipe
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14)
While not all healing oils of the Bible are identifiable, available, or used now as they were then, the study of ancient botanical preparations is fascinating. When we see threads of benefit – antimicrobials as anointing or temple oils, for example, keeping the population healthy – we begin to deepen our understanding of creation and the order that God set into place.
The anointing oil, for example, contains fragrant ingredients that would contain at least some of the volatile (essential) healing oils of the Bible no matter how it was produced. “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take the following fine spices:
- 500 shekels of liquid myrrh [about 6g]
- Half as much of fragrant cinnamon [about 3g]
- 250 shekels of fragrant calamus [about 3 g]
- 500 shekels of cassia [about 6g]
- And a hin of olive oil [about 5 quarts]
“Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil. Then use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law, the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand. You shall consecrate them so they will be most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy.” (Exodus 30:25-29)
For your own fragrant, daily anointing oil, combine these essential healing oils of the Bible with a carrier oil. The antimicrobial and immune effects, fragrance, and connection to sacred rituals of long ago make a perfect combination to carry you through your day healthy and at peace.
Dr. Z's Daily Anointing Oil Recipe
Quantity
Ingredients
- t tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (or enough fractionated coconut oil to fill your roller)
- 2 drops myrhh essential oil
- 2 drops cinnamon bark essential oil
- 1 drops orange essential oil
- 1 drop frankincense essential oil
Supplies
- 1-ounce glass jar with lid or
Instructions
- Combine the olive oil and all essential oils in a small bottle or roller.
- Apply topically on pulse points when praying over people, or for daily wellness.
The profound connection between the ancient botanicals of the Bible and the essential oils we use today is a powerful testament to the healing wisdom embedded in creation itself.
Whether used as resin in anointing rituals, as infused oils for medicine, or as modern steam-distilled extracts, these twelve sacred oils offer us a path to wellness that honors both history and science. By incorporating the gifts of Aloes, Frankincense, Myrrh, and the other Biblical oils into your daily routine (especially through the simple act of preparing and using the Daily Anointing Oil Recipe) you carry forward a rich tradition of faith, cleansing, and natural support for mind, body, and spirit.
We encourage you to embrace this inheritance and continue your journey toward abundant living today!
- http://www.researchgate.net/publication/26527548
- http://biblehub.com/topical/c/cassia.htm
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25364694
- http://biblehub.com/topical/c/cedar-wood.htm
- http://www.researchgate.net/publication/215754551
- http://biblehub.com/dictionary/c/cypress.htm
- http://biblehub.com/dictionary/c/cypress.htm
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12710734
- http://biblehub.com/topical/g/galbanum.htm
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25671213
- http://biblehub.com/topical/h/hyssop.htm
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25920235
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22288378
- http://biblehub.com/topical/m/myrtle.htm
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24291016
- http://biblehub.com/topical/o/onycha.htm
- http://rbedrosian.com/Gardens/Incense_Israel_Onycha.pdf
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25116860
- https://www.bibleodyssey.org/glossary/sharon/
- http://biblehub.com/topical/s/spikenard.htm
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26371857
