Cistus Essential Oil

Do you remember reading that phrase in the Song of Solomon ("I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys"). and picturing a rose?!  I was shocked to learn that this is likely not a rose at all, but rather the flower ladanum or rock rose or commonly cistus (hence cistus essential oil!). Albert Barnes writes, "The etymology is in favor of its being a bulbous plant (the white narcissus, Conder). “Sharon” is usually the proper name of the celebrated plain from Joppa to Caesarea, between the hill-country and the sea, and travelers have remarked the abundance of flowers with which this plain is still carpeted in spring." [1]  I love that it is a white flower - since white represents purity its more fitting for Christ then a red rose.  The fact that this flower has a sweet, honey-like scent  reminds…

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Cedarwood Essential Oil

There are few things I cherish more in life then a great night's sleep. :)  With a baby that still gets up every few hours to nurse, I need my sleep.  Looking through various materials, I was on the hunt for a great oil that promoted a calm environment and restful sleep and stumbled upon Cedarwood Essential Oil.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered there were also 25 references in Scripture to cedar because it was the lumber that was used for construction, and another 40 references to live cedar trees (King Solomon had planted cedar trees all throughout Jerusalem). Cedarwood essential oil (Cedrus atlantica) is a woodsy, warm, balsamic aroma that can be added to your favorite skin care products and applied topically. This essential oil includes sesquiterpenes and its powerful scent creates a relaxing, calming, and comforting atmosphere when diffused. Cedarwood  is…

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Cassia Essential Oil

I have to confess something.  Prior to studying the oils of the Bible I had never heard of Cassia, and for sure never Cassia Essential Oil.  Not once in all my years studying the Bible, pouring over every word with a fine tooth comb for seminary papers or Old Testament finals did I ever once see this word recorded.  And yet - here it is in Exodus 30:22-25 (ESV) in the recipe given to Moses by God. 22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250, and 250 of aromatic cane, 24 and 500 of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. 25 And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall…

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Aloes (Sandalwood)

I am probably the most disorganized and least structured person I know.  haha  However, I thought for sake of trying to provide a semblance of a workable outline I would cover the 12 oils of the Bible alphabetically, meaning first up is Aloes. Aloes - [pronounced all-oss so this is not aloe vera] is the same essential oil also referred to as Sandalwood (Santalum album). It has a rich, sweet, warm, and woody aroma that is sensual and romantic. Used traditionally as incense in religious ceremonies and for meditation, it is uplifting and relaxing. It is valued in skin care for its moisturizing and normalizing properties. Sandalwood has an approximate ORAC of 1,655 (TE/L). TE/L is expressed as micromole Trolox equivalent per liter. A BIT OF HISTORY Sandalwood has an ancient history, and is seen in Sanskrit and Chinese manuscripts from up to 4,000…

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Oils of the Bible

Nothing has been more important to me in my life than my relationship with Jesus.  Once we started using essential oils, it was so amazing to learn about God and the Oils of the Bible.  I met the Lord for the first time in a very real way in Feb 1998, thanks to some sweet friends who kept loving me and sharing with me about what He was doing in their life.  I love reading my Bible and discovering a new truth every day, so imagine my surprise and delight when I discovered that in the pages of this amazing inspired work, were all these references to essential oils! Coming to a consensus on just how many times oils are mentioned throughout scripture can be a challenge since there is so much we don’t know. For example, a reference to gum or…

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Essential Oils in the Bible

Have you ever looked at how essential oils were used in history, especially in Scripture? While many people know that Frankincense and Myrrh were brought as gifts to Jesus, there are so many references to Essential Oils in the Bible.   I love to read.  I make it a goal each year to try to get through 52 books, although I have yet to hit that goal.  Yet every year I set that goal simply because I love to read and I come close most years and have read some great books!  My favorite book is the Bible.  Every time I open it up, the Truth that is contained in it and the way it can minister to my heart, or encourage me, or admonish me, or remind me of the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life, I'm reminded…

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