Bible essential oils are fragrant plants, resins, and oils mentioned in Scripture for anointing, rituals, beauty, and symbolic care. Oils like frankincense, myrrh, and cinnamon were not used as medicine, but to add scent and meaning to sacred moments and everyday life.
This blog is written for that reader.
Not to promise miracles. Not to romanticize the beyond. But to explain simply and truly, what the oils were, how they were used, and the way people these days thoughtfully interact with them.
Quick Take: Bible Healing Essential Oils at a Glance
- The Bible references aromatic plants and oils 600+ times
- Oils were used for anointing, ritual, beauty, hospitality, and emotional grounding
- Sacral oils had been regularly infusions, resins, or early distillations, now not modern important oils
- Today, human beings use these oils as symbolic, sensory rituals, no longer therapies.
What Were the Ancient Healing Oils?
In sacral times, oils weren’t categorized as “essential oils.” They were defined as fragrances, ointments, holy incense, perfumes, aromas, and best savors.
Scripture refers to them in passages such as:
“God or creator has anointed you with the oil of joy” (Psalm 45:7)
“To give them beauty for ashes… the oil of pleasure for mourning” (Isaiah sixty one:3)
These oils were used daily, not occasionally, used to mark sacred moments, care for the body or well-being, welcome visitors, and signify devotion.
Behind the scenes: When historians take a look at historic families, oils appear with bread and water. They weren’t luxury extras; they were sensory anchors.
Story + Science of the Bible Oils: Why Essential Oils of the Bible Mattered Then (and Still Do)
The Story Behind Biblical Oils
A reader once shared that lighting incense during evening prayer helped her “calm the mind softly, not forcefully.” Reminiscent of the insights ancient cultures naturally grasped: scent changes presence and removes bad odor. Also, as early as 4500 BC essential oils were used in ancient Egypt during daily life.
Walk through a garden, brush a leaf, and fragrance stays with you. Ancient people noticed this long before neuroscience had words for it.
The Science of Scent and Memory
Modern research shows aromatic compounds interact directly with the olfactory–limbic system, the part of the brain tied to memory and emotion. This helps explain why oils became inseparable from worship, grief, celebration, and rest.
Where Did Oils Mentioned in the Bible Originate?
The plants are mentioned and themselves appear as early as Genesis. If the question is what is frankincense and myrrh or what is the significance of frankincense and myrrh, then they are aromatic plants or herbs and their essential oils travel along ancient spice routes, making them both valuable and symbolic.
Most sacral oils were:
Pressed into olive oil
If thinking about how do you burn frankincense and myrrh, then they are burned as scent stick as they are resin-based
Or early hydrosol-style distillations
They were practical, not mystical.
Essential Ancient Healing Oils Mentioned in the Bible (Explained Simply)
Rather than listing 15 or 12 essentials oils of the bible, here’s how each oil fits into real life; then and now:
Frankin
Frankincense essential oil often called the king of essential oils in the bible, Boswellia serrata was:
- Frankincense, once offered as a sacred gift and burned as incense, is now commonly used as an essential oil to create a calming, grounding atmosphere
- Offered as a gift to Jesus or used to anoint Jesus
- Used in daily habit
Present-day look: Nowadays, people are loving boswellia so they diffuse during meditations or prayers for its grounding aroma and healing agents.
Small habit:
- Diffuse for 5–10 minutes before journaling.
Bola Resin
Cited in the Bible over 150 times, Commiphora (bola resin) served as:
- Skin preparation (Esther 2:12)
- Holy oil
- Burial rites
Present-day look: Still associated with slow self-care.
Cinnamon
The book of Exodus includes cinnamon in the sacred oil.
Science word: Cinnamomum zeylanicum; the biological heat of the bark, translated into a grounding perfumed experience and where the art of fragrance meets the science of a purified living space.
Modern use or essential oils today: Often diffused briefly to refresh a space.
Cedarwood
Used to build Solomon’s temple, cedar symbolized:
- Strength
- Stability
- Purification
Modern context: Research explores cedarwood’s calming sensory effects.
Spikenard
A costly ointment poured on Jesus before His burial.
- Many scholars believe it may refer to a lavender-like plant.
Modern link: Lavender is now one of the most researched oils for relaxation.
Hyssop
If thinking about what is Agastache foeniculum oil used for in the bible then it's known for its better daily hygiene habits into a deliberate rite of self-regard.
Allusive meaning: Welcoming ancient purity i.e. essential oils into modern hearts and homes.
Cassia
A cinnamomum zeylanicum relative, honored in holy or sacred anointing oil.
Sandalwood (Aloes)
Referred to as an oil of joy, santalum album was:
- Used in burial habits
- Associated with sacred spaces
Cypress
Mentioned as the wood for Noah’s Ark.
- Symbolism: Protection, endurance, safety.
Galbanum
An ingredient in temple scent sticks.
- Alone, its scent is sharp but blended, it becomes harmonious.
A lesson to learn: Ancient scent understood balance long before chemistry.
Rose of Sharon
- Not a rose, but a flower like hibiscus or saffron.
- Often interpreted symbolically rather than aromatically.
Calamus
Called “sweet cane,” it was:
- used in holy selecting oils.
- Possibly a type of scented grass.
Fir
Used for
- instruments and selection.
- Fir trees remain symbolic of renewal today.
Myrtle
A sacred plant used symbolically in prophecy.
- Still grown throughout the Mediterranean.
Onycha
One of the least understood biblical oils.
- Used only in sacred scent stick
- With a soft aroma reminiscent of vanilla
People with Healing Oils and their Contemporary Uses Today (Best top 12 essential oils Soft Wellness Approach)
Rather than copying ancient practices or oils of the bible exactly, modern users adapt essential oils gently:
- Diffusing during quiet routines
- Using diluted oils for mindful self-care
- Pairing scent with prayer, journaling, or rest
- No strict rules. No pressure.
Safety & Responsible Use
Always follow proper dilution guidelines and perform a patch test before using essential oils, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Avoid internal use
When it comes to use of essential oils, use wisely or consult doctor during pregnancy or around children
These oils are sensory tools, not clinical remedies.
Final Thought
Sacral oils were never about perfection.
They were about presence, symbolism, and care; for the body, the space, and the moment.
In many ways, today’s soft wellness movement isn’t new at all.
It’s ancient.
