Biblical Foundations For Health Theology Religion Essay

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

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Biblical Foundations for Health with the Use of Essential Oils in the Scriptures

Outline

Abstract

Introduction

Literature Review

The Act of Anointing with Essential Oils

Examples of Biblical essential Oils

Myrrh

Cedarwood

Frankincense

Onycha

Aloes/Sandalwood

Spikenard

Cypress

Hyssop

Myrtle

Cistus

Cinnamon Bark Oil

Galbanum Oil

Cassia Oil

Conclusion

Works Cited

Abstract

Essential oils are less popular that they were in the ancient times. Its significance has also lost meaning in the majority of people in the contemporary world. This essay elaborates how these oils were biblically used by ancient people to heal the spirit, mind and body of human beings. Healing oils were God’s medicine to heal human kind from any kind of illness and sickness. Essential oils can be defined as a herb that is in its purest form, the liquid that is volatile and that can be obtained from the distillation of steam from plant leaves, stems, seeds, branches, flowers, roots and barks. The benefits of essential oils extended to all aspects of the well being of mankind, including emotional, mental, spiritual and physical. However, in the contemporary world, the uses of essential oils have a different implication and mankind has developed a different perception against them due to the introduction of modern medicine and civilization. True healing is based on the Biblical scriptures that emphasize on the use of essential oils in attaining the highest state of wellbeing in individuals. The essay also highlights the act of anointing with the use of essential oils. Example of essential oils used in the scriptures include Myrrh oil, Cedarwood oil, Frankincense oil, Onycha oil, Aloes or Sandalwood oil, Cypress oil, Hyssop oil, Myrtle oil, Spikenard oil, Cistus oil, Cinnamon Bark oil, Galbanum oil and Cassia oil.

Myrrh essential oil contains and offers human beings with understanding. It was used to heal skin conditions, embalming, oral hygiene and as a repellent for insects. Myrrh is highly potent as a restorative or regenerative-emotionally, spiritually or physically. On the other hand, Myrtle oil is acknowledged Biblically as a symbol for recognizing God’s everlasting presence. Cedarwood essential oil is regarded as the oil that controls will in human beings while Frankincense essential oil was used for holy purposes such as anointing of a new priest and kings. Onycha essential oil is well regarded as the faith oil. Onycha oil has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties. Spikenard oil, Cassia oil and Galbanum essential oil also have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, deodorant, anti-inflammatory, skin tonic and relaxing properties antiviral, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory decongestant, anti-spasmodic and antiseptic properties. Aloes or Sandalwood essential is well as known as the imagination oil while Spikenard essential oil is regarded as the oil that offers human being power. Cistus essential oil is perfumed oil that has antiseptic properties. The use of Cinnamon Bark essential oil is prominent due to its irresistible taste and aroma. All the oils have similar properties such as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties. They also have astringent, anti-depressant, sedative, aphrodisiac, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, deodorant, skin tonic, relaxing, antiviral, anti-infectious, decongestant and anti-spasmodic properties.

Biblical ancient people believed that essential oils were holistic medicine that offered their body system spiritual, physical, as well as emotional healing. As a result, the use of essential oils for healing resulted to optimal achievement of mental, physical, spiritual and social health aspects. The use of essential oils seeks to reveal every system of human beings to boost health, treat and heal disease, as well as maximize the well being of human beings. The belief of the holistic nature of essential oils is that the health of human beings comprises more than a physical element, but also, it relates to the overall aspects of the individual state such as social, emotional, spiritual, and mental state.

Introduction

Essential oils are famous to be a fundamental part in people’s daily lives for more than thousands of years. These essential oils have been in application to heal the spirit, mind and body of human beings since the time of the creation. For instance, in the Bible, Genesis reveals that Eve and Adam were located in a garden that was magnificent and filled with several fragrances of trees, flowers, and other various plants. This implies that God, created everything that human beings require for healing their emotional, mental, spiritual and physical needs and aspects. In the Bible, the Old and the New Testaments speaks of over 200 essential oils, ointments, incense and aromatics. They were applied by the ancient people in rituals of religion, for anointment, and for healing people who were suffering from various kinds of sickness and illness. This demonstrates that the use of essential oils begun many centuries ago. However, in the contemporary world, the use of these oils has been extremely shunned with the introduction of advanced modern medicine and technology in the healing a variety of infections and ailments (King and Lawrence 23).

Essential oils can be defined as a herb that is in its purest form, the liquid that is volatile and that can be obtained from the distillation of steam from plant leaves, stems, seeds, branches, flowers, roots and barks. These essential oils are extremely chemically complex. Essential oils can be considered to be the first medicine of human beings dating to 4500 BC. The oils comprise of several properties. Some of the oils are extremely antiseptic, disinfectant, remove poisons, toxins, and heavy metals; they stimulate cell oxygenation, increase the permeability of cells and effectively fight against bacteria viruses, and tumors. On the other hand, essential oils are highly potent. The use of essential oils in the scripture by the ancient people proves God to be the first aromatherapist. The Bible healing oils are aromatic even when their scent is not strong. Their volatility allows them to be taken and inhaled to the body through the lungs down to the bloodstream. Then, they go to the brain directly crossing the barrier of the blood-brain. This is possible because essential oils comprises of tiny molecules that are capable of penetrating all cells, and ensuring that a therapy has been administered at the foremost essential levels of human bodies. The structural complexity of essential oils offers them the capability of performing several functions with the use of a few drops that get air diffused or skin applied (Osborn 22).

Biblical ancient people believed that essential oils were holistic medicine that offered their body system spiritual, physical, as well as emotional healing. In addition, they believed that essential oil fostered a relationship that was cooperative among those people who were involved such as the patient, the healer as well as the patients, family. As a result, the use of essential oils for healing resulted to optimal achievement of mental, physical, spiritual and social health aspects. The bible stresses on how people should live a lifestyle that is health and harmonious with nature. The use of essential oils seeks to reveal every system of human beings to boost health, treat and heal disease, as well as maximize the well being of human beings. Usually, the belief of the holistic nature of essential oils is that the health of human beings comprises more that a physical element, but also, it relates to the overall aspects if the individual state such as social, emotional, spiritual, and mental state. Therefore, for a person to be considered to be health, then all facets that a person comprises of ought to be addressed and treated equally in order to achieve true personal health. Therefore, those professionals who practice healthcare and uphold the use of essential oils work together with the patients and recommend those treatment that boost the natural healing of the body, and they also consider a person as a whole (Stewart 13).

Biblically, healing oils were God’s medicine to heal human kind from any kind of illness and sickness. Several people in the Bible inhaled the oils, applied them to their bodies and took them internally. The benefits of essential oils extended to all aspects of the well being of mankind, including emotional, mental, spiritual and physical. For instance, from the Book of Psalms51:7, David prays to God that he may purge him with Hyssop so that he can become clean. David believed that by being cleansed by Hyssop, he would become whiter more than snow. This implies, Holy and ancient people understood extremely well the use and importance of essential oils from preserving the wellness of human beings, to emotional cleansing, sin purification and physical healing. One of the major advantages of essential oil is that they cause no severe side effects that can be deadly to human beings. They effectively work harmoniously with the human body and enhance the capabilities of healing (Scorer 41). This essay discusses the biblical foundations for health with the use of essential oils in the scriptures.

Literature Review

The world was designed in a way that it offered both good and contrite hence, the Almighty desired that human beings would utilize all of His creation to lead a comfortable and disease free life. As the first Aromatherapist, God diffused the environment with medicine by creating plants. From the book of Ezekiel 47:12, God dedicated all kinds of fruit trees to bear fruits, and their leaves and fruits to be used by humankind for healing. This is evident that He wanted mankind to be wise and use the plants for medicinal purposes. The Bible emphasizes on trees being fruitful and those that are not should be cut down. God’s intention was that man would live and enjoy His magnificent creation for eternity. He did this by placing Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and gave them authority over all the plants that were in it except the tree of knowledge which they were forbidden from touching or eating its fruits. However, this was before sin entered the world through Satan’s deception that made Adam and Eve sin. Consequently, the plan for mankind’s peaceful life changed, and tribulation began. Sickness, suffering and death became part of man’s life. Despite the fact that man sinned, God still provided solutions for the problems that would befall human beings due to His unconditional love. Nevertheless, this would only be possible if man followed the instructions that were written in the scriptures. The restoration of health is Biblically based on the use of essential oils. The book of Revelation 22:2 describes the trees of life that stood by the sides of a river which bore twelve types of fruit, and that the leaves of these trees are to be used for healing people (Osborn 37).

Traditional herbs have not been embraced, and this explains the reason for the many ailments that are currently in the world. Many lives are lost each day due to sheer ignorance of what would certainly heal the body and provide the necessary vigor that one requires to go through life. There will be no sickness if the Biblical teachings were followed to the later; sickness. It results due to abuse of the body and lack of utilization of the natural remedies that are available in the environment, for instance the essential oils that are explained in the Holy Bible. Furthermore, man’s indulgence in earthly pleasures such as heavy drinking of alcoholic beverages and smoking has also resulted in poor health conditions. This explains the reason as to why diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart conditions are on the increase. These diseases are responsible for causing a lot of anguish, suffering and death to the victims. They also lead to the financial crisis as the families spend a lot of money in seeking medication for their patients. Therefore, the knowledge on the applicability of the essential oils that the scriptures support would help in preventing the deteriorating of health in mankind (King and Lawrence 27).

Soldiers who fought in wars, as well as shepherds who took care of sheep drank wine that was mixed with myrrh. The Bible teaches man the relationship that coexists between him and God. The uniqueness and effectiveness of essential oils is full of God’s intelligence since they are all God’s direct creations. The oils are part of God’s grand plan for the salvation of mankind. He never intended that man should suffer, but due to disobedience, man has gone through a lot suffering especially in relation to the state of wellbeing. Consequently, when these oils are effectively and properly applied and in a prayerful manner, they have the power of divine vibrational energy and intelligence to discern how, and what to do such that it can be beneficial to human beings without creating any harmful side effects (King and Lawrence 31).

From the prehistoric times, fragrances and flavors have always been part and parcel of man’s daily life. In one way or another, every human being uses materials of flavors and perfumery in their daily lives. The Israelites widely used fragrances in their customs and tradition since it was a pure vital symbol in the observance of their religious practices. They believed and trusted that essential oils were dedicated by God and contained the power that could heal them from every kind of sickness and infections, as well as to protect them from any kind of evil. However, in the contemporary world, the use of essential oils has a different implication and mankind has developed a different perception against them due to the introduction of modern medicine and civilization. In spite of the interaction of man with essential oils in every day live, for instance in personal hygiene and care, he does not comprehend that confectionaries and cosmetics used all contain essential oils (King and Lawrence 42).

The Biblical foundations on health advices people on obtaining proper rest and sleep for the purpose of giving the body organs time to rejuvenate. The book of Exodus 20:8-11 gives a spiritual and health law that speaks of God giving His beloved believers sleep for the sake of promoting their health by creating harmony between the body, spirit and the mind. Moreover, healing through the use of essential oils also requires that people ought to maintain cleanliness of their bodies, as well as fasting occasionally so as to cleanse the digestive system. Everything that people do should be aimed at glorifying God and, therefore as Christians there is need to be aware that God judges every action that people do. Consequently, the violation of God’s laws concerning healthy living shall also affect the spiritual relationship with the Almighty (Osborn 39).

One of the advantages of essential oils is that they are different from vegetable oils in that they are non-greasy and cannot clog pores like how the vegetable oils do. When these oils are administered properly, they do not cause any side effects that are harmful. On the contrary, bodies get mobilized with self-healing powers. Furthermore, the use of these oils promotes people’s appreciation of the wonder and beauty of creation which sometimes people are not able to notice and appreciate. Many people, even believers are caught up in their own problems such that the wonderful fulfillment that is found in creation is not felt at all due to much time spent in wallowing in self-pity and desperation. Hence, it is vital to know that appreciation of God’s incredible creation provides mankind with inner contentment. On the other hand, the effectiveness and numerous applications of the essential oils are accounted for by the extraordinary properties that these oils possess which include spiritual, physical and emotional benefits. In addition, they are also able to affect several body processes, as well as the brain. Essential oils were Biblically used by people of all cultures. The information found in the Holy Scriptures regarding the treatment these oils provide is meant to teach Christians on healthy living. These essential oils have a chemistry that is very complex since each of these oils contains numerous distinctive chemical compounds. The oils are also highly concentrated, as well as more effective as compared to dried herbs. This high concentration levels is due to the distillation process that the oils undergo (Scorer 43).

The essential oils in the bible were meant to bless people on a spiritual and physical basis. The true anointing that God Ordained in the past has long become a forgotten art and science. In the Bible, Jesus’ feet were on several occasions anointed by use of Spinekard oil. In the past, healers who used essential oils in their practices to heal and anoint people in the society were also regarded as holy people or priests. However, in some culture, people went to seek healing from medicine men or women who specialized in the art of traditional medicine. On the other hand, Biblically, Jesus taught his followers how they would heal by use of essential oils all levels of the human being, and not just the physical aspect. Unfortunately, this healing is rarely embraced today due to much technological advancement in the field of medicine and surgery. True healing is based on the Biblical scriptures that emphasize on the use of essential oils in attaining the highest state of wellbeing in individuals. Complete healing should fully restore the health of the weak and the sick. The use of modern medicine is given the first priority in today’s society. However, this medicine does not address the holistic wellbeing of the sick; it only heals the physical being while the spiritual and emotional issues that can be associated with the disease that the victim suffered from fail to get addressed. Thus, it is only the use of essential oils that the Bible advocates that can help in restoring the total functioning of the body and spirit and mind (Stewart 19).

In the book of Mark 6:12, the use of essential oils is also advocated by the Messiah when He instructed His disciples to use oils for anointing and healing the sick. In addition, He also went further to point out that healing would occur after the patient has repented. This implies that healing of any disease requires divine connection and intervention. Biblically, healing does not just involve the taking of medicine, but also requires sick people to be mentally accountable for their physical and emotional health. This can be achieved by the victims being open to receive healing by transforming their belief systems such that anything that could hinder healing gets removed. According to the Biblical foundations for health, as people use the essential oils for restoring their health, they should also be aware that true healing comes from within the inner person. This is written in the book of III Chronicles chapter 7:14. There is also the need for harmony to exist between the sick and God. The Bible on many occasions emphasizes on having of faith in order to please God, there has to be faith for healing to also take place. On the contrary, most people today believe that only doctors are able to cure their ailments, but they forget that healing has to start with the individual’s effort in overcoming the disease. Additionally, the holy scriptures support the idea that man has to overcome the physical body and rather walk in the spirit, this means that it is possible to defeat the effects of disease through positive willpower together with the proper use of essential oils. The essential oils assist people in connecting with the divine source. They are also able to erase any negative emotions that they have on their cellular levels thus, providing healing based on the emotional, spiritual and physical dimensions of mankind. The essential oils are as effective just as antibiotics are and they are useful in promoting overall health, longevity and vitality (King and Lawrence 46).

Biblically and from a perspective of a Christian, essential oils were considered by the ancient people, more so the Israelites as medicine that is holy and dedicated by God, and could cure any kind of disease. Human beings are a spirit in themselves; they live inside a body and possess a soul, that is, emotions and minds. They are uniquely and amazingly designed by God since their health and spirituality are all connected. Therefore, the Bible ought to be man’s consulting manual in matters relating to spirituality, as well as health since it defines God’s will for humanity and procedures that ought to be taken in cases where an issue of health arises. Mankind has three crucial parts namely: the body, mind and spirit. These three parts are the components that define and make a human being holistic. The three parts are connected and cannot be separated. Each of these parts contains several areas and therefore, if one area hurts, it also affects all the other parts. The mental, spiritual, aspects and physical aspects of human life are closely interconnected. Since God cared for mankind’s holistic nature since creation, therefore, He also does in the modern world. With a person’s health and spirituality, the modern world discerns the use and effectiveness of essential oils. Usually, there exist contrite and good in almost all things on the planet including the health wellness of human beings and the use of essential oils as a remedy. Therefore, the majority of modern Christian uses discernment in matters that relate to health and alternative medicine. Essential oils are God’s creations. They contain the intelligence of God, and when accurately used or applied in a beseeching way; they have power over the divine intelligence to become aware and know how to perform that which can be of assistance and to keep away from doing anything which may possibly bring harm. This is because, scientifically essential oils contain various magnificent properties such as hormones that regulate growth, enzymes that stimulate cell metabolism, stimulants for the immune system, resin that heal wounds, balance and support abilities that regulate the reproductive, circulatory, digestive, nervous and endocrine systems. Essential oils also have the potential to metabolize nutrients, vitamins and minerals, being hostile in invading microbes and are friendly to human cells (Osborn 26).

In the contemporary world, the majority of people desire to follow their God unconditionally. There is also focus on the religious affiliations that people have as the majority of people possess a longing for spiritual fulfillment. Therefore, it is quite common to find people of all walks seeking to develop a relationship with the supernatural world for the sake of satisfying the inner thirsting of the soul. This has been possible due to the numerous and diverse religions that exist in the modern world. However, some of the religious beliefs that people possess have led to more harm than good since they cannot be based under the Biblical foundations that God ordained man to live by. As a result, they live their lives preserving elevated moral standards, adopting a modest code of dressing and helping others sacrificially. However, when matters of health arise, human beings remove their faith from God, as well as what He had ordained, and then put their trust in drugs and man’s other inventions. While man’s modern medicine has assisted several people, and their emergency care and diagnostic have proven to be invaluable, it is the state of every day’s health and illness prevention that has caused both non-believers and believers have turned more to man’s modern day surgery and drugs for medicine (King and Lawrence 40).

Many people today have diverted their attention from the Biblical viewpoint on health as well as neglect the true approaches to health that are outlined in the Holy Scriptures. The Bible contains principles for healthy living which are not applied effectively even by those declare that they are true believers. Thus, there is a lot of abuse done to the body which the Bible says it is the temple of God and should be well maintained. This is found in the book of I Corinthians 6:19-20, which further emphasizes that we are to do God’s will and not as we please since He bought us at a price. Furthermore, human beings should glorify God by using each part of their bodies. Consequently, these bodies ought to be in good shape for this to be accomplished. On the other hand, sickness and bad health are curses that people get due to disobedience of the laws that God gave to man concerning healthy living. The book of Deuteronomy 28:15-62, states that the only way that people can be healthy and happy is by obeying God’s laws (Scorer 47).

The total wellbeing of the body, mind and spirit also goes well with other principles that are written in the Holy Scriptures concerning the health of man that are to be observed together with the use of essential oils. The book of Galatians 5:22-23, speaks of how Christians should maintain a truly joyful spirit which can be achieved by always aspiring to produce the fruits which are gifts the Holy Spirit gives. Furthermore, the Scriptures emphasize on people being active by engaging themselves in physical work which includes sports and exercise. A high level of inactivity is a contributing factor to gaining of extra weight thus, leading to obesity which is a risk factor for attack of chronic diseases. On the other hand, the Bible gives measures that should help people to moderate food and drink. Drinking too much wine is said to lead to death. In addition, the book of proverbs 23:20-21 condemns these habits of being gluttons or drunkards. Today many people who come from affluent societies lack the virtue of control; they drink and eat too much since they can afford such extravagant lifestyles. However, this comes with a price to pay as their bodies get affected by the toxins present in these unhealthy foods and drinks. Moreover, they end up becoming overweight due to overeating and being inactive which is a serious risk factor to their health. Scientific evidence indicates that most of the overweight people die due to complications from diabetes, coronary and digestive diseases (Osborn 69).

Divine healing comes from God Almighty and from the Biblical foundations in regard to health, the Lord promises to reward those who seek Him diligently in truth and spirit freedom from disease. Moreover, they should also obey all His commands. Biblically, the gospel of Christ included healing as a ministry which the followers of Christ had to perform as they spread word of the good news. Christ also healed many during His public ministries. Teaching and healing of basic decrees of health was a very significant element of the grand commission that Jesus gave to His disciples. This implies that the use of essential oils for healing of body, mind and spirit began a long time ago. Never was health neglected, the perfect functioning of the body was crucial in implementing the plan of salvation. On the other hand, the use of essential oils as written in the scriptures can provide healing to the spirit, mind and body by observing of the Lord’s Holy Sabbath. The Lord blessed the day for man to rest and worship Him. The world is a place that has a lot of turmoil and nervous tension as people strive to make ends meet. Therefore, it is quite necessary to spend a day away from any indulgence that would hinder divine connection and blessings. The Sabbath is therefore a time for those who keep it to experience physical and spiritual rejuvenation so as to allow the body, mind and spirit to get recharged and become ready to handle responsibilities of life in the week that follows. This proves that indeed the Bible is the foundation of knowledge that provides guiding principles for how people lead their lives. Furthermore, the Bible principles impact on the way people say, wear, think, do and eat. Christians have to live a clean, pure and sinless life just as Christ for them to have optimal health (King and Lawrence 63).

The bible talks of healing oils and herbs for about 200 times. One of the foremost characteristic features of the Bible healing oils is that all of them are aromatic oils. From James 5:14, 15, the bible declares that if anybody is ill or suffering from any kind of disease, he should request for church elders who will pray and anoint him with essential oil in the Lord’s name. As a result, a faithful prayer offered will heal the sick and God will raise him. In the present world, such practices are never practiced. These oils contain the essential plant fluids that make the plants’ life possible. They are regarded to be essential due to the essence they contain towards the life of the plant. All essential oils contain the life force; vibrational energy and intelligence that offer them the healing power that allows it to work in human beings. For instance, from John1:1, the Bible declares that the beginning of all creations was made possible because of the existence of the Word, which was God. Here, the term "Word" offers the expression for energy. This implies that when plants were created by God’s speaking voice; He instilled the plants with his power and intelligence. On the other hand, the book of 3 John 1:2 states: "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy prospereth." This implies that God does not intend anybody to rely on anybody else except on Him and his want for his people to become healthy. In the contemporary world, there is a continuous widespread of fungal, parasitic, viral, and bacterial contamination. However, God offers human beings an answer to such problems. As the book of Genesis 1:12-13 describes, the original medicine provided by God when he created plants (Stewart 38).

The use of essential oils in the Scriptures would help in assisting people who have become food fanatics at the expense of their own health. Such individuals have discarded the God-given form of diet that would promote the holistic health of people; they opt to survive on a bountiful amount of organic supplements and vitamin pills so as to boost their health status after much damage has been done to the body. Consequently, those who truly seek to be healthy need to focus on the Eternal laws that are found in the Bible. It defines how human beings should live so as to prevent diseases. The remedies for various sicknesses are also provided. The usage of essential oils for maintaining the health of people is something that requires personal commitment and discipline. It is not easy to attain wholesome health without putting continual effort and diligence. Everyone needs to have an improvement both in the spiritual and physical life. However, people should focus on understanding their bodies more, how they function and what may affect them negatively. This will help in avoiding contact with an harmful substance or habits that may bring about disease. Moreover, the body also ought to be respected (Scorer 74).

The maximization of the health of human beings is certainly in line with the scriptures. For instance, the book of 1st Corinthians illustrates that human beings are supposed to observe good health since their bodies can be considered to be the temple where the Holy Spirit dwells. Also, several other books such as Luke 10:34, and James 5:14 speak of the use of essential oils for medicinal uses. The majority of the ancient use of essential oils in treatment can be considered to be holistic in the contemporary world since essential oil often shies from surgery and drugs .In addition, the majority of Christians have always benefitted from the principles that holy medicine embody. However, the major caution is order. Several health advocates recommend those techniques that can create spiritual wellness, but might ultimately conflict the scripture, as well as act as doors that can allow the activity of demons. Usually, the use of oils to maintain and boost health in human beings often advocates a meditation that is transcendental, which can be considered as the technique of emptying the human mind and being one with the earth and the heavens. This can encourage those participating in such treatment to look for answers to difficult questions in life using their own conscience as an alternative of God’s Word. It also allows the person to leave loophole for being deceived by Satan. Therefore, those Christians who engage in meditation ought to centre their needs and questions on God’s word, the attributes, as well as the beauty that Jesus Christ possesses as a Great Physician (Stewart 89).

In the present world, the majority of Christians base their believes that in searching for medical attention, it is an indication that a person lacks faith in the power of God. Some also believe that to consult a doctor is also a sign of lacking faith in God, which will prevent Him from healing that person. On the other hand, some believe that to seek assistance from physician can create a barrier to the use of spiritual energy that God has offered to his people to heal. However, some of these believe and perspectives lack logic. God does healing miracles; however, it does not imply that Christians should always wait for that miracle without seeking assistance from those people who possess the expertise and skills to assist them. In the Bible, physicians are spoken of for more than a dozen times. Therefore, even when being assisted by a doctor, the ultimate faith of the patient should be based in God and not on the doctor (King and Lawrence 79).

The Act of Anointing with Essential Oils

Moses, for instance is spoken of in the Bible as to have been offered with a recipe for oil to be used as anointing oil. This recipe included essential oils such as cinnamon, myrrh, cassia and calamus and pure olive. From the book of Exodus 30:23 sates:" Moreover the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels, and of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin: and though shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary, it shalt be an holy anointing oil." This implies that God himself dedicated essential oil for holy and spiritual purposes. The Lord said to Moses that he should take some quantities of the finest spices that comprise of sweet cinnamon, myrrh, sweet calamus and olive oil. He was then to mix them like perfume so as to make anointing oil that was sacred. Moses was instructed to then use the mixture to anoint the Tent of God’s presence, the covenant Box, the table and all of its other equipments. Moreover, he was also told to anoint the lamp stand and its equipment, the altar for the burning incense and that for offerings, as well as their equipments. He was also to anoint the washbasin, as well as its base. Ancient Biblical people knew how to effectively use every essential oil than they are getting applied by human beings in the contemporary world. For instance, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, and word went round of the good news, the wise men visited Jesus with myrrh and frankincense. The oils were brought as gifts, and they had the finest fragrance. This shows that the oils were extremely precious such that the Savior of the universe was also associated with them. Another spoken incident in the Bible is when Jesus’ feet were anointed by Mary with massive amounts of costly essential spikenard oil. She did this to illustrate her innermost appreciation and humility for Jesus as she sought forgiveness for her sins. In addition, the oils were regarded as instrumental in balancing the body, mind and spirit (Stewart 17).

In the ancient times and the Jerusalem Temple courts, the oil that was used for Holy Anointing was aromatic. Aromatic herbs, essential oils and plants were used for incense, aromatherapy, medicinal, perfume, and culinary functions for thousands years and by several cultures. Throughout the Biblical Times, ancient people inhaled essential oils or applied it as an anointment. When these essential oils were internally taken, the benefits of their effects extended to each characteristic of their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual being. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." This implies that if people in the contemporary world could make an effort to discover the Biblical healing oils, they could then devise a way to be in divine health. God provides instruction for maintenance of health through the use of essential oils because man is the most special creature that He made in His personal image. Therefore, all people should be treated with dignity and respect. Biblical foundations of health outline the necessity of providing care to the sick, poor and the less privileged in the society. Christians ought to therefore take the initiative of teaching others on the benefits of using the essential oils for healing. Additionally, compassionate caring is part of Christ’s ministry and it also proves that one has faith in God. Despite the fact that caring involves risking since it requires opening up to other people, the act can be considered to be sacrificial. This is because one has to create time and forget about personal interest. However, caring gives individuals experiences that relay the purpose and meaning of life, as well as great joy in knowing that somebody has been touched by the act of benevolence (Stewart 49).

Physical and spiritual health is interrelated. That explains the reason as to why people fast in order to break themselves from the bondage of sin. By fasting people get connected with the Almighty and enables Christians to be aware of what the poor really go through. This also has a physical benefit since it gives the body a chance to cleanse itself. Healing of the body through use of essential oils also requires that the victims have to be free from spiritual sicknesses. Such sickness comes about as a result of unrepented poisonous thoughts and sins that people have due to drifting away from God’s ways. In the book of Isaiah 59:1-2, it states that it is due to sin that most prayers are not answered. In addition, sin separates human beings from the love of God. People also end up becoming sick because the body becomes gradually poisoned with sinful habits of eating and wrong thoughts. Today many people have turned to the past in pursuit for answers to their health and wellness problems. Essential oils have been found to be one of the reliable cures available for several centuries. Research indicates that using of these oils prevents people from contracting various infectious diseases. Moreover, people who use oils and become infected by some infectious illnesses do recover much faster as compared to those who do not use any antibiotics.

Biblically, essential oils can be associated with the practices and acts of anointment. The book of psalms 23 sates: "Thou anointest my head with oil." Being anointed with the essential oil showed that God has favored a person. The act was mostly done when kings were being anointed. Exodus 30:23-24 describes that the holy oil that was used for anointment was blended with 82 % of the essential oil, olive oil being the base oil. With time, the true implication of oil anointment has lost meaning in the present world. The majority of Christian ministers regard oil to be symbolic however, they fail to recognize its medicinal value. The majority of them use oils from the grocery stores for anointing. These might encompass a ritual value and not Biblical. The book of Mark 6:13 shows how Jesus taught his disciples the art of spiritual anointing that bring healing by using essential oil, more especially olive oil that contained aromatic oils and precious spices. On the other hand, biblical believers were directed to use oils for anointment during fasting and also when praying for sick people (King and Lawrence 47).

Examples of Biblical essential Oils

Myrrh Essential Oil

Myrrh is also known as Commiphora myrrha. It is well known to be the oil that contains and offers human beings with understanding. It is also regarded as Mother Oil and the most repeatedly mentioned oil in the Bible, 156 times. It is also the first mentioned oil in the Bible, Genesis 37:25 and the final to be stated in Revelation 18:13. When Jesus was born, Myrrh was the first oil to be accepted by Christ alongside frankincense. It was also the last oil offered on the cross when Jesus was crucified (Mark 15:23). Myrrh has antitumoral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. The essential oil is an exceptional cure for skin conditions and fungal infections. During the ancient times, Myrrh was used to heal skin conditions, embalming, oral hygiene and as a repellent for insects. Myrrh is highly potent as a restorative or regenerative-emotionally, spiritually or physically. The medicinal use of Myrrh includes the good dysentery, thyroid balancing (hyperthyroidism), skin and mouth issues, and sore throat. In addition, Myrrh contains anti-parasitic properties as well as properties that reduce pain in human beings. Wound healing has been proved to be faster by 80-90% with few infections when Myrrh is applied. Myrrh was also used by mothers who were pregnant to anoint themselves for protection from infectious diseases, applied when a woman was in labor to allow the umbilical cords and the peritoneum to stretch. This is because, myrrh has excellent medicinal properties that combat infections, as well as wrinkles, removing athletes foot, viral hepatitis, ringworm, thrush in infants, bronchitis and inflammation (Osborn 39).

Myrrh was also used as an element to add beauty to a woman. This can be proved from the book of Esther 2:12, It states: "Before a girl’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics". The book of Esther 2:12 describe the story of how women were being taken to king Xerxes for his assessment. This was done after they had been subjected to regular beauty treatment that lasted for a year. This treatment which was also regarded as a purification process entailed doing of massages by use of myrrh oil for six months and another six months by using balsam oil which had a sweet oduor. The women would thus be taken to the king one after another after this period elapsed so that he would select the one who was the most appealing to become the queen. When the time for Esther to go to the King came, favor was upon her as the King liked her more than all the other women, thus winning the King’s favor and affection. On the other hand, the book of Psalms 45:8 shows how King David describes a royal wedding song whereby he describes the clothes of the king that they smell of myrrh, cassia and aloes. He progresses to say that the King is entertained by musicians in palaces that are decorated with ivory. This verse illustrates that the oils were of immense demand and that they brought healing to the soul, by elevating the spirits and soothing the mind through their sweet fragrance. In addition, the oils were also associated with royalty due to the fact that even the Kings used them (Osborn 42).

In the book of Genesis 37:25, there is a scene described whereby a group of Ishmaelites were seen coming from Gilead. They were headed to Egypt and had camels which were loaded with balm, myrrh and spicery. Also, in the book of Genesis 43:11, Israel told his sons to take the best fruits that their land produced together with other gifts of balm, honey, myrrh, almonds and nuts. This was during the time when Jacob’s sons had gone to buy corn in Egypt when Canaan had been stricken by famine (Stewart 57). The book of Proverbs 7:17 also talks of how a concubine lures men when their husbands are not around by telling them that she has perfumed her bed with aloes, myrrh and cinnamon. This verse is written as a warning to men to be careful of such women who talk smoothly but are loose since by accepting their offer they would ruin their lives forever. The myrrh oil in this case is used by the woman as an enticer since it relaxes the mind and thus would help in making her enjoy the moment with the man who falls for her charms. This description above simply reveals how the oil was of great significance to the ancient people (Scorer 87).

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood is also known as Cedrus Atlantic. It is regarded as the oil that controls will in human beings. Cedarwood oil has sedative, anti-fungal and anti-infectious properties. The book of Psalms 104:16 declares that the trees that belong to the Lord are filled with sap. Such trees are the like of the Lebanon Cedar. This implies that these trees were already dedicated by God for a special purpose. Furthermore, Cedarwood was used by King Solomon to build the temple and the palace (I Kings 6:9-15). Cedarwood oil contains purifying and calming properties. It provided the King with an environment that enabled him to inhale Cedarwood oil molecules endlessly and created an atmosphere where the king could clearly think and make wise decisions. Cedarwood has several positive effects to human beings such as clarifying their thinking and clearing of the mind. It has also has an uplifting effect to the spirit thus, making persons to have morale for pursuing their endeavors. Consequently, this makes them to make correct decisions when faced with conflicting issues. Modern essential oil produced by Cedarwood is Jupiter. Cedarwood oil is excellent for healing the infection of the urinary track, cellulite, lymphatic system and the respiratory condition. On the other hand, cedar wood oil has a highly oxygenating content and increases the content of oxygen within cells in seconds. This property makes it to be recommendable for lungs that have poor conditions of oxygenating, COPD and senior citizens where it is extremely effective. Before, the use of anesthesia, Cedarwood is topically diffused to oxygenate body cells. Moreover, the oil is an excellent stimulator of the pineal gland that releases melatonin (King and Lawrence 42).

Cedarwood creates the spirit of balance and steadiness. This spirit allows people to attain integrity, solidarity and stability over all things. The essential oil possess qualities that are vital when a person’s spirit gets weak by too much living, being too much loving and not being able to forgive. Cedarwood essential oil encourages the power and strength that people need to carry on in their pathway. It also urges mankind to keep hold of their dreams, which as a result will assist them to bring to reality their hopes. Inhaling the oil allows a person to achieve a mind that is over-analytic. Therefore, the use of Cedarwood oil in meetings creates greater clarity, which allows people to quickly recognize the key issues of the meeting. The oil possesses energy that is purifying and assists to liberate emotional toxins that are lodged in subtle bodies. Furthermore, the essential oil generates and stimulates memories that offer true feeling of spiritual love and liberates a mindset that is totally protected and secured by love (Stewart 96).

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense is also known as Olibanum-Boswellia carteri. Frankincense is extracted as a resin from tree trunks. According to biblical ancient times, the use of this oil is seen in many occasions where it brought healing of the body, spirit and mind thus, creating a balance in the health of people. Frankincense oil was used for holy purposes such as anointing of a new priest and kings. It was also one of the reasons why the oil was presented to Jesus on his birth by the wise men. The oil was also used to please God and prevent the wrath of God from reaching people. It brought a change of attitude and created harmony between God and mankind thus, acting as a unifying agent. The book Numbers 16:46-48 states: Then Moses said to Aaron, ‘Take your censer and put incense (Frankincense) in it, along with fire from the altar, and hurry to the assembly to make atonement for them. Wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has started. So Aaron did as Moses said, and ran into the midst of the assembly. The plague had already started among the people, but Aaron offered the incense and made atonement for them. He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped" (Stewart 52).

The major property of Frankincense is that it contains immune and anti-depressant properties. Thus, it can be used to prevent attack of diseases and reduce the level of depression among those who are depressed. Additionally, Frankincense has several medicinal uses such as reprogramming cellular memory, which promotes everlasting healing. The oil can also be used to treat some ailments such as typhoid, tonsillitis, head injuries, allergies, herpes and cancer. In addition, modern research indicates that the deep inhalation of the oil reduces cortisol. Usually, high cortisol results to weight difficulties. Frankincense oil’s power to heal is ancient since it was used by people to heal and treat everything, from injuries to gout. The oil contains high levels of sesquiterpenes that oxygenates and simulates the human brain lymphatic system that assist in the elevation of human moods and assists them to gain relaxation. On the other hand, Frankincense oil suppresses the growth of cancer cells of the bladder by stimulating pathways for the cells to die. This oil helps in improving symptoms brought about by various forms of arthritis and also provides relief when used for a week.

(Stewart 55).

Onycha Essential Oil

Onycha is also known as styrax benzoin. It is well regarded as the faith oil. Onycha oil has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties. According to the Bible, the oil was offered to Moses and placed among the oils that were contained in the Holy Incense Oil. The book of Exodus 30-34-35 states:"And the Lord said unto Moses, take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and Onycha, and galbanum, these sweet spices with pure frankincense and make incense." While the use of Onycha oil in the ancient times was as holy incense, the modern uses of oil have become extensive. Onycha oil contains a delightful vanilla aroma. It also contains much more acids than any essential oil. These oils are effective in providing the human body with antiseptic services and offering a scent that is calming. On the other hand, the oil effectively heals, restores and preserves skin elasticity. In addition, it assists the release of the emotional brain traumas. This implies that the oil is crucial for people who have gone traumatic experiences, which are on the increase in today’s world. There is a lot of suffering that is caused by several things such accidents whereby a person may become maimed thus, losing the independence that he or she initially had. One may also lose a loved one through death or become a victim of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and famine which eventually results to trauma. Therefore, the use of this oil relieves such emotional brain trauma that is harmful to the health of people. God’s plan of creation purposed to have mankind experience the full functioning of the body organs for his own benefit; never did God intend man to go through the pestilences that befall him. All the evil, pain and suffering that is in the world is as a result of sin. Therefore, by use of this essential oil man is able to achieve complete mental, physical and spiritual health. This oil is directly mentioned in the Bible one time as holy incense and stated 54 times indirectly (Osborn 45).

Aloes/Sandalwood Essential Oil

Aloes/Sandalwood is also known as Santalum album. It is well as known as the imagination oil. Sandalwood Oil has astringent, anti-depressant, sedative and aphrodisiac properties. According to the scriptures, the oil was a gift given by God. The book of Numbers 24:6 states: "Like valleys they spread out, like gardens beside a river, like aloes planted by the LORD, like cedars beside the waters." Sandwool has a history of 4, 000 years being used as carved wood, and as sweet and fruity-scented distillation. Biblical aloes was well known for its capability to foster various body systems by oxygenating the brain and body tissues. This was more effective for people who were running out of oxygen and needed rapid oxygenation for the cells to continue functioning. In addition, this oil is helpful in stimulating human natural brain melatonin secretion, allowing people to have a good sleep at night. The aloe oil is therefore vital for people who suffer from insomnia due to the numerous life pressurizing situations that people find themselves in, and that deprives them of the ability to sleep soundly at night. Furthermore, this oil is known for its outstanding quality of treating prostrate complications in men. On the other hand, Sandwool can be used to calm internal turmoil, as well as strengthen the physical psyche connection. Consequently, this oil is suitable for people who are battling within themselves with regard as to what choice to make or those who are emotionally down and require something that would elevate their spirits for them to be able to go through life. Such occurrences are common considering hustles and bustles that life offers. It is also excellent oil that can be used for medication diffuse. Moreover, this essential oil effectively reprograms disinformation and balances female hormones. The aloe oil is highly preferred for its emotionally and calming balancing properties that allows it to be used to cure stress and depression (Scorer 61).

Aloes has been in use the world in the process of prayer and meditation as a form of enhancement. This essential oil allows people’s minds to go to the meditation state that is the deepest and connects people with grater prayer, which is the never ending meditation. The oil possess the power and energy that originates from its scent, which raises an exotic sensuality feeling, as well as spiritual wholeness, that is divine sensuality. On the other hand, the essential oil gives people the capacity to be grounded to the essence of divine, assist throughout the time of fear, and enables people to surrender to the will of divine. In addition, the oil enables reprogram people’s brains and kindle the pineal and the pituitary glands. This implies that this oil acts as a builder of people’s whole endocrine system (King and Lawrence 101).

Spikenard Essential Oil

Spikenard is also known as nardostachys jatamansi. It is regarded as the oil that offers human being with power. According to biblical ancient customs, the oil was used for anointment. Spikenard was gifted by God, the book of Song of Solomon 1: 12 states: While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof." Spikenard oil has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, deodorant, anti-inflammatory, skin tonic and relaxing properties. This makes it of considerable assistance to human beings health in assisting with the treatment of infections and skin conditions nourishment. Spikenard oil is extracted through the process of distillation from plant lowers stems and roots. The oils has an excellent property of curing migraines, tachycardia, allergies and is used for the purpose of providing relaxation, soothing, nausea relief, cardio supportive, and elevates the mood of human beings. Spikenard essential oil was used for anointment. From the book of Matthew 26-6, it states: "There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of exceedingly precious ointment, and poured it on his head as he sat at meat". It was a custom of the ancient people to show honor to distinguished guest through the anointment of their feet and head with Spikenard. Jesus himself was anointed with Spikenard twice before he died (John 12:1-3 and Matthew 26:6-7) (Osborn 53).

The fragrance that Spikenard produced was used to lower the anxiety and prepare bodies for burial. The oil has a high anti-viral property. It also has a tremendously powerful property by bringing the required energy to heal. Biblically, it was used by the ancient people to treat and heal leprosy. In the contemporary world, Spikenard oil is used to treat diseases that eat the flesh.

The bible illustrates that healing ought to be accompanied with remorse; it describes how devils can be cats out and how the disciples of Jesus anointed several people who were suffering from various sickness with oils that healed them. The book of James states: James 5:14: "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him anointing with oil in the name of the Lord." Several other books in the Bible demonstrate its significance. For instance, the book of Mark 14: 3 states: "And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard exceedingly precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head" (Scorer 62).

Spikenard offered people with spiritual healing in that when they prepared their spirits to depart to the heavens, the essential oil allowed people to have the potential to release their fears of the things unknown and as a result, gather the courage to move forward. On the other hand, the essential oil assists to reconcile with everything that has happened to them throughout their lifetime on the planet, as well as make peace to those who have hurt them. This implies than Spikenard is an essential oil that contains the fragrance that allows forgiveness to occur among people. Its major role in the aspect of forgiveness is to eradicate the past doings from the manacles of their own making, those aspects that relentlessly bind people to repeat the actions that can in a way impact the spirit’s freedom (Osborn 93).

Cypress Essential Oil

Cypress is also known as Cupressus semper-virens. The tree branches produce the Cypress oil. The tree can be considered to be gifted by God. The book of Isaiah 44:14 states; "He hewest him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest". Cypress oil has an extremely monoterpenes quality that makes it to be excellent for treating people with arthritis. In addition, the cypress increases circulation of the blood in the body, and also controls bleeding as well as supporting lymphatic system detoxification. Cypress oil allows the humans vascular system to strengthen. It relieves chest discomfort and can also be used in reprogramming the cellular memory. The oil produced by the cypress tree is also widely known to promote the production of white blood cells in the body whereby these cells are effective in boosting the natural defense or immune system of the body against attack by micro-organisms that cause disease. Another crucial attribute of the cypress tree is that it is prominent for its high durability. They can thrive for well many years even under harsh climatic conditions. A good example to support this fact is found in Rome at St. Peter’s doors, which are made of sturdy cypress. The doors are still strong after 1200 years since they were made and still they do not display any signs of decay. Furthermore, the cypress oil is also used to maintain the circulatory system, improve the brain power and also help to lower leg edema (Osborn 53).

Hyssop Essential Oil

Hyssop is also known as Hyssopus officinalis. This oil is attained by distilling the leaves and stems of the Hyssop plant. Hyssop oil contains antiviral, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory decongestant, anti-spasmodic and antiseptic properties. Hyssop oil was first used during the Passover festivals. The Book of Exodus 12:22 states: "And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the basin; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning."On the other hand, the Israelites offered animals as sacrifices in Jewish temples, a custom that was practiced daily by priests in Jewish temples. This resulted to a bad smell that was unpleasant in the place that was the presence of God. However, before the congregation gathered in the temple for meditation, fresh hyssop herbs were supplied to the priests by the congregation and then spread throughout the temple floor every morning. When the congregation could walk over them, they could crush the stems and leaves, and as a result, the hyssop oil could release fragrant oil and then freshen the surroundings (Scorer 97).

Hyssop oil was majorly used by the Israelites in religious function and the offering of sacrifices to offer spiritual cleansing. Leviticus 14: 51-52 states: "And he shall take the cedar wood, and the hyssop, and the scarlet, and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird, and in the running water, and sprinkle the house seven times: And he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, and with the living bird, and with the cedar wood, and with the hyssop, and with the scarlet" Also, Hyssop oil was used by those Israelites who were considered to be spiritually clean from any kind of sin and wrong doing to purify those who had come into contact with the death, one slain, grave or bone. A clean person was expected to take hyssop and dip it in water and then spray it on the tent, on every vessel in the tent, and every person who could have been in that tent, and on anybody else who touched unclean things. Moses also used Hyssop oil to spiritually cleanse the Israelites. Hebrews 9: 19 states: "For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people." The book of Psalms 51:7 also states: "Cleanse me with Hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." The ancient Israelites strongly believed on the power of the Hyssop essential oil to cleanse a person from any kind of deformities, and as a result offer nourishment. On the other hand, the Hyssop oil is used to relieve anxiety when people go through stressful conditions. It is also effective in alleviating respiratory infections, sore throats, wounds and cuts. Moreover, this oil is helpful in metabolizing fats, this is good news for the obese people and also those who are conscious about gaining the extra weight especially ladies. Today many ladies worldwide suffer from anorexia and bulimia due to eating disorders. The oil also is an effective medium of enabling the human body to get rid of toxins that can be harmful to the health. Consequently, this information would be of greatly help to people if they would base their health issues under the Biblical foundations. Hyssop oil has an anti-viral property that is excellent for respiratory and skin conditions and also reduces body fats. The oil is highly effective in clearing and purging organs elimination. On the other hand, Hyssop oil is extraordinary mild which permits it to be directly applied to an open cut or wound, and can also be used safely for infants (Scorer 46).

This oil is so vital in that when Jesus was hanged on the cross, He was given to drink it so as to perhaps help improve His respiratory system. The book of John 19:29 states: "A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips." Jesus was given a sponge that had sour wine and an extended Hyssop fragrant branch. Usually, the process of being crucified was deemed to be death through slow suffocation as the person crucified’s lungs got gradually filled up with a lot of fluid. Therefore, the hyssop offered to Jesus by the mercy ladies was meant to provide a scent that could help those dying ease the congestion of their lings and offer some emotional and physical relief (Stewart 96).