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PrintHealing Oils of the Bible, Part 2—Anointing (Spikenard, Cinnamon, Cassia, Calamus and Myrrh)
“Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” -James 5:14
Although the concept of “anointing” is unusual in our twenty-first century society, throughout history, the act of anointing was an integral part of rituals and ceremonies created to bless, celebrate and heal. Anointing people and sacred places and objects raised awareness of the sacredness of life, signified a union with God, and facilitated a gateway between the physical and spiritual realms.
“There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise.” -Proverbs 21:20
Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus shortly before His death and He vindicated her actions when some of the disciples objected to the cost of such an anointing. (Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3; Luke 7:37; John 12:3)
“A woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard [a blend of spikenard and myrrh] and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head . . . ” -Mark 14:3
The aroma of spikenard soothes the deepest anxieties and replaces negative emotions with acceptance and compassion. Physically, it calms the heart and relieves nervous tension. It is exceptional for wounds that will not heal and for regenerating skin cells. The effects of spikenard may explain why Mary anointed Jesus with it so generously in preparation for His death and burial.
During the Exodus trek through the desert, God gave Moses exact ingredients and instructions for creating His holy anointing oil. The blend contained the essential oils of myrrh, cinnamon, cassia, and calamus in an olive oil base. Moses was instructed to use this oil to anoint the tabernacle and all that was inside, and Aaron and his sons. (Exodus 30:22-30)
“You shall say to the Israelites,“This shall be my holy anointing oil throughout your generations.” -Exodus 30:31
“And Moses took the anointing oil . . . and he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron’s head and anointed him to sanctify him.” -Leviticus 8:10-12
There are 65 references to God’s holy anointing oil in the bible. Many believe Moses used it to protect the Israelites from plagues. Modern science shows that all the oils in God’s blend contain immune-stimulating and/or anti-infectious compounds. Myrrh is an ingredient in many preparations throughout the bible including nard and God’s incense and holy anointing oil. This is due to the fact that in addition to its healing ability, myrrh is a fixative, meaning that when mixed with other aromatic oils, it makes their fragrances last longer. The chemical components in calamus, cinnamon and cassia are high in ketones, aldehydes and phenols providing a powerful disinfectant that would have protected people from the spread of disease.
Jesus taught His disciples to anoint and heal.
“And He called to Him the twelve and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits . . . And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.” -Mark 6:7, 13
Jesus instructed His disciples to spend their time wisely, seeking out only those who were receptive to healing. He directed them to go where they were accepted, welcomed, and greeted with kindness. When met with doubt, disbelief or resistance, He taught them to move on and not waste their time. (Mark 6:10-11; Luke 10:1-12)
References:
Healing Oils of the Bible, David Stewart Ph.D.
Healing Oils Healing Hands, Linda L. Smith
Linda Hileman BS, CCA is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist. For more information or to make an appointment, call 256-325-4444 or email EssentialOptions@aol.com.
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phone: 256-325-4444
email: essentialoptions@aol.com
