Oil was used as a commodity of trade or personal income, for various kinds of common daily consumption (as part of the bread diet in tabernacle grain offerings, as fuel for lamps in the tabernacle, or homes, as a lubricant for one's hair and skin, sometimes with a special sense of honor, as an aromatic substance, as a medication, or in healing contexts, for royal and religious ritual procedures, and in figurative expressions
(e.g., for fertility and prosperity [ Deut 33:24 ; Job 29:6 ] "oil of joy" [ Psalm 45:7 ; Isa 61:3 ; Heb 1:9 ]).
Essential Oils
Essential oils, known as nature’s living energy, are the
natural, aromatic volatile liquids found in shrubs, flowers, trees, roots,
bushes, and seeds. The distinctive components in essential oils defend plants
against insects, environmental conditions, and disease. They are also vital for
a plant to grow, live, evolve, and adapt to its surroundings. Essential oils
are extracted from aromatic plant sources via steam distillation, and are
highly concentrated and far more potent than dry herbs.
While essential oils often have a pleasant aroma, their
chemical makeup is complex and their benefits vast—which make them much more
than something that simply smells good.
Historically, essential oils have played a prominent role in
everyday life. With more than 200 references to aromatics, incense, and
ointments throughout the Bible, essential oils are said to be used for
anointing and healing the sick. Today, essential oils are used for aromatherapy, massage
therapy,
emotional
health,
personal
care,
nutritional
supplements,
household
solutions,
and much more.
Young Living Essential Oils, the leading provider of
essential oils, offers more than 300 essential oil singles and blends. All
Young Living essential oils meet the YLTG
standard.
This means that every essential oil Young Living distills or sources has the
optimal naturally-occurring blend of constituents to maximize the desired
effect. Only YLTG essential oils should be used for the primary methods of application,
which include inhalation and application.
Historical Use of Essential Oils - Essential oils are considered mankind’s
first medicine and have been used around the world for centuries. Essential
oils and other aromatics have been used in religious rituals, to treat various
illnesses, and for other physical and spiritual needs.
Research dates the use of essential oils back to 4500 BC.
Ancient Egyptians were the first to discover the potential of fragrance, and
records demonstrate that oils and aromatics were used for treating illness and
performing rituals and religious ceremonies in temples and pyramids. In fact,
three oils that are still commonly used today—cedarwood, myrrh, and
frankincense—was used in the embalming process.[1]
According to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese
manuscripts, priests and physicians used oils thousands of years before the
time of Christ. There are more than 188 references to oils in the Bible, and
some precious oils like frankincense, myrrh, rosemary, cassia, and cinnamon
were used for the anointing and healing of the sick. Additionally, biblical
prophets recognized the use of essential oils as protection against disease.[2]
The reintroduction of essential oils into modern medicine
first began during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Since that time
essential oils have been used traditionally to kill harmful germs, as well as
spiritually to balance mood, lift spirits, and dispel negative emotions.
