The Bible does not directly mention essential oils, as they were not widely used during Biblical times. However, there are some principles and passages in Scripture that can provide wisdom for Christians considering using essential oils today.
God Created Plants for Our Use
Genesis 1:29 indicates that God created plants for man to use: “Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.'” While essential oils were not extracted during Biblical times, this verse shows that God intended for humans to utilize what He provided in nature for their health and wellbeing.
Natural Remedies over Pharmaceuticals
In Scripture, remedies from plants are valued over man-made medicines. For example, Ezekiel 47:12 says that along the river flowing from the temple, “Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”
Likewise, Revelation 22:2 says that in New Jerusalem, “On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” Essential oils are extracts from leaves, bark, and other parts of plants that provide concentrated plant therapy.
Anointing Oil in Scripture
Anointing oils were used throughout the Bible for healing, dedication, and consecration. Exodus 30:22-25 discusses the holy anointing oil made of olive oil infused with cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and myrrh. This oil was used to anoint the furnishings in the tabernacle to set them apart for God’s work. Later, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with a similar oil blend to set them apart for service.
In the New Testament, Jesus was anointed with expensive spikenard oil before His death and burial (John 12:3). The apostle James instructs church elders to anoint the sick with oil when praying over them (James 5:14). While these biblical anointing oils differ from modern essential oils, they demonstrate the historic value of botanical oils for health, worship, and dedication to God.
Cautions About New Age Ideas
While essential oils have a place in Christian traditions, believers should use discernment regarding some New Age ideas that have become associated with essential oils today. Scripture instructs Christians to test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and avoid participation in pagan idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14).
For example, some essential oil companies refer to their products as “spiritual oils” or claim they can change a person’s “energy.” However, Christians believe that only the Holy Spirit and biblically guided practices like prayer, worship, and Scripture reading can spiritually influence a person’s energy and aura. Christians should thus be wary of unbiblical views attached to essential oils.
Using Essential Oils Wisely and Safely
The Bible warns against gluttony and excessive desire for pleasures (Titus 3:3). Christians should thus use essential oils and all of God’s creation moderately, for health and enjoyment rather than overindulgence.
Additionally, essential oils should be used cautiously, following proper dilution and safety precautions. They are highly concentrated and can cause reactions if not used correctly.
Scripture also advises testing claims and seeking wise counsel (Proverbs 11:14). Christians would thus be wise to consult reputable sources to learn about essential oil benefits and dangers before using them.
Stewarding Resources Responsibly
Some essential oils are very expensive and scarce. The Bible advises God’s people to use their resources ethically and avoid loving money (Hebrews 13:5). When purchasing essential oils, Christians should thus consider fair trade and environmental stewardship.
Additionally, while essential oils have therapeutic benefits, Christians should primarily rely on biblical resources like prayer, community, and Scripture for health and wholeness (Philippians 4:19). Essential oils can complement but should not replace dependence on God.
Purposes that Honor God
Christians considering using essential oils should evaluate their motivations based on Biblical values. Those hoping to honor God will focus on using essential oils for purposes like:
- Promoting physical health (3 John 1:2)
- Enhancing mood moderately (Proverbs 17:22)
- Supporting restful sleep (Psalm 4:8)
- Adding pleasant fragrance (Song of Solomon 1:3)
- Serving others through anointing (Mark 6:13)
Rather than selfishness or greed, these motivations allow essential oils to be used in a way that glorifies God.
Essential Oils in Biblical Times
Specific essential oils like frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, rosemary, hyssop, galbanum, spikenard, cedarwood, fir, cypress, and cassia are mentioned in the Bible. They were valued for their healing properties, fragrance, and use in anointing rituals.
Extracting essential oils was not widely practiced in Biblical eras, so these plants were used in their whole form as perfumes, incense, or infused oils. However, the many references to aromatic plants in Scripture give insight into how their extracted essential oils can be used by Christians today.
Essential Oils for Healing
There are around 200 references to essential-oil-producing plants in the Bible that were used for medicine, healing balms, disinfectants, incense, and other therapeutic purposes.
For example, the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 treated the beaten man’s wounds with oil and wine. Frankincense and myrrh were gifted to the baby Jesus for their healing properties (Matthew 2:11). Jesus later used hyssop, a plant whose essential oil has antiseptic effects, to lift the wine to the cross for healing (John 19:29-30).
Modern research has validated many of the therapeutic uses of these biblical plants. When ethical and safe practices are followed, Christians can feel confident using essential oils for supporting health and natural healing.
Symbolic Meanings
Essential oils like cedarwood, cypress, fir, frankincense, galbanum, hyssop, myrrh, onycha, rosemary, and spikenard are mentioned symbolically throughout the Bible.
Their fragrance represents things like sacrifice, the presence of God, healing, and the prayers of the saints (Exodus 30:34-38, Song of Solomon 3:6). Anointing with oils symbolized consecration to God’s service.
When used for righteous purposes like prayer, worship, and service, essential oils can similarly represent Christians’ devotion to the Lord today. Their fragrances can remind believers of Christ’s sacrifice and God’s healing power.
Warnings Against Misuse
While valued for their health benefits, the Bible also contains cautions against misuse of fragrant botanicals. God judged the women of Israel for overindulging in perfumes and oils (Isaiah 3:18-24). Proverbs 27:9 says perfume is “out of place” for those lacking righteous living.
Excessive interest in essential oils today could similarly lead Christians to prioritize indulgence over godliness. Believers should use these gifts from God wisely, moderately, and only for righteous purposes that please and honor Him.
Moderation and Balance
God designed aromatic plants like essential oil ingredients for people’s enjoyment and wellbeing. However, the Bible cautions against gluttony and obsession over God’s creation (Philippians 3:19, Proverbs 23:20-21).
Followers of Christ should use essential oils and all of God’s gifts in balance and moderation. Their interest and use of essential oils should not become excessive or replace their dependence on God (Matthew 6:24-34).
Additionally, Christians should remember that essential oils are supplements, not requirements, for health and wellness. While they can be useful, believers must ultimately rely on God as their provider and healer (Psalm 107:20).
Stewarding Resources Wisely
Some essential oils mentioned in the Bible, like spikenard and frankincense, were extremely valuable in ancient times. Costly essential oils should be used conservatively to avoid greed or waste of resources (Ephesians 5:15-16).
When purchasing essential oils, Christians should make ethical choices that honor God’s creation. This includes selecting sustainable sources that do not exploit farmers, land, or local communities that produce aromatic plant material.
Avoiding New Age Influence
Although essential oils are referenced positively in the Bible, some New Age, unbiblical views about essential oils have emerged in modern times. Scripture warns about worldly philosophies that do not align with godliness (Colossians 2:8).
Christians considering essential oils should be aware of and avoid views like using oils for “energy clearing” or “chakra balancing.” Only practices rooted firmly in Biblical truth should guide a believer’s use of essential oils.
Purpose over Pleasure
While essential oils can be enjoyable, Christians should prioritize purpose over mere pleasure when using them. Followers of Christ are called to glorify God in all things (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Rather than self-indulgence, believers should use essential oils mainly for righteous purposes like facilitating healing, aiding restful sleep, enhancing concentration for work, relieving anxiety moderately, or adding pleasant fragrance to the home.
With the right focus and intent, essential oils can be part of a Biblical, God-honoring lifestyle for Christians today.
Evaluation and Discernment
The Bible encourages discernment and testing rather than blind acceptance of claims (1 Thessalonians 5:21, 1 John 4:1). Christians should thus research essential oil benefits from ethical, science-based sources.
Believers should also carefully evaluate essential oil companies for ethical and sustainable practices before making purchases. Choosing high quality, ethically sourced oils will help followers of Christ make wise use of these natural resources.
Using Oils to Serve Others
In Scripture, applying oil was often done to bring comfort, healing, and blessing to others. Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume in an act of service and worship (John 12:3). Oil soothed the wounds of the beaten man in the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:34).
Similarly, Christians can use essential oils to selflessly serve others today. Believers might give essential oil blends as gifts, include them in care packages, or use them during ministries like visiting the sick to provide comfort and encouragement through aromatic natural remedies that reflect God’s provision and healing.
Prayer and Anointing
Oil was traditionally used during prayer for healing in Scripture (Mark 6:13, James 5:14). Likewise, Christians today can incorporate essential oils like Frankincense, Myrrh, Cedarwood, and Hyssop into prayer practices.
Believers should remember that it is their faith in God that brings healing, not mere oils. But incorporating essential oils into prayer rituals can aid concentration and connect Christians to the long Biblical tradition of anointing with holy aromatics.
Gratitude and Moderation
The Bible cautions against gluttony and overindulgence (Proverbs 23:2). As with all of God’s gifts, Christians should use essential oils moderately and remain balanced in their interests.
Believers should remember that essential oils are luxuries, not requirements for health. While beneficial, they can become idolatrous if relied on more than God. Christians should focus on gratitude for God’s provision rather than demanding constant indulgences.
Additionally, expensive essential oils should be used ethically and conservatively to avoid greed or waste of scarce resources that could serve others’ needs.
Reliance on Divine Wisdom
While essential oils have health benefits, they only provide human wisdom for caring for bodies and minds. As helpful supplements, they should not replace Christians’ reliance on spiritual resources like prayer, Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and godly community.
Divine wisdom is more valuable than any earthly product, as Proverbs 8:11 says: “For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” Believers must ultimately depend on God as their healer and provider, no matter how beneficial essential oils may be.
A Complement to Faith
The Bible shows that godly people skillfully combined faith with practical knowledge. For example, Paul advised Timothy to drink some wine to settle his stomach troubles rather than solely relying on supernatural healing (1 Timothy 5:23).
Similarly, Christians can prudently use essential oils as a complement to faith in God. While believing fully in divine healing, believers can also use natural remedies wisely in service to God and others. Essential oils should enhance rather than replace Christian faith in God’s provision.
Holistic Healing
In Scripture, healing often involved treating the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. For example, Psalm 147:3 describes God as one “who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Holistic healing was God’s ideal.
Essential oils can be part of holistic healing for Christians today. Under wise guidance, they provide natural support for physical and mental health. Combined with spiritual practices like prayer and Scripture reading, they promote whole person wellness rooted in God’s power and provision.
Accepting God’s Gifts
James 1:17 describes God as giving generously: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” The plants that produce essential oils are among the many gifts from God.
Christians who enjoy essential oils moderately with the right mindset and practices can receive them as blessings from their Creator. With prudence and thankfulness, believers should graciously accept these gifts from God’s hand for righteous purposes that ultimately bring glory to Him.