Along with the other oils of ancient scripture, cedarwood has an interesting historical significance. Join Gary Young as he discusses this oil.

Cedarwood is another aromatic with a rich ancient history. The cedarwood referred to in the Bible is the cedar of Lebanon, one of the oldest known aromatics. Only a few of these original cedar trees survive today and are a protected species in Lebanon and Cyprus. The species, Cedrus atlantica, the atlas cedar is probably the closest known relative of this cedar and is exceptionally rich in aromatic compounds known as sesquiterpenes.

Cedar was known for its incorruptibility in ancient times, which is one reason perhaps that the cedars of Lebanon were used to build Solomon’s temple and Herod’s temple where Christ taught. Cedar was an integral part of two biblical purification rituals: one for the lepers and another for those who were impure from touching a dead body. Clothing was also anointed with cedar to protect it from humidity. If we look at the word “anoint” we recognize that it has to be a form of oil or extract because you don’t anoint with dry material. You don’t anoint with bark or twigs, you anoint with liquid, usually with oil.

Cedar is very powerful in its ability to preserve and prevent decay. We see of the records and writings of ancient Egypt that cedar was used in the mummification process. It may have been cedar oil that was combined with the myrrh and the sandalwood as one of the three primary components used in the mummification.

It is very intriguing to note that many of the oils selected by the ancient people in biblical times were all oils that contained high levels of sesquiterpene activity. Cedar is over 95 percent sesquiterpenes. Sesquiterpenes are compounds that have a unique stimulating effect on the limbic region of the brain, including the amygdala, the center of emotions and memory. Cedarwood has been traditionally used for improving the lymphatic system, regenerating arteries, and treating various maladies. However, no recent studies have yet substantiated these effects.

I hope you have enjoyed learning more about the 12 Oils of Ancient Scripture. Join me next time for the last installment where I will discuss the history of cassia.

Essentially Yours,

Gary Young

Galbanum and cypress have interesting historical significance and uses. Today, Gary Young give his account of these two oils.

Botanically known as Ferula gummosa, galbanum is mentioned in Exodus 30:34: “And the Lord said unto Moses, ‘Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense of each shall there be a like weight.’” Botanists have written that galbanum’s odor is strongly balsamic, pungent, and disagreeable when burned. There is an interesting suggestion in the Jewish Talmud as to why this powerful, less-than-fragrant resin was used in the holy incense: Every communal fast that does not include sinners of Israel is not a fast. This has been linked to the fact that incense included spices or perfumes with lovely fragrances, but was not complete without one spice: galbanum. With its earthy odor, galbanum is used for its cleansing and body-supporting properties. As we read the account of the anointing oil, we see that galbanum was included in the formula. This suggests that the compounding of these oils is what is really specific and where the strength really lies.

Perhaps one reason why ancient cultures esteemed galbanum may have been due to its ability to affect emotions, which is why some people today use this oil to help gather and concentrate their thoughts. This is one reason why galbanum is a primary oil in the formulation of the blend called Gathering™. It is powerful in its ability to elevate spiritual awareness and communication.

The oil of cypress originated from a tree so durable that the doors of St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome are made from it and show no signs of decay even after 1,200 years. The mighty cypress groves of Lebanon were described in the Apocryphal book of Ecclesiasticus as trees which “groweth up to the clouds.” Some Bible scholars believe that cypress may be the gopher wood used to build Noah’s ark. Cypress was historically used to support the circulatory system and is mentioned in Isaiah 44:14: “He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest.” Traditional texts refer to cypress as a decongestant for the veins and the lymphatic system, and as a support for the nervous system and pancreas. However, modern research has yet to verify these properties. Cypress may have also been used in ancient times for the treatment of pulmonary complaints, as well as other conditions, although these uses are not yet confirmed.

Aren’t these oils enthralling? I can’t wait until next time when I will discuss the rich history of cedarwood!

Essentially Yours,

Gary Young

Myrtle is another precious aromatic that appears in historical writings. When the Jews came out of the Babylonian captivity, King Nehemiah reminded them that the Lord commanded that they gather branches from four trees, including myrtle. Nehemiah 8:15: “Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.” To the ancient Jews, myrtle was symbolic of peace and justice. One of the promises to Israel to the future is that instead of the briar shall come up the myrtle tree (Isaiah 55:13). Ancient texts also mention the use of myrtle for overcoming respiratory conditions, although no clinical research has so far validated this.

Hyssop may be the most difficult biblical plant to identify because so many possibilities have been suggested. Even though Hyssop officinalis may not be the exact plant used in ancient times, it has similar properties to the aromatic herb mentioned throughout the Bible. A quote in Psalms states, “Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow (Psalms 51:7). The hyssop plant was used during the exodus from Egypt to dab the Hebrew’s door posts with lamb’s blood, protecting them from the plague of death. Anciently, leprosy was thought to be the result of the sin of pride. Rabbi Isaac Bartavelle from the third century AD, wrote about the use of hyssop in cleansing the leper: “You were proud like the cedar and the Holy One, blessed he, humbled you like this hyssop that is crushed by everyone.” The term “officinalis” refers to the fact that hyssop was a part of traditional pharmacopeias. Intriguing historical evidence refers to hyssop being used to treat respiratory conditions and ward off parasites, although current medical research is yet confirming these uses.

I hope that you find this information as fascinating as I do! Please join me next time for a discussion of galbanum and cypress.

Essentially Yours,

Gary Young

Less in known about onycha, spikenard, and rose of Sharon, but today, Gary Young imparts his knowledge of these precious oils of ancient scripture.

Onycha was a prized aromatic mentioned in Exodus 30:34: “And the Lord said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight.”

A prized aromatic mentioned in Exodus 30:34, onycha stirred debate—whether it refers to a shellfish or a plant. The great Jewish scholar Rashi suggested that onycha is a kind of root, while the Talmud states it came from an annual plant. I believe that styrax benzoin may be the plant’s source for onycha. Like frankincense and myrrh, benzoin is a resin. Onycha was traditionally known for its comforting and soothing properties as well as its benefits for the skin. Ancient people used it to improve complexion and to help nourish the skin. Perhaps some of the beneficial aspects of benzoin were due to not only the oil itself, but also the other oils compounded with it.

Spikenard, which we read about in the New Testament in Mark 14:3, was transported to the Holy Land in sealed alabaster boxes all the way from the Himalayan Mountains. When a distinguished guest came visiting, the master of the home showed honor by breaking open a box of spikenard and anointing the guest. The Hebrews and the Romans also used spikenard in the burial of their dead. This is why Jesus said of the woman who poured the precious spikenard oil on him: “She has come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.”

The rose of Sharon is believed to be ladinum, Cistus ladanifer. This herb was imported into ancient Egypt from the island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea. The resin, which collected on the leaves, was treasured for its distinctive aromatic and therapeutic properties. The scriptural reference of rose of Sharon is in Solomon 2:1 where it says “I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.” The beautiful oil of cistus has a soft, honey-like scent. And cistus may be the small shrub tree called the rose of Sharon. Anciently it was referred to as the lily of the valley. Traditionally, cistus was used to stop bleeding and promoted cell regeneration, although no modern evidence has yet substantiated this.

There’s still more to come! Next, I’ll address some of the historical uses of myrtle and hyssop. I hope you’ll join me.

Essentially Yours,

Gary Young

Historically a highly prized aromatic oil, myrrh has a rich history in the Old and New Testament. Today, Gary Young shares a personal experience using myrrh essential oil.

Myrrh was another highly prized aromatic substance mentioned in the Old and New Testament. According to Proverbs 7:17, King Solomon perfumed his bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. It is fitting that myrrh symbolizes suffering since it is harvested by slicing the tree so the precious resin oozes out and hardens into drops, called tears. Christ was given myrrh at his birth, and along with aloes it was used in preparing his body for burial. Myrrh was also included in the holy anointing oil and was well known to the ancient perfumers. From Esther 2:12 we learn that the candidates from whom King Ahasuerus was to pick his queen were prepared by anointings: six months with oil of myrrh and six months with sweet odors.

The Arabian people of antiquity used myrrh for a variety of skin conditions. Myrrh was also used traditionally on the umbilical cord during birth. I had this experience with my own son as I facilitated the delivery with Mary. Immediately upon his delivery, I anointed the umbilical cord with myrrh oil, continuing to put myrrh oil on it multiple times a day. It was the most beautiful experience! There was no question in my mind of the greatness of these oils and the benefits and the blessings that they brought to the newborn king, as well as the countless other children that might have been anointed with these precious oils, as I truly had this experience firsthand.

Next time, join me as I discuss a few lesser known oils of ancient scripture: onycha, spikenard, and rose of Sharon.

Essentially Yours,

Gary Young

Here are the details:

Gary and Mary Young Meeting in Panama

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Panama City, Panama

Panama Marriott Hotel

Calle 52 y Ricardo Arias

Área Bancaria

Republica de Panamá

507-210-9200

Registration: 6:45–7:45 p.m.

Meeting: 7:45–9:45 p.m.

• The meeting will be presented in both English and Spanish.
• This meeting is free to attend. Family and friends are welcome!

I hope to see you there!

A continuation of a multipart discussion about each of the 12 Oils of Ancient Scripture, today Gary Young speaks to the historical significance and traditional uses of sandalwood.

Sandalwood is another aromatic substance with a long, rich history in ancient times. Traditionally referred to as “aloes” or “aloewood,” it is mentioned in John 19:39: “And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight.” Psalms 45:8 informs us that the garments of the Messiah are fragrant with myrrh, cassia, and aloes, which is sandalwood.

The documenting of biblical plants and aromatics down through the ages has not been exact. The first entire book on plants was not published until 1566 AD, but many botanists believe that aloes derived from sandalwood, one of the oldest incenses known to man. Its 4,000-year history includes use as a carved wood as well as distillation for its sweet, woody, and fruity scented oil. The quantity of myrrh and aloes used in preparing Christ’s body for burial was indicative of deep respect; and in ancient Egypt, myrrh and sandalwood were used to embalm the great pharaohs of Egypt.

Historically, sandalwood was recognized for its improving of the lymphatic system, strengthening the heart, and calming the nerves. Ancient references also mention sandalwood for hemorrhaging, heart fatigue, and sciatica—although no modern clinical research has verified these benefits. Perhaps this is why sandalwood was a treasured aromatic substance in ancient times.

Modern science is now beginning to investigate the antiseptic and immune supporting properties of some of the constituents of these precious oils. Studies conducted at the University of Wisconsin show that limonene can inhibit aflatoxins and their production by toxic fungi and prevent DNA damage.

Next time, join me as I discuss another significant oil of ancient scripture: myrrh.

Essentially Yours,

Gary Young

Because of his travels, Gary Young has immersed himself in the study of frankincense. Here, Gary recounts some of this precious substance’s legendary history.

Frankincense was anciently associated with longevity. For instance: In the tales of Alexander’s adventures in India at the oracle of the sun and the moon, the Indian guardians of the oracle lived in a bower of sacred trees, which wafted the aroma of frankincense and balsam. They lived on pure water, balsam, and frankincense; a diet on which they had thrived for 300 years.

Legend also tells about Adam having been given gold, frankincense, and myrrh by God as a consolation for having lost paradise. According to the legends, he hid these gifts safely high in the mountains where they were treasured by Noah after the waters of the flood had receded. These sacred gifts were said to be passed down from generation to generation and kept carefully until the time came that they were to be brought to the newborn Jesus.

As early as 2800 BC, frankincense was carried either north to Mesopotamia or west to the Red Sea. There it was loaded on boats bound for Egypt where it was valued as an offering worthy of the gods. The Egyptian Book of the Dead considered incense far more than a ceremonial trapping. Frankincense was believed to enhance the afterlife journey of the deceased using the words of the ritual pyramid text: “A stairway to the sky is set up for me that I may ascend on it to the sky. And I ascend on the sense of the great sensing, frankincense.”

Of all the ancient scripture oils, frankincense has the greatest story and the longest history—widely regarded as the most powerful aromatic substance in ancient times. The writings of Ptolemy comment that the small fragments that crumble off of the worked frankincense lumps as well as the frankincense dust and powder were called manna.

Many other medicinal uses of frankincense throughout the ages appear in ancient records. The early physicians described the properties of frankincense as being hot, dry, astringent, detergent, and extractant. Childbirth was protected by fumigation of frankincense and fresh frankincense was traditionally used in poultices and plasters to treat a wide variety of skin lesions. The gum was made into pills to treat thinning of blood and of abdominal and chest pain, cholera, and a wide variety of problems. Frankincense mixtures were claimed to cure all known ails and to be an antidote to all known poisons. Frankincense was thought to be very good for the healing of bone fractures and it was also thought to aid conception. Even the pollen was prescribed in a remedy for gout, and the buds and the berries for the cleansing of an infected throat.

However, no modern studies have yet investigated the validity of these claims.

Stayed tuned for more information about the 12 Oils of Ancient Scripture! Next, I’ll focus on the history and therapeutic benefits of sandalwood.

Essentially Yours,

Gary Young