Essential Oils in the Bible

Frankincense & Myrrh – Gifts Fit for a King

In Matthew 2:11, the wise men brought treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child. These gifts were far more than valuable commodities—they carried deep symbolic meaning. Gold was a gift fit for a king, but frankincense and myrrh were essential oils highly prized in the ancient world. Frankincense, harvested from the resin of the Boswellia tree, was central in Hebrew worship. It was burned on the altar of incense in the Temple (Exodus 30:34-36) and represented prayer rising to God. Myrrh, drawn from the resin of the Commiphora tree, had multiple uses: as a perfume, in anointing oils, and even in embalming. Together, frankincense and myrrh pointed to Jesus’ dual role: frankincense as a sign of His priestly and divine nature, and myrrh foreshadowing His suffering and sacrificial death.

Historically, these oils were among the most valuable substances in the ancient Near East. They were traded along caravan routes stretching from Arabia and East Africa into Israel, often worth their weight in gold. Kings and priests used them in ceremonies, and healers prized them for medicinal purposes. For the Magi to present such costly oils to the young Jesus was both a gesture of immense honor and a prophetic symbol of His mission. Today, frankincense and myrrh essential oils are still used for their aromatic, calming, and restorative properties—echoing their sacred and timeless history. Their presence in the story of the Nativity reminds us that God’s plan was written not only in scripture but also in the fragrances and treasures of the ancient world.

Life is Like a Train

Life Is Like a Train
Credit – Echoes of Insight

My grandma had a saying she repeated often: “Life is like a train, child. You don’t stay at every stop, and not everyone rides with you until the end.” As a child, I didn’t really understand what she meant, but now, as the years pass and my own hair turns gray, I see the deep truth in her words.

When you’re young, the train is loud, fast, and crowded. Everyone seems to be on board—friends from school, neighbors, coworkers, and family. The compartments are filled with laughter, excitement, and plans that make it feel like the ride will last forever.

As the journey continues, people begin to get off at different stops. Some leave because their path takes them elsewhere, while others are lost suddenly, leaving behind empty seats we can’t bear to look at. With time, the train feels quieter, and we start to understand how precious every shared mile truly was.

That’s when Grandma’s wisdom comes alive inside me. She said the secret wasn’t to mourn every passenger who leaves, but to treasure the ones still sitting beside you. Her voice reminds me to look out the window and notice the scenery that’s always changing.

There are sunrises, fields, cities, mountains, and long stretches of open sky—all part of the same ride. Each moment, like each passenger, has its own season and beauty. The view outside keeps shifting, teaching us to appreciate what’s here before it’s gone.

Now, when I visit her memory in my heart, I can almost hear her voice again. “Don’t be afraid when the train empties out,” she said gently. “Be grateful you had company for as long as you did, and when your stop finally comes, step off with peace.”

Life truly is like a train—filled with comings and goings, goodbyes and reunions. It carries moments of noise and stretches of silence that teach us who we are. By the time we reach the last station, we realize the ride was beautiful not because it was perfect, but because it was ours.

How to Use Essential Oils: Douglas Fir

Douglas Fir essential oil, distilled from the needles and branches of the towering Pseudotsuga menziesii tree, has a clean, fresh, and slightly lemony pine aroma. Native to North America, Douglas firs are iconic evergreens that can grow over 300 feet tall and live for centuries. In essential oil form, its bright, woodsy fragrance is often used to purify the air, uplift the mood, and bring the refreshing scent of the forest indoors. Diffused, it creates an environment that feels open, crisp, and revitalizing.

Beyond its invigorating scent, Douglas Fir essential oil is valued for its ability to promote clear breathing and emotional balance. It blends well with citrus oils like lemon or bergamot for an energizing aroma, or with grounding oils such as cedarwood to create a calming, forest-like experience. Many people also enjoy using it in natural cleaning sprays or massage blends for its fresh, cleansing qualities. Its combination of brightness and grounding notes makes it one of the most versatile conifer oils in aromatherapy.

Did You Know? The Douglas fir is not a true fir at all—it belongs to its own genus, Pseudotsuga. Despite this, it is one of the most important timber trees in North America, prized for its strength and resilience. Some Douglas firs are believed to be over 1,000 years old, and their massive trunks and towering height have made them symbols of endurance and vitality. Today, Douglas firs are also a favorite choice for Christmas trees because of their soft needles and uplifting scent.

Bark of Bravery

Cassia is oil of self-assurance,
Its scarlet bark warms the soul.
It stirs gladness, courage, and cheer,
Helping the timid become whole.

It comforts the heart when it falters,
Whispers, “Stand tall, do not hide.”
Through laughter it brightens the spirit,
Releasing the fears kept inside.

No longer embarrassed or shrinking,
Nor haunted by judgment’s sting.
The shy and insecure are lifted,
Their voices are taught to sing.

When feeling humiliated, worthless,
Or weighed by shadows of doubt,
Cassia lights flames of boldness,
And turns hesitation about.

Its fragrance calls forth new horizons,
A path where the brave dare to tread.
Cassia inspires the journey of living,
Awakening hope where fear once spread.

With courage restored to the spirit,
And gladness set joyfully free,
We stand in the strength of cassia—
Wrapped in its gift, the true Bark of Bravery.

My First Book is a Success

I enjoy sharing essential oils and when I am not spreading the joy through oils I love writing books. This has become a very fun outlet for me. I hope children enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. This book is geared towards 4th to 6th grade readers. 

“Endurance and Triumph” is an exciting adventure story perfect for young readers. Join Ernest Shackleton, a brave explorer, on his epic journey to Antarctica, the coldest place on Earth. Follow Shackleton and his crew aboard the ship Endurance as they face incredible challenges, from getting trapped in thick ice to surviving harsh weather and dangerous icebergs. Through teamwork and Shackleton’s inspiring leadership, the crew overcomes these obstacles, making important scientific discoveries about Antarctica’s history and encountering amazing animals like penguins, seals, and whales. When their ship is crushed by ice, Shackleton leads a daring escape in a small lifeboat to get help, showcasing his determination and courage. The book concludes with the lasting impact of Shackleton’s adventures on modern science and exploration, encouraging young readers to explore their own surroundings and dream big.

Please order your copy on Amazon Books. This is a perfect book to get your kids excited about reading during the holidays.  

Please let me know how your children like my book.

How to Use Essential Oils: Dill

Dill essential oil, distilled from the seeds or the whole herb of the Anethum graveolens plant, carries a fresh, sweet, and herbaceous aroma. Native to the Mediterranean and western Asia, dill has been used for thousands of years in both cooking and traditional wellness practices. Its essential oil is often valued for digestive support, helping to ease occasional discomfort and promote a sense of balance after meals. Diffused, its gentle aroma provides a clean, uplifting atmosphere that encourages relaxation and calm.

Beyond its culinary and digestive benefits, dill essential oil has been used to support feelings of focus and clarity. Blended with citrus oils like lemon or lime, it takes on a brighter, more refreshing quality, while pairing it with floral oils like lavender can create a soothing, comforting diffuser blend. In topical blends, dill is sometimes used in massage oils or diluted in carrier oils to promote a sense of ease and overall wellness. Its fresh, herbal fragrance makes it versatile in both household and personal care routines.

Did You Know? Dill has been prized since ancient times—records show it was used by the Egyptians around 1500 B.C. as both a medicinal herb and a food seasoning. In ancient Greece and Rome, dill was considered a symbol of wealth and was often used to crown heroes and decorate banquet tables. Even the word dill comes from the Old Norse “dylla,” meaning “to soothe.” Old Norse was the language of the Vikings, spoken from the 8th to the 14th century, and is the ancestor of modern Scandinavian languages as well as the source of many words in English.

Essential Oil Diffuser Blends: Frankincense

Frankincense essential oil is often called the “king of oils” because of its wide range of supportive benefits, and adding it to diffuser blends can greatly enhance both the aroma and the atmosphere of your space. Its warm, resinous scent helps promote feelings of peace, relaxation, and grounding, making it a natural fit for meditative or calming blends. Frankincense also complements other oils beautifully—bright notes like Wild Orange bring out its uplifting side, while deeper oils such as Sandalwood, Patchouli, or Myrrh highlight its grounding and spiritual qualities. Used in a diffuser, Frankincense can support emotional balance, ease stress, and create an environment that feels sacred, centered, and welcoming.

Top Essential Oil Leader

Salvatore Battaglia is an Australian aromatherapist and author, best known for writing The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. First published in 1995, the book has since gone through several editions and is widely used in professional training and education. It contains detailed essential oil profiles, therapeutic applications, historical background, and safety guidelines that remain standard references for students and practitioners.

He is the founder of Perfect Potion, an Australian company established in the early 1990s. The business produces essential oils, natural skincare, and aromatherapy products for retail and professional use. Perfect Potion has become recognized for emphasizing holistic health, sustainable production, and environmentally responsible practices that align with Battaglia’s interest in natural wellness.

Battaglia has been a consistent advocate for sustainable and ethical sourcing of essential oils within the international industry. His work through Perfect Potion, along with his writing and speaking, has drawn attention to the importance of fair trade, transparency in supply chains, and ecologically conscious methods of harvesting. These priorities are reflected in the company’s partnerships and policies.

In addition to his role as an entrepreneur, Battaglia has remained active as a lecturer and educator in aromatherapy. He has spoken at conferences, workshops, and professional training gatherings both in Australia and overseas. His lectures often combine practical therapeutic information with references to available research, providing reliable resources for students, practitioners, and interested members of the community.

His career demonstrates a combination of authorship, entrepreneurship, and education in aromatherapy. Through his books, company, and teaching activities, Battaglia has contributed to awareness of professional standards and ethical approaches to the use of essential oils. While others have also advanced the field, his steady involvement for more than three decades has established him as a recognized figure in modern aromatherapy.