Frankincense essential oil, distilled from the resin of the Boswellia tree, is one of the most treasured oils in history, prized for its warm, spicy, and slightly woody aroma. Native to the Arabian Peninsula and parts of Africa, frankincense has been used for thousands of years in spiritual ceremonies, religious rituals, and natural medicine. In essential oil form, its grounding fragrance is often diffused to promote feelings of peace, relaxation, and spiritual connection. Its timeless aroma makes it one of the most versatile oils for both body and soul.
Beyond its spiritual heritage, frankincense essential oil is widely used in modern wellness practices. It is often added to skin care products for its rejuvenating properties, supporting healthy, radiant-looking skin. In aromatherapy, it blends beautifully with citrus oils like bergamot for uplifting balance, or with grounding oils like sandalwood for meditation and calm. Frankincense is also valued for supporting clear breathing and creating a soothing environment, making it a staple in both personal and household blends.
Did You Know? Frankincense is famously known as one of the gifts of the Magi brought to the Christ child, giving it a strong connection to Christmas and spiritual traditions. In ancient times, it was more valuable than gold and was traded across the Middle East and North Africa. The resin was burned in temples and sacred spaces as a symbol of prayer and devotion, and its use continues today in churches and ceremonies worldwide. Its enduring reputation as the “king of oils” reflects its blend of sacred history and practical benefits.
In Matthew 2:11, the wise men (or Magi) visited Jesus after His birth, bringing gifts of great significance: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts were not random; they were deeply symbolic and valuable in their time.
Gold: A gift fit for a king, symbolizing Jesus’ royalty and His role as the King of Kings.
Frankincense: A fragrant resin used in worship and as incense in temples, representing Jesus’ divine nature and His role as a priest who connects humanity with God.
Myrrh: Another resin, often used in anointing oils and embalming, foreshadowing Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice.
Frankincense and myrrh were highly prized in the ancient world for their aromatic, medicinal, and spiritual uses. These essential oils were extracted from tree sap and were considered luxuries, traded along ancient trade routes. Their inclusion as gifts emphasized Jesus’ importance and the acknowledgment of His divine mission, even as a child.
Here are 12 of the most revered oils of the Bible and their historic uses…
1. Frankincense
Frankincense is the king of the oils. It was used as a primary component of the holy incense, a medicine and a currency — and of course, it was a gift from the wise men to baby Jesus. In fact, at the time of Jesus’ birth, both frankincense and myrrh may have been worth more than their weight in the third gift: gold.
2. Myrrh
Quoted in Scripture 156 times, uses of myrrh oil in the Bible included use as an ointment, an incense, an embalming ingredient and as a skin beauty treatment by Queen Esther in Esther 2:12. By far, myrrh’s most common usage in the Bible is as a part of holy anointing oil.
3. Cinnamon
Like myrrh, cinnamon oil was a chief ingredient in holy anointing oil and used to cleanse the air, kill mold and act as a natural medicine. In Proverbs 7:17, Solomon uses this aromatic oil in the bedroom and as a natural perfume or cologne.
4. Cedarwood
King Solomon used cedarwood in building God’s temple and Jesus was crucified on a cross made of cedarwood or cypress. It was thought to bring wisdom, was used for ritual cleansing and served as medicine in treating skin conditions and leprosy.
5. Spikenard
In Biblical times, “nard” was not only a very expensive perfume but also a precious ointment that was used as medicine. Interestingly, the “spikenard” used in the Bible may have in fact been lavender oil. In John 12:3, the Bible tells how spikenard was used to anoint Jesus just days before His death and resurrection.
6. Hyssop
In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to use hyssop in the ceremonial cleansing of people and houses. Hyssop appears at Jesus’ crucifixion, when the Roman soldiers offered Jesus a drink of wine vinegar on a sponge at the end of a stalk of hyssop.
7. Cassia
An herb very similar to cinnamon, cassia oil is the fourth ingredient listed in the holy anointing oil detailed in Exodus 30:24. It may have been brought out of Egypt when the Israelites fled Pharaoh and was commonly used with myrrh and aloes to scent garments.
8. Sandalwood (Aloes)
In Scripture, sandalwood is referred to as “aloes” and is called one of the oils of joy and gladness along with frankincense, myrrh and cedarwood. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea brought sandalwood (aloes) and myrrh to bury Jesus, and in today’s market, the amount of oils used would be worth an estimated $200,000.
9. Cypress
Cypress is celebrated in Scripture as a symbol of strength, security and prosperity. The Bible mentions cypress as the choice wood for building, trading and even weaponry. In Genesis 6:14, God commanded Noah to “make yourself an ark of gopher wood,” which in modern English is in fact “cypress.”
10. Galbanum
Galbanum is a main ingredient of the holy incense used in the heart of the temple in Exodus 30:34. Interestingly, although galbanum itself has a somewhat foul odor, when burned with other sweet smelling oils in holy incense, it has the most beautiful scent and was thought to balance the emotions.
11. Rose of Sharon
Mentioned in the Song of Solomon, the rose of Sharon is not really a “rose” but instead similar to the hibiscus or tulip (which is also called cistus). Some Bible expositors see the rose of Sharon as Christ and the lily as the church, His bride.
12. Calamus
Also known as “sweet cane,” calamus is an ancient herb that is perhaps what we now know as lemongrass. In Biblical times, calamus was used in perfumes, incense and as an ingredient in the special holy anointing oil used by the priests in the temple.
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