Tag Archives: Frankincense

Essential Oils in the Bible

“And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the Lord.”
— Leviticus 24:7

Frankincense held a sacred role in Israel’s worship, not merely for its fragrance but for what it represented. The instruction to place pure frankincense on the bread of the Presence was deeply symbolic—its aroma rising like prayer, connecting worshippers to God. The scent of burning resin was more than pleasant; it was an offering of devotion and remembrance, a way of setting apart holy things as belonging to the Lord.

Historically, frankincense was harvested from the Boswellia tree and considered among the most precious resins of the ancient world. It was imported across desert trade routes and often reserved for temples and royal courts. In biblical times, its costliness highlighted the value of devotion and reverence. Today, frankincense essential oil is still treasured for its calming and centering qualities, reminding us of how its sacred use in the Bible linked daily life with worship and reverence before God.

Essential Oil Diffuser Blends: Ginger

Ginger diffuser blends are known for their warm, spicy aroma that brings both comfort and energy to a room. Its rich scent pairs beautifully with citrus oils like lemon, orange, or bergamot, adding brightness and cheer to its earthy warmth. When mixed with peppermint or spearmint, ginger takes on a refreshing twist that supports focus and motivation. Many people enjoy this combination during the day for an uplifting atmosphere that feels both cozy and invigorating.

Blending ginger with grounding oils such as cedarwood, frankincense, or clove creates a deeper, more calming effect that’s perfect for cooler evenings. These blends not only warm the air but also promote a sense of stability and calm, almost like being wrapped in a blanket of spice and earth. Whether used for energy, balance, or comfort, ginger diffuser blends can transform the space into one that feels nurturing, vibrant, and welcoming.

How to Use Essential Oils: Elemi

Elemi essential oil, steam-distilled from the resin of the Canarium luzonicum tree, has a bright, lemony, and slightly peppery aroma with hints of pine. Native to the Philippines, elemi has been valued for centuries as both a spiritual and medicinal resin, often compared to frankincense and myrrh because they come from the same botanical family. In essential oil form, its uplifting scent is known to refresh the mind, promote focus, and create a feeling of lightness. Diffused, it brings a clean, balancing energy that supports both clarity and calm.

Beyond its uplifting qualities, elemi essential oil is often used in skin care and wellness blends. Its resinous compounds make it helpful for supporting healthy-looking skin, and it is sometimes added to facial oils or serums for a rejuvenating effect. In aromatherapy, it blends well with citrus oils like bergamot or grounding oils like frankincense, making it a versatile choice for meditation, relaxation, and emotional balance. Its crisp, citrus-pine aroma also makes it useful in natural cleaning sprays or room fresheners.

Did You Know? The word “elemi” is thought to come from an Arabic phrase meaning “above and below,” reflecting its traditional use for balancing both spirit and body. Like frankincense and myrrh, elemi belongs to the Burseraceae family, and during the 17th and 18th centuries it was sometimes used in church incense as a substitute when frankincense was scarce. Its lemony-pine fragrance added a fresh note to Christmas and festival celebrations, giving elemi a subtle but meaningful connection to the season.

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.

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.

Essential Oil Diffuser Blends: Geranium

Geranium diffuser blends carry a fragrance that feels both comforting and inspiring, wrapping the room in a sweet floral scent with a hint of fresh herbs. This oil is known for balancing emotions, easing tension, and lifting the spirit on a cloudy day. Blended with calming oils like lavender or chamomile, it softens stress and encourages peace. With grounding partners such as cedarwood or frankincense, geranium creates a steady, focused atmosphere.

When paired with citrus oils like orange or lemon, geranium brings a burst of brightness that clears away heaviness and refreshes the air. In romantic mixes, it blends smoothly with jasmine or ylang ylang, adding warmth and connection. Many describe its aroma as heart-lifting and joyful, turning simple moments into special ones. Whether for rest, energy, or cheer, geranium blends make the air feel alive and welcoming.

Essential Oils in the Bible

Frankincense – Restoring Worship

In Nehemiah 13:9, after the temple was cleansed, the vessels of the house of God were restored along with the offerings and frankincense. This moment highlights not only the importance of physical purification but also the spiritual renewal tied to worship. Frankincense, a resin with a sweet, rising aroma, was central to temple rituals, often burned as incense to symbolize prayers ascending to heaven. Its essential oil, still cherished today, was highly prized in the ancient world for its calming, uplifting qualities.

The use of frankincense in the restored temple reminds us of the way God’s people returned to purity and reverence. Just as frankincense filled the sanctuary with fragrance, true worship was meant to fill their lives with holiness. Its essential oil reflects this same theme: it centers the mind, calms the spirit, and invites a deeper connection with the divine. Frankincense stands as a timeless reminder that restoring balance—both in worship and in life—brings us closer to God’s presence.

Essential oils in the Bible: Ezekiel 47:12

Essential Oils in Ezekiel 47:12

In Ezekiel 47:12, the prophet describes a vision of a life-giving river flowing from God’s temple, nourishing the land and producing trees that bear fruit for food and leaves for medicine. This passage reflects God’s provision for both physical nourishment and healing, emphasizing the natural gifts He has placed in creation. The leaves used for medicine suggest the historical use of plants and their extracts, including essential oils, in healing practices.

Throughout history, many ancient cultures, including the Hebrews, Egyptians, and Greeks, used plant-based remedies for healing, anointing, and spiritual purposes. Essential oils, which are concentrated extracts from plants, were often made by crushing leaves, flowers, and bark to release their healing properties. Oils like myrrh, frankincense, and cedarwood were used for their medicinal, aromatic, and antiseptic qualities. In biblical times, these natural remedies were part of daily life, used for treating wounds, anointing kings and priests, and even preparing the dead for burial.

This passage in Ezekiel reminds us that God provides natural healing through the plants and trees He created. Even today, people use essential oils for health and wellness, much like the ancients did. Whether in aromatherapy, skincare, or traditional medicine, these plant extracts continue to be valued for their benefits. Just as the river in Ezekiel’s vision brings life to the land, the natural world offers us God’s healing gifts, showing His care for both our bodies and spirits.

Essential Oils in the Bible: Leviticus 6:15

The Meaning of Oil and Frankincense in Worship

In the book of Leviticus, God gave instructions to Moses about how the Israelites should offer sacrifices and gifts as acts of worship. One of these offerings was the grain offering, which included fine flour, oil, and frankincense. A priest would take a handful of this mixture and burn it on the altar as a sweet-smelling offering to God. The oil represented God’s provision and blessing, while the frankincense, a valuable spice, was used for prayer and worship. Together, they symbolized the people’s gratitude and devotion.

The use of oil and frankincense had a deeper meaning in biblical times. Olive oil was used not just for cooking but also for anointing people as a sign of God’s presence. Frankincense, a fragrant resin, was burned as incense to represent prayers rising to heaven. These natural elements were considered sacred, often used in healing, prayer, and worship. In Leviticus 6:15, God asked for these items in the offering to show that true worship comes from a pure and grateful heart.

Even today, essential oils like frankincense are valued for their soothing and healing properties. While we may not offer grain sacrifices, we can still learn from this passage. It teaches us that worship is about giving our best to God, whether through prayer, gratitude, or acts of kindness. Just as the oil and frankincense created a pleasing aroma in the temple, our lives should be a pleasing offering to God, full of faith and thanksgiving.