The Magi carry gold, incense and look at the child God. The value of gold seems evident to us today, but frankincense and myrrh seem like little because their properties and symbology have been forgotten.
By: Claudina Navarro
In the most diverse cultures and for thousands of years - from the ancient Egyptians, through the Israelis to the early Christians - special oils have been used for spiritual ceremonies and for the healing of diseases. The Bible certifies in many passages these applications full of strength and symbology. However, they have totally fallen into oblivion.
The Old and New Testaments show that ancient peoples had access to a treasure composed of a multitude of oils, spices, fragrances and ointments. Thus, for example, in Genesis (37:25) it is described how a caravan of camels from Gilead, loaded with spices, balms and myrrh passed by Jacob's flocks to Egypt.
Essential oils were used both externally and internally from birth to death. They served to prevent and cure diseases, but were also used to cleanse the soul and spirit, and to anoint the dead. The oils served as perfumes, were inhaled, taken orally and also used to flavor the kitchen.
Among the applications most named by the Bible is the anointed one. Currently only the symbolic meaning is known, however, in biblical times, this process had mostly a medicinal indication. To anoint someone meant to apply a cream or massage with large amounts of oil.
The "holy oil" that God gave Moses corresponds to current measures at 23.7 liters. It was a mixture of valuable essential oils such as cassia (a type of cinnamon), hyssop, frankincense, tuberose, gallish, myrrh, onycha, cinnamon and calamus, mixed in a base oil (usually olive oil). The pouring of oil on the body is mentioned in several passages of the Bible and seems to have had great importance.
Evaporated oils, which are named about 70 times in the Bible, were also very popular. The potent effect of aromatic smoke was much appreciated by biblical peoples.
The most important oils in the bible
As is known, the beginning of Genesis describes the garden where Adam and Eve lived amidst the aromas of nature. In the last verses reference is made to the embalming of Joseph's body, which was traditionally done with a mixture of essential oils and a vegetable oil. The two essential oils that appear most frequently in the Bible are myrrh and frankincense.
Myrrh ( Commiphora myrrha ). Myrrh is the resin that is obtained from the shrub of the same name, from the Burseráceas family, which comes from the Red Sea environment. Its bitter and mystical aroma distinguishes its oil. Myrrh oil is the most named in the Bible, being also the first, in Genesis (37:25) and the last, along with incense, to appear Revelation of St. John (18:13).
Myrrh was one of the oils that the Magi brought from the East as a present to the newborn Jesus. At that time, myrrh was used to prevent umbilical cord infections. After the death of Jesus, his body was prepared with sandalwood and myrrh. The myrrh then accompanied Jesus from his birth to his physical death.
Its oil has the special ability to lengthen the aroma of other oils without neutralizing them, which improves their quality. But by itself it has many healing properties: it strengthens the immune system and has an antiseptic effect; It is a great anti-stress remedy because it improves the mood thanks to the effect of sesquiterpenes (62%) on the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and tonsil.
Many cultures knew its benefits: the Egyptians wore cones of fat flavored with myrrh on their heads to protect themselves from insect bites and cool off from the desert heat.
The Arabs used myrrh to skin diseases and also to fight wrinkles. In the Old Testament it is said that the Esther Jew, who was to marry the Persian king Ahasveros, spent six months before the wedding bathing in myrrh.
The Romans and Greeks used myrrh for its bitter taste as a stimulant of appetite and digestion. The Hebrews and other biblical peoples chewed it as if it were a gum to avoid mouth infections.
Incense ( Boswellia carteri ). It comes from the Arab region and is characterized by an earthy and camphorated aroma. The oil is obtained by extraction and distillation of the resin from the bark of the tree. In ancient Egypt, incense was considered as a universal healing remedy. In Indian culture, within ayurveda, incense also plays a fundamental role.
Along with the myrrh, it was the other present that the magicians from the East brought to Jesus:
“… And when they entered the house, they saw the boy with his mother Maria, and prostrating themselves, they worshiped him; and opening their treasures, they offered him presents: gold, frankincense and myrrh. ”(Matthew 2:11)
Surely the Magi of the East chose incense because it was customary for the newborn children of kings and priests to be anointed with their oil.
Incense has an anti-inflammatory effect and is indicated for rheumatism, inflammatory bowel diseases, asthma, bronchitis, wrinkles and skin impurities.
Incense properties related to consciousness are also conferred, hence it plays an important role in meditation. Incense burned in the form of a wand or cone is used in temples and for sacred purposes in general. Its balsamic aroma is unique and remains essential in perfumery compositions.
Cedar ( Cedrus atlantica ). Cedar seems to be the first oil obtained by distillation. The Sumerians and Egyptians used this procedure to get the precious embalming oil and to disinfect. It was also used for ritual cleanings and for the care of leprosy patients, as well as to protect themselves from insects. Its effect is so strong that the cabinets made of this wood are able to keep moths away.
Cedar oil is made up of 98% sesquiterpenes that favor brain oxygenation and favor clear thinking.
Cedar wood improves sleep thanks to the stimulation of the hormone melatonin.
The oil is also antiseptic, prevents urinary infections and regenerates the skin. It has been used in diseases such as bronchitis, gonorrhea, tuberculosis and hair loss.
Cassia ( Cinnamomum cassia ) and cinnamon ( Cinnamomum verum ). They belong to the family of lauraceae (laurels) and closely resemble the smell. Both oils have antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Cinnamon is one of the most potent antimicrobial oils that exist. It is also sexually stimulating.
Through inhalations or rubbing of the soles of the feet with both oils, the immune system can be strengthened and protected from colds.
Cassia is one of the components of the holy oil of Moses. This is explained in Exodus (30: 23-25):
“Also take the finest spices: myrrh fluid, five hundred shekels; of aromatic cinnamon, half, two hundred and fifty; and of aromatic cane, two hundred and fifty; of cassia, five hundred shekels, according to the sanctuary cycle, and an olive oil hin. And you will make of it the oil of the holy anointing, a mixture of perfume, the work of a perfumer; it will be holy anointing oil. ”
Aromatic calamus ( Acorus calamus ). It is an Asian plant that grows preferentially on the banks of swamps.
The Egyptians knew the calamus as the `` sacred chamber '' and for the Chinese it had the property of extending life. In Europe it is used as an appetite stimulant and invigorating. Its oil is also a component of the holy anointing of Moses. It was also used as incense and carried as a perfume.
Today the oil is used in muscle contractures, inflammations and respiratory problems.
Source: https://www.elcorreodelsol.com/articulo/los-aceites-olvidados-de-la-biblia
The forgotten oils of the Bible by Claudina Navarro
