Karin Opitz-Kreher and Johannes Huber examine the ancient uses of essential oils, both in ritual and for health, and present an in-depth look at the 12 most important oils mentioned in the Bible.



Plants and their essential oils have been used for healing since ancient times. Oils were used to anoint newborns and kings, care for the body, and treat the sick. In the Bible at least 33 different essential oils are specifically mentioned, and aromatic herbs, resins, and incense are referred to more than 1,000 times. Distilling the most significant of this healing wisdom, Karin Opitz-Kreher and Johannes Huber examine the ancient uses of essential oils, both in ritual and for health, and present an in-depth look at the 12 most important oils mentioned in the Bible, including how to use them for healing and well-being today.

The essential oils featured in this full-colour guide are: cassia, galbanum, myrrh, myrtle, spikenard, onycha, sandalwood, frankincense, hyssop, cedar, cistus, and cypress. Each oil is explored in depth, beginning with the Bible verses that refer to it, followed by historical information about the oil, its botanical and chemical composition, its uses in folk medicine, and its modern uses for healing and well-being, including simple recipes and daily exercises. The book also discusses two alternative oils that can be used in place of rare or endangered essential oils.

After looking at each essential oil individually, the authors describe how to create a blend of all 12 biblical oils, which promotes a high level of both physical and mental energy. The authors also examine other ancient references to essential oils, from Egyptian papyri to Ayurvedic tradition, showing how the sophisticated art of extracting plant essences has evolved over thousands of years.