Archive for January, 2010

12 Oils of Ancient Scripture: Myrtle and Hyssop

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Along with the other oils of ancient scripture, myrtle and hyssop have fascinating historical significance. Join Gary Young as he discusses these two oils.

myrtleMyrtle is another precious aromatic that appears in historical writings. When the Jews came out of the Babylonian captivity, King Nehemiah reminded them that the Lord commanded that they gather branches from four trees, including myrtle. Nehemiah 8:15: “Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.” To the ancient Jews, myrtle was symbolic of peace and justice. One of the promises to Israel to the future is that instead of the briar shall come up the myrtle tree (Isaiah 55:13). Ancient texts also mention the use of myrtle for overcoming respiratory conditions, although no clinical research has so far validated this.

hyssopHyssop may be the most difficult biblical plant to identify because so many possibilities have been suggested. Even though Hyssop officinalis may not be the exact plant used in ancient times, it has similar properties to the aromatic herb mentioned throughout the Bible. A quote in Psalms states, “Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow (Psalms 51:7). The hyssop plant was used during the exodus from Egypt to dab the Hebrew’s door posts with lamb’s blood, protecting them from the plague of death. Anciently, leprosy was thought to be the result of the sin of pride. Rabbi Isaac Bartavelle from the third century AD, wrote about the use of hyssop in cleansing the leper: “You were proud like the cedar and the Holy One, blessed he, humbled you like this hyssop that is crushed by everyone.” The term “officinalis” refers to the fact that hyssop was a part of traditional pharmacopeias. Intriguing historical evidence refers to hyssop being used to treat respiratory conditions and ward off parasites, although current medical research is yet confirming these uses.

I hope that you find this information as fascinating as I do! Please join me next time for a discussion of galbanum and cypress.

Essentially Yours,

Gary Young

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12 Oils of Ancient Scripture: Onycha, Spikenard, and Rose of Sharon

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Less in known about onycha, spikenard, and rose of Sharon, but today, Gary Young imparts his knowledge of these precious oils of ancient scripture.12-oils-of-ancient-scripture

Onycha was a prized aromatic mentioned in Exodus 30:34: “And the Lord said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight.”

A prized aromatic mentioned in Exodus 30:34, onycha stirred debate—whether it refers to a shellfish or a plant. The great Jewish scholar Rashi suggested that onycha is a kind of root, while the Talmud states it came from an annual plant. I believe that styrax benzoin may be the plant’s source for onycha. Like frankincense and myrrh, benzoin is a resin. Onycha was traditionally known for its comforting and soothing properties as well as its benefits for the skin. Ancient people used it to improve complexion and to help nourish the skin. Perhaps some of the beneficial aspects of benzoin were due to not only the oil itself, but also the other oils compounded with it.

Spikenard, which we read about in the New Testament in Mark 14:3, was transported to the Holy Land in sealed alabaster boxes all the way from the Himalayan Mountains. When a distinguished guest came visiting, the master of the home showed honor by breaking open a box of spikenard and anointing the guest. The Hebrews and the Romans also used spikenard in the burial of their dead. This is why Jesus said of the woman who poured the precious spikenard oil on him: “She has come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.”

The rose of Sharon is believed to be ladinum, Cistus ladanifer. This herb was imported into ancient Egypt from the island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea. The resin, which collected on the leaves, was treasured for its distinctive aromatic and therapeutic properties. The scriptural reference of rose of Sharon is in Solomon 2:1 where it says “I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.” The beautiful oil of cistus has a soft, honey-like scent. And cistus may be the small shrub tree called the rose of Sharon. Anciently it was referred to as the lily of the valley. Traditionally, cistus was used to stop bleeding and promoted cell regeneration, although no modern evidence has yet substantiated this.

There’s still more to come! Next, I’ll address some of the historical uses of myrtle and hyssop. I hope you’ll join me.

Essentially Yours,

Gary Young

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12 Oils of Ancient Scripture: Myrrh

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Historically a highly prized aromatic oil, myrrh has a rich history in the Old and New Testament. Today, Gary Young shares a personal experience using myrrh essential oil.

myrrhMyrrh was another highly prized aromatic substance mentioned in the Old and New Testament. According to Proverbs 7:17, King Solomon perfumed his bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. It is fitting that myrrh symbolizes suffering since it is harvested by slicing the tree so the precious resin oozes out and hardens into drops, called tears. Christ was given myrrh at his birth, and along with aloes it was used in preparing his body for burial. Myrrh was also included in the holy anointing oil and was well known to the ancient perfumers. From Esther 2:12 we learn that the candidates from whom King Ahasuerus was to pick his queen were prepared by anointings: six months with oil of myrrh and six months with sweet odors.

The Arabian people of antiquity used myrrh for a variety of skin conditions. Myrrh was also used traditionally on the umbilical cord during birth. I had this experience with my own son as I facilitated the delivery with Mary. Immediately upon his delivery, I anointed the umbilical cord with myrrh oil, continuing to put myrrh oil on it multiple times a day. It was the most beautiful experience! There was no question in my mind of the greatness of these oils and the benefits and the blessings that they brought to the newborn king, as well as the countless other children that might have been anointed with these precious oils, as I truly had this experience firsthand.

Next time, join me as I discuss a few lesser known oils of ancient scripture: onycha, spikenard, and rose of Sharon.

Essentially Yours,

Gary Young

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Panama City training meeting with Gary Young

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

On our way home from the Balsam Fir Harvest, Mary and I will be stopping in Panama City, Panama, for a training meeting. If you are in the area, I invite you to stop by for some personal training on Young Living’s mission and amazing products.

Here are the details:

Gary and Mary Young Meeting in Panama

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Panama City, Panama

Panama Marriott Hotel

Calle 52 y Ricardo Arias

Área Bancaria

Republica de Panamá

507-210-9200

Registration: 6:45–7:45 p.m.

Meeting: 7:45–9:45 p.m.

  • The meeting will be presented in both English and Spanish.
  • This meeting is free to attend. Family and friends are welcome!

I hope to see you there!

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12 Oils of Ancient Scripture: Sandalwood

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

A continuation of a multipart discussion about each of the 12 Oils of Ancient Scripture, today Gary Young speaks to the historical significance and traditional uses of sandalwood.

sandalwoodSandalwood is another aromatic substance with a long, rich history in ancient times. Traditionally referred to as “aloes” or “aloewood,” it is mentioned in John 19:39: “And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight.” Psalms 45:8 informs us that the garments of the Messiah are fragrant with myrrh, cassia, and aloes, which is sandalwood.

The documenting of biblical plants and aromatics down through the ages has not been exact. The first entire book on plants was not published until 1566 AD, but many botanists believe that aloes derived from sandalwood, one of the oldest incenses known to man. Its 4,000-year history includes use as a carved wood as well as distillation for its sweet, woody, and fruity scented oil. The quantity of myrrh and aloes used in preparing Christ’s body for burial was indicative of deep respect; and in ancient Egypt, myrrh and sandalwood were used to embalm the great pharaohs of Egypt.

Historically, sandalwood was recognized for its improving of the lymphatic system, strengthening the heart, and calming the nerves. Ancient references also mention sandalwood for hemorrhaging, heart fatigue, and sciatica—although no modern clinical research has verified these benefits. Perhaps this is why sandalwood was a treasured aromatic substance in ancient times.

Modern science is now beginning to investigate the antiseptic and immune supporting properties of some of the constituents of these precious oils. Studies conducted at the University of Wisconsin show that limonene can inhibit aflatoxins and their production by toxic fungi and prevent DNA damage.

Next time, join me as I discuss another significant oil of ancient scripture: myrrh.

Essentially Yours,

Gary Young

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