Healing Oils of the Bible

by David Stewart

Frankincense and Myrrh--more than symbolic gifts to baby Christ. Considered cure-alls by Biblical people. Healing by prayer and anointment with oils as practiced by Jesus' disciples and early Christians is made practical for us today in this book. Based on both science and scripture.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Christian, Reference, Religion, Alternative Medicine, Research

325 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2003

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Stephani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the new approach to health care that this book offers. It teaches that we must include God and His creations more in our health practices. I agree in full that separation of God and medicine is dangerous and yet prevalent in our society. I have tried essential oils myself and on my children and they work wonders and are so much safer than synthetic drugs. Pharmaceutical companies don't want us to rely on these divinely created medicines because they can not legally be patented and there would be no profit for them. I am really into history as well and although I have read these verses many times in the Bible,I had no idea about the specific uses of the anointing oils!Great read for member of any religion and anyone interested in putting power back into the home and becoming more self reliant. P.S. Do take with a grain of salt, i don't think that All traditional docs are bad news, and I do also believe that some modern medicines are gifts from God too! I just think an integrative approach to both is best.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I thought there were some interesting views (especially how they are gifts from God) and the history of the oils and their uses was fascinating, I was disgusted by the author's very strong views of modern medicine. Yes there are some changes that could be done to make it better including incorporating more "original" / natural medicine and that is why many people are turning to natural medicine now, but how many of us have benefited from modern medicine at one time or another in our lives? How about vaccines that have helped fight polio, smallpox, etc? I have met many very caring people who devote their lives to human and animal medicine. To say they are all money grubbing is a very wide and sad statement to make. If someone truly wanted to be rich in money, they would go into entrepreneurship and business. But to be rich in your heart? That only comes from doing something you love, and most (of course not all, but most!) people in the health industry have their hearts in the right place. For this reason, I gave the book 2 stars.

[Missy LeBlanc Ivey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always believed in essential oils and have used them a time or two instead of taking the prescribed antibiotics my doctor said I NEEDED to take...and they worked to stop infection and even to dissolve away a cyst. But, David Stewart, takes it to a whole new level by teaching that God wants us to use the oils, but with prayer. The healing process will be amplified. Before Gary Young (founder of Young Living) died, the author had the opportunity to train with him, learning about the oils and the infamous Raindrop Massage Technique, which I have not yet experienced.

He has had two major healings, himself, by using prayer with essential oils: 1) an instantaneous healing after 43 years of back pain, and 2) after a two month procedure of applying cypress and wintergreen oils to his knee injury morning and evening (with prayer) that occurred when he was 27 years old, osteoarthritis had set in at age 63, his knee was completely healed. He used Young Living essential oils and believe those oils to be in their purest form. Three things he said you need to know about essential oil companies to avoid buying fake or contaminated oils: the grower, the distiller and the supplier.

There are 1,035 references to the use of essential oils, whether directly or indirectly, in the Bible, and 33 specific oils mentioned (although there were known to be many more used that are not mentioned in the Bible):

1. Aloes (Sandalwood)
2. Anise
3. Balm (Balsam)
4. Bay (Bay Laurel)
5. Bdellium
6. Calamus
7. Cassia
8. Cedarwood
9. Cinnamon
10. Coriander
11. Cumin
12. Cypress
13. Dill
14. Fir
15. Frankincense
16. Galbanum
17. Henna
18. Hyssop
19. Juniper
20. Mint
21. Mustard Seed
22. Myrrh
23. Myrtle
24. Onycha
25. Pine
26. Rose of Isaiah
27. Rose of Sharon (Cistus)
28. Rue
29. Saffron
30. Shittah
31. Spikenard
32. Terebinth
33. Wormwood

Table Four-A in the Appendix shows references to Bible citations.

God intended for oils to be used for many purposes, but essential oils (aromatic oils) from organically or naturally grown plants mainly for healing. Ezekiel 47:12 says, “...Their fruit will be for food and their leaves for medicine”. I believe in God. He spoke these 100% natural pure and healing plants into being to be used as medicines with no side effects, unlike man-made medicines, with His own divine words; therefore, I am trusting in Him to direct me to the regimens and oils for my needs.

You will learn so much from the book, but you have to take your time. The author drops a lot of Bible verses that you will have to look up. You should take the time to look them up to get a better grasp on what he’s talking about. I just wish he would have sourced out his scientific information he wrote about regarding essential oils. And, I might add, it may be time for him to write a new book because a few of the oils mentioned in the book are no longer being made by Young Living (such as Exodus II, Ravensara, R.C., Spikenard (Nard), and a couple more. Apparently, some of the oils are getting hard to come by.

The last chapter gives step-by-step instructions on how to give a Biblically based Bible study on essential oils with a small group of friends (or large gathering). You would think he was marketing Young Living oils, BUT he isn't. He never asks you to sign up under his name so he reaps rewards. He really has trust in the Young Living brand because they have healed him, and so do I. Although I can't stand their business model, I do love their oils and know for a fact that they work. I buy their oils only for me and my family's needs.

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MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

I just got over a 3-1/2 week bout with covid. My cough turned into bronchitis, which was miserable but not unusual for me, but what is unusual is me taking prescribed medicines. My doctor prescribed an antibiotic, Arizromycin, which I’m not sure why because antibiotics are useless against viruses...and Covid is a virus...but I took them anyway. She prescribed a corticosteroid, Prednizone, and a good cough medicine, Bromphen-PSE-DM, which I only took when I had coughing fits and during my two days of bronchitis because coughing was so painful.

Well, the Prednizone caused a clot in my left leg to form...yes….deep vein thrombosis. I had two choices: 1) Go to the hospital while I had Covid and a blood clot. They would lay me up, on my back, immobile in bed where my lungs would probably fill up with fluids, because of my Covid and put me on highest doses of blood thinners and clot dissolvers for the rest of my life, which wouldn’t be long because of the pneumonia I would then have. Next, thing they’d have me on a ventilator where 70 to 80% of the people die. So, no thank you! 2) OR research to see if deep vein thrombosis can be taken care of at home. It can! My research lead to some basics first, then to essential oils, THEN to this book, “Healing Oils of the Bible” by David Stewart, which says that oils are more powerful when used with prayer.

I found that Helichrysum essential oil is THE oil used to dissolve blood clots and that many oils can be used as blood thinners. At first, I could barely even touch my calf to apply the oil, massage and heat. After just a couple of days I was able to apply some pressure on my calf for a massage. Then, another day or two I was able to start digging into the back of that calf for deeper and better massages. Now, three weeks into the program, my calf doesn’t even hurt at all. But, I will keep up the below regimen for at least a few more weeks, then tame it down a bit with a maintenance program. Below is my daily regimen:

THINGS I DID (AND CONTINUE TO DO) DAILY FOR THROMBOSIS
(Note: This may not be, or work, for everyone. I am on no medications what-so-ever, and decided for myself that this was the route I wanted to go.]

1) Eat diet high in Vitamin A and Vitamin E (Vitamin A blocks the absorption of Vitamin K...a known blood thickener; Vitamin E does not block Vitamin K, but it does inhibit blood clot formation by “inhibiting the actions of enzymes activated by Vitamin K”. [SFGATE website: healthyeating.sfgate.com “Do Some Vitamins Inhibit the Absorption of Other Vitamins?”, accessed 8/18/2021]
2) Wear compression socks
3) Elevate leg as much as possible
4) Walk. Get exercise.
- Week 1 - Start with 3-4 slow 5 minute walks
- Week 2 - walk 10 minutes 3 times a day
- Week 3 - walk 15 minutes 3 times a day
- Week 4 - walk 20 minutes 2 times a day
- Week 5 - walk 40 minutes once a day
5) Massage calf for 3 minutes 3 times a day with essential w/equal amounts of Helichrysum, Lemon & Lavender EO's and a couple drops of carrier oil after walking. Prayer while applying the oil magnifies the healing process.
6) Apply heat on calf for 20 minutes 3 times a day) NOTE: The heat will open up pores and drive the essential oils deeper into cells to do its job.
7) Take 1-3 drops of Helichrysum EO and 1 drop Grapefruit EO (OR 1 drop Slim & Sassy by doTerra) 3 times a day in a shot glass with water or soy milk.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found much of this book incredibly closed minded and offensive. The author actually believes that Doctors and modern medications are against God. I disagree 100% and believe that God has lead men and women in the research and development of many life saving medical technologies, including medications (he calls pharmaceutical drugs- satanic).

The author seems to believe that God did not mean for us to advance in medicine since the Garden of Eden.

Much of the book is a "how to" in advertising his program of how to heal with oils from the Bible.

I bought the book thinking it was going to be a nice history/ reference book of the ways essential oils were employed for healing in Biblical times.

There is a very nice reference in the back of the book that explains all the oils mentioned in the Bible, their properties and what scripture verses they are cited in.

[Sharon Wilbur · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much actual essential oil information. I found some of the authors statements strange. I found it heavy on religion, but then some points hard to take - such as the suggestion that it was the oils Jesus used that healed. Oils might work fine but it took a bit more than oil. It was faith, as Jesus told his disciples. Hey, oils are great, but Geez.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fascinating. I want to adapt suggested the class presentation to doTERRA essential oils and start sharing it. I learned many new things.

[Beverly Buttram claussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book on healing with essential oils, from a spiritual point of view. If you want to read a book that correlates to the Bible and essential oils in healing, this is the perfect book!

[THT Steph · Rating 1 out of 5]

As an aromatherapist who is deeply rooted in my walk with Christ, I know that God spoke life into plants and that He created them for us, dear ones. Isn't that amazing?! It is because of this that I know that everything that I need to heal myself and my family is available to me. It's available to you too. This core belief is what drew me to Healing Oils of the Bible, and it is what had me quite taken with the book at the start of the book.

You see, I believe that there is a proper order when seeking healing. First I believe in prayer, the single most powerful tool that we have. Through prayer alone we can be healed, but there are times when we need to use the tools that God has so freely given to us, which is why I believe in herbal medicine second. While some folks lean towards the phrase "God helps those who help themselves", one of the most used non bible passage phrases, others believe that they need do nothing and God will take care of everything if you just believe. I am somewhere right in the middle of those two groups of people. I believe with my whole heart that GOD HELPS THOSE WHO CANT HELP THEMSELVES, but He doesn't always right things without involving us in a solution. He often helps us by giving us the tools. Lastly, I am not anti-modern medicine if need be.

This is why I loved the concept of Healing Oils of the Bible and initially considered teaching a class. The beginning was like someone had written a book on the very core beliefs that I have regarding herbalism and aromatherapy. But... Later, I started to feel much differently about the book, because another core belief that I have about the resources that God has given us is that they belong to each of us freely and a true healer wants to share what he/she knows so that the word can spread, so that others can be healed, and so that it isn't lost through the generations. To me, when used in God's order, herbalism is a ministry.

Author, David Stewart, and I see things differently in this regard I think, as later the book talks about getting people to teach classes on the premise of his book, but with a hook, he endorses only one company, and pushes their patented blends.... DRUM ROLL PLEASE!

BECAUSE HE PROFITS! David Stewart, PhD is tied to Young Living a hundred ways to Sunday. He is a paid speaker for them, and him and his wife are the founders of the Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education, which is not a true organization like the Aromatherapy Institute, but instead a group that promotes Young Living and their Raindrop Therapy, a very dangerous practice. <--- More on that in a bit.

Did you know that wholly natural products can't be patented? Well they can't. That's why I believe that pharmaceutical companies spend all of their time and resources on trying to mimic what is already in nature rather than studying and promoting the use of natural products. This is why I am so disturbed by David Stewart's approach. He has found a way to sell what is already available to each of us, and has pervert God's word for his own extensive profit.

His book markets patented Young Living blends as though they are THE healing oils of the bible. This is a bunch of bunk! First of all, the oils of the bible are not essential oils at all. They are infused oils. To me, this means that we can take from the bible God's intentions for us regarding healing, but we need to know that the use of oils then is NOT what David Stewart presents them to be.

He tells these falsehoods about the practices in biblical times in order to push his Raindrop Therapy. Raindrop Therapy is the dropping of a number of undiluted essential oils on the person being treated. This practice is highly dangerous and there is a high risk for sensitization. Sadly it sounds legit to those who don't otherwise know, since it is advocated through what looks like a professional sight for aromatherapy, even though it is a site for David and Lee Stewart's pure profit.

“by dropping these oils a few inches about the skin, they are falling through your electromagnetic field and will start administering therapy to you before they even hit your body”
He gets people on his bandwagon who will "teach" his practices, which is the equivalent to finding free marketing partners for his book, Young Living Products, and his dangerous Center for Aromatherapy teachings. His book includes the resources to teach the class, and he prompts readers on what to do to spread the word throughout their communities by suggesting that it be taken to churches and taught throughout. Admittedly, on the first several flip throughs I thought this might be a good resource in my community. On further reading however, it became clear that Mr. Stewart and I do not see eye to eye, and I found that David Stewart has little concern as to whether or not each person is equipped to teach on the practices of aromatherapy. He even tells you how to handle a teaching situation where you haven't a clue as to what you are talking about.

Time and money is all that is required for Raindrop Therapy Certification through CARE (Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education). Whether seeking a certification to teach, or a student certification, all that is required is a number of fees from application fees, registration fees, and annual renewal fees; and time at to attend a "class". There is no test required. A certificate of attendance is given to everyone who paid cash and showed up. The whole thing seems like a joke, and it's heartbreaking to think about the number of people who believe David Stewart's teachings to be on the up and up.

Originally I had little problem with Young Living other than it being grossly expensive because of it being an MLM company, but the more I find out about Young Living's connections, the more I am disheartened. I am honestly starting to see things throughout some of these MLM's that feels downright cultish.

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely informative book, examining in detail the number and type of references to healing oils of the Bible. A scientific explanation of the makeup of oils is included, along with the difference between essential oils and vegetable oils.

The properties of particular oils have been known since ancient times. For instance, mood alterers like dill oil were used to calm the nerves of gladiators before they went into the arena and spruce oil was used by Roman soldiers to bolster their courage.

Stewart points out the difference between the British and American attitudes towards essential oils, remarking that English users dilute oils heavily and consider it impossible, for instance, that Queen Esther might have used pure myrrh for cosmetic treatments in the year before she married the king. Americans have no compunction about using pure aromatic oils neat, and tend to report much greater levels of healing. The emphasis is on the pure; it being quite difficult to obtain such in Britain.

There are times when parts of the book seem like an ad for Young Living Oils and Raindrop Technique but I'm encouraged to do further investigation.

One of the most unusual aspects of the book is an entire section on how to have a Healing Oils of the Bible seminar in your church. Everything you need by way of handouts, scheduling and information is there. Except the oils themselves. And that's the essential part. (Pun intended)

[Elaine]

In full disclosure, I chose not to finish reading this book. My reason for this: it's incredible in a bad way. The author mixes science with personal opinion, stating those opinions as fact. Now, while I understand Dr. Stewart comes at this from a very spiritual place, a lot of his assertions are simply not true and are easily proved wrong. He implies that all essential oils can only do good and no harm because God has imbued them as such. This is not true. Used incorrectly, Oregano EO, for one, can seriously eat away at your skin, which is why people often use it to remove warts and moles. Additionally, this excludes poisonous plants! You can make an essential oil from poison ivy, but that doesn't mean it's beneficial and it's also God-given.

While some information presented by Dr. Stewart is interesting, like a list of ORAC scores of plants and essential oils, other moments of 'fact' can't be easily understood because it sits too closely with fiction. What real and fake are too difficult to parse out without literally verifying everything he states.

[Elisabeth Ensor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes a lot of focus to read, lots of science and biblical history! But I really enjoyed the education!

I highly recommend this book, maybe read it with someone else who is also interested in EO's!

[Darlene Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book! I had no idea how powerful essential oils are, and the role they played in the Bible. I highly recommend this.

[Rmschow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly an inspiring and fascinating book that I couldn't put down. I will be referring to it again and again. Amazing!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent go to source for healing.

[MissLexiloo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out with a lot of good info...then at the end it took an abrupt turn to a very strange sales pitch.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful message and highly educational. Eye opening and transforming! Relevant for all people.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!! Such a good book filled with info and clearly detailed explanations and examples. It is an excellent teaching tool and should be a staple in every home. Personally, it increased my faith and beliefs even more, as well as my education. I recently took a C.A.R.E. class and got to smell all these oils for myself too. This would be a great gift for Christians, as well as anyone interested in historical healing. I highly recommend it.

[Irina Mitrofan Bitca · Rating 5 out of 5]

O carte interesanta ce mi-a fost alaturi in calatoria mea spre descoperirea unor cai noi de a intretine si a pastra sanatatea mea si a familiei mele. Citind-o, mi-a fost mai clar cat de aproape sunt uleiurile esentiale de noi, cat bine pot face daca avem incredere in ele si cat de multa vechime au, de fapt, aceste remedii pe care noi le consideram acum "moderne" :)

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although there is MUCH more information for me to receive from this book, I did read the entire book. I'll be re-reading it in pieces so I can get all the benefits from it. For now I am enjoying using some new oil blends, and using them with a renewed faith that they CAN help to heal my body.

[Tina S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly predictable take on the bible view of oils but with some hidden gems. Was worth the read still; different perspective on them.

[Laura Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information but sometimes repetitive.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved reading about the Biblical history of oils. However, the author’s disdain for doctors was a turn-off.

[Adina Anghel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cartea a completat cu succes convingerile mele despre modul naturist de a-ti vindeca organismul. Dincolo de asta, uleiurile au un succes mai mic fara rugaciunea de alaturi. 😊

[Luciana · Rating 5 out of 5]

O carte minunată despre uleiuri. Pentru orice om pasionat de aromaterapie și cu credință în suflet. 😊

[Sally Knotwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! Using a spiritual point-of-view, Mr. Stewart shows us how essential oils were used in biblical times. I really enjoyed this book!

[Beth Salas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting from a biblical and cultural understanding of how oils were used in everyday life

[Maddelline · Rating 3 out of 5]

O abordare interesantă a lecturii Bibliei și a medicinei alternative

[Yophielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oils have changed my health in so many good ways. I used medical-grade cinnamon bark in my coffee for two months and stopped being pre-diabetic. And many, many more.

[Diane Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book. Fully recommend.

[Naphtali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! This was my second time through it, and it was just as good as the first time through it! So much more than just a list of the amount of times oils or aromatic plants are talked about in the Bible (over 1000, in case you were wondering), this book also goes into how oils were extracted and used in Bible times, what the most popular ones were, and so much more! One of my favorite things about this book is the way he puts into perspective just how common oils were in Bible times. The Bible doesn't go into a ton of detail about them, because they were just such a normal part of life - Bible writers assumed everyone would already own and know how to use them.
As a side note, the first time I read this book it gave me a "lightbulb" moment about how when the Bible talks about anointing someone with oil, they mean essential oil, not vegetable oil. Makes a lot more sense now why "anointing with oil" happens so much in the Bible!