A Frankincense Tree

Frankincense is mentioned in the Scriptures over 50 times and is found in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Chronicles, Nehemiah, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Matthew, and Revelations. I find this amazing especially since I have read the bible my whole life and frankly, never even noticed it.

How Did the Ancient World Use Frankincense?

Besides being exptremely valuable, the Egyptians used frankincense to fumigate their homes, for ritual incense and for cosmetics–the black makeup they used was actually burnt frankincense which served to protect their eyes from eye diseases. It was used as a holy anointing oil and as a general cure-all for diseases. It was also used to enhance meditation and elevate spiritual consciousness. History also shows it was used for embalming and as a perfume. Frankincense formed an important part of the Sabbath day offering, and it was one of the three gifts given by the Magi to the Christ child.

Can Frankincense Help Us With our “Modern Dieseases?”

Today you might be surprised to find out that frankincense is used for cancer, depression, allergies, headaches, bronchitis, herpes, tonsillitis, typhoid, warts, brain damage, and to stimulate the body’s production of white blood cells. Frankincense is one of the few oils that is considered anti-tumoral. It is a strong antiviral, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and expectorant oil. Frankincense oil has the ability to relax and revitalize at the same time. It is excellent for nervous tension and nervous exhaustion. Its fragrance increases spiritual awareness and promotes meditation. It may also help improve attitude and uplift spirits, which may help to strengthen the immune system and decrease depression.

Many who have grown up in churches which use incense will recognize the fragrance of frankincense. It has a “holy” fragrance about it that peoples from many ages have sought as they look to lift their spirits to the “high places.” Don’t use perfume grade oils though–check out the therapeutic grade oils if you are wanting an oil that heals.

PS: For the “good stuff” go to my web site at: http://www.youngliving.com/htsmsmith

If we lookat the Early Christian church experience–all we know if that they prayed, laid-on hands and anointed with oil all who were sick and they healed them. Everyone at that time would have known which oils to use so there was no need to actually write it down. They were obviously not thinking of us 2,000 plus years later who wouldn’t have known this common knowledge. That leaves us to research what oils were commonly used in that era–what would have been in their medicine chest. Instead of aspirin and over-the-counter drugs for upset stomachs and skin rashes, they would have had essential oils made from healing plants. Most likely they were prepared in olive oil bases–primarily to make them go further and to be able to rub the oil into the skin with a bit of massaging.

Here are the oils that would have commonly be available: frankincense, myrrh, balsam, cedarwood, hyssop, galbanum, spikenard, cypress, and probably Rose of Sharon (cistus), and a few others. In other words, they would have what we refer to today as the Biblical Oils.

In the many churches that I have helped to get healing ministries established, frankincense has been the oil of choice. There is no need to dilute it unless cost is the primary factor. Frankincense is just as expensive today as it was 2,000 years ago. I would advise not going to a health food store for your oil–you will only find perfume grade oils there. I recommend only therapeutic grade essential oils.

PS: To get the “best” therapeutic grade oil you can go to http://www.YoungLiving.com/htsmsmith

When using an essential oil, simply put a drop or two in one palm and with the fingers of the other hand, dip them into the oil and gently touch an area of the body along with an affirmation or prayer of blessing. If it feels appropriate, make a sign of the cross if you are anointing the brow, lips or heart. There are several healing techniques taught in the Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry program that utilize Christian symbols in an anointing. Want to learn more about creating sacred events with anointing?

PS: Go to my web site at http://www.ISHAhealing.com to learn more about our programs in healing ministry with anointing oils.

There are basically four steps in performing the simple form of the Laying-On of Hands: centering, intention, assessment (taking in information) and treatment (doing something).

It is important to prepare the person who is to receive healing so get permission to touch, tell the person what you will be doing, and encourage feedback as you progress. Ask if they have any allergies to any known substances before using an essential oil.

As you begin your healing work, put a few drops of your chosen oil in the palms of your hands. I especially like to use frankincense for this work. Other choices might include biblical oils like myrrh, cedarwood, hyssop, spikenard, Rose of Sharon, galbanum, sandalwood (aloes), and balsam. Always use a therapeutic oil—synthetic oils carry no life within them. Only therapeutic oils which are unadulterated carry a vibrational frequency that is healing. I always like to let the person I am working with smell the fragrance of the oils as well.

Centering and Intention are your interior preparation for doing the healing work.

Assessment is determining what to do; it is taking in information and being open to hear.

Treatment is being open to the power of God flowing through your hands and your heart. It is your being a channel, a conduit, or facilitator for the flow of divine energy.

PS: Find out more about the laying-on of hands with essential oils in my book: Healing Oils Healing Hands. Go to http://www.ISHAhealing.com

We then need to know what was available in first century Palestine. This we know from history—frankincense, myrrh, balsam and cedarwood were plentiful. Other oils that may have been available include hyssop, Rose of Sharon (cistus), pine, spikenard, cinnamon, cassia, sandalwood (aloes), galbanum and cypress.

When anyone was sick, they prayed, laid on hands and anointed with healing oil all who were sick in body and mind—and they were healed. Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry starts with the Laying-On of Hands and has the goal of helping churches reclaim healing as the work of the church. When we combine this with prayer and with anointing we put the person is the best light for healing to occur whether it is physical, mental, emotional or spiritual healing.

PS: Find out more about anointing with healing oils in my book: Healing Oils Healing Hands available at my website: http://www.ISHAhealing.com