What are essential oils?
The Science & Scripture Behind God’s Plants
If you’ve ever wondered what essential oils actually are—this post is for you.
You’ve probably heard things like “they smell good,” “they’re natural,” or “they’re just a trend.” But the truth is, essential oils are far more than that. They’re not just pleasant—they’re powerful. And they’re not new—they’re ancient.
So today, let’s break it down simply:
👉 What they are,
👉 How they work,
👉 What the Bible says about them,
👉 And why God’s design still stands today.
🌿 What Exactly Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated extracts taken from the leaves, roots, bark, flowers, fruit, or resin of plants. They’re called the “lifeblood” of the plant because they protect it from harm, help it heal when it’s wounded, and carry the plant’s aroma and function.
In scientific terms:
Essential oils contain volatile organic compounds that have specific effects on the human body—many of which are antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, or calming to the nervous system. These compounds are what give plants their medicinal power.
For example:
Lavender contains linalool, known for calming and sedative effects
Peppermint contains menthol, which cools, opens airways, and relieves tension
Lemon is rich in d-limonene, a compound studied for detoxification and immune support
These aren’t just smells. These are active molecules with real effects on your body, emotions, and health.
📖 Essential Oils in the Bible
“Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?”
— Jeremiah 8:22
The Bible references essential oils more than 600 times. Oils like frankincense, myrrh, hyssop, cedarwood, cinnamon, and spikenard weren’t used for fragrance—they were used for healing, purification, anointing, and consecration.
Here are a few biblical examples:
Frankincense & Myrrh: Brought to Jesus at birth (Matthew 2:11). These were prized for their anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties.
Hyssop: Used for cleansing rituals (Psalm 51:7) and even applied to Jesus on the cross (John 19:29).
Anointing Oil: Exodus 30 describes the holy anointing oil recipe in exact detail, with ingredients still used today for immune and emotional support.
God didn’t just create plants for food—He created them for medicine, for anointing, and for connection to His Spirit.
🧠 How Do Oils Work in the Body?
When you inhale an oil, the tiny molecules travel through your nose to the olfactory system, which connects directly to your limbic brain—the center of memory, mood, and emotion.
This is why just smelling an oil like lavender or frankincense can immediately shift how you feel. It’s not emotional fluff—it’s neurological truth.
When applied to the skin, oils absorb into the bloodstream within 20 minutes. Their molecules are small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing them to affect the brain and nervous system directly.
That means:
Oils don’t just sit on the surface
They interact with your cells
They help your body return to balance (homeostasis)
🌱 So... Why Does This Matter?
Because your body was designed to heal, and God gave us tools to support it.
Essential oils are not a replacement for faith—but they are a reflection of God's intelligent design. Just like food nourishes, oils can restore, protect, and uplift.
“He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs for the service of man.”
— Psalm 104:14
✨ Final Thoughts
Essential oils are more than a trend. They are part of God’s provision—created in His garden, used throughout Scripture, and confirmed by science today.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the info out there, I hope this post brought some clarity. Oils are powerful. But they’re also simple. And the more you use them, the more you’ll begin to see God’s wisdom in every drop.
Ready to keep learning? Stick around—next week, I’ll be sharing my Top 10 Oils Every Mom Needs (And Why They Work).
And if you're ready to start your own oil journey today, message me—I'd love to help you find the perfect starter bundle and walk with you step-by-step.
