Biblical Significance

Biblical Significance

The “aloes” of the Bible do not refer to aloe vera as you might think, but are in fact an old word for the highly aromatic tree we now call sandalwood. 

There is an old legend that says that when Adam was exiled from the Garden of Eden, he carried with him the sapling of a sandalwood tree. It is said that all the sandalwood trees in the world are descended from this one tree that he planted, and that sandalwood is the only plant on Earth which descends from the Garden.   

While this is most likely a made up story without any backing from the Book of Genesis, it is very well inline with the symbolism of aloes clearly layed out elsewhere in scripture. Other passages in biblical poetry and in the Gospel, where the body of Jesus is anointed with a mixture of myrrh and aloes, reveal the symbolic association between aloes and the restoration of humanity and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

John 19:39 KJV 

The body of Jesus being perfumed with myrrh and aloes is very reminiscent of a previous verse from the Old Testament, Psalm 45:8, in which it is said that the very robes of God (metaphorically represented as a king on his wedding day) are perfumed with expensive spices including aloes. 

All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.

Psalm 45:8 KJV

This mixture of sandalwood, myrrh, and cassia is often said to be the recipe for the Oil of Gladness. To be anointed with the Oil of Gladness is to be anointed with the Holy Spirit Himself, and thus it was only natural for Christ the Anointed One to be anointed with aloes in fulfillment of this ancient prophecy pointing to His sacrifice and the reunifying marriage between Heaven and Earth.

The theology behind aloes is far more complex and nuanced than can be briefly summed up. After deeper reading and reflection, we can come to understand sandalwood essential oil as a powerful reminder of God’s provision, blessings, and anointing in our lives, symbolizing hope, forgiveness, and transformation through the love and grace of Jesus.

Benefits

Benefits

Promotes Mental Clarity: Aids in achieving a focused and peaceful mental state, ideal for reading and prayer.

Soothes the Skin: Moisturizes and improves skin tone, promoting a healthy complexion.

Relieves Stress and Anxiety: Its warm, rich aroma induces relaxation and a sense of calm.

Natural Sleep Aid: Creates a serene atmosphere conducive to restful sleep.

Enhances Personal Fragrance: Provides a grounding base note for natural perfumes.

Natural Antimicrobial Agent: Can be used in homemade cleaners to add a pleasant scent while contributing to the elimination of bacteria and viruses on surfaces.

How to Use

How to Use

1. Prayer*:

Diffusion: Add 3-5 drops of sandalwood essential oil to your diffuser and fill your space with its calming aroma. This is perfect for creating a serene environment conducive to deeper and more meditative prayer. Diffuse sandalwood alone or blend it with frankincense for an enhanced experience.

2. Enhancing Sleep Quality:

Bedtime Blend: Mix sandalwood essential oil with a carrier oil (like jojoba or almond oil) at a 2% dilution rate (approximately 12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil) and apply to the chest, neck, or feet before bedtime. Its soothing scent can help promote a sense of tranquility, aiding in a restful night's sleep.

Pillow Mist: Create a soothing pillow mist by adding 10 drops of sandalwood essential oil to a small spray bottle filled with distilled water. Shake well and lightly mist your pillow and bedding before sleep to enjoy its calming benefits throughout the night.

3. As a Personal Fragrance:

Natural Perfume: Blend sandalwood essential oil with your favorite floral or citrus oils in a carrier oil to create a custom, natural perfume. Apply to pulse points like the wrists, behind the ears, and on the neck. Sandalwood's warm, woodsy base pairs beautifully with lavender, bergamot, or rose.

4. In Skin Care:

Soothing Skin Serum: For its rejuvenating properties, mix sandalwood essential oil with a carrier oil such as argan or rosehip oil to create a soothing facial serum. This blend can help in reducing the appearance of skin imperfections and promoting a glowing, even skin tone. Apply 2-3 drops of the blend to your face and neck after cleansing, ideally at night.

5. For Stress Relief and Emotional Well-being:

Massage Oil: Combine sandalwood essential oil with a carrier oil to create a massage oil that not only soothes tired muscles but also calms the mind. The grounding aroma of sandalwood is perfect for a stress-relieving massage. Warm the oil in your hands before applying to the body with gentle strokes.

Direct Inhalation: For a quick calming effect, simply place 1-2 drops of the oil onto a handkerchief or cotton pad and inhale deeply. Alternatively, just sniff right out of the bottle. This method is especially beneficial during moments of stress to help soothe the mind.

Tips for Safe Use:

1. Always conduct a patch test before using a new essential oil topically to ensure there is no allergic reaction.
2. Essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil prior to topical application to avoid skin irritation.
3. Consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or under medical supervision.

*Disclaimer: We make no spiritual claims regarding our essential oils. Our products are not intended to enhance your connection to God or substitute for the Holy Spirit in any capacity. We highlight the proven calming and stress-relieving properties of certain essential oils, which have been shown to ready the mind for prayer by promoting a meditative state. This may facilitate a deeper and more meaningful prayer experience.

Specifications

Specifications

Details

• Botanical Name: Santalum Album
• Plant Part: Heartwood
• Grown in: India
• Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
• Size: 10ml (0.33 oz)
• Key Compounds: α-Santalol, β-santalol and santenone
• Aromatic Profile: rich, woody, creamy, smooth, earthy, balsamic. 
• Bottled with love in Shelbyville, TN, USA

Precautions

• FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY
• Dilute with carrier oil before applying to skin.
• Consult physician before use if pregnant.
• Keep away from children.
• Keep away from eyes.
• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Please perform a patch test before use.