One of the ways anointing with essential oils was used in biblical times was to heal and restore the sick to the community, especially lepers.
Anointing with oils was used to soothe wounds and is mentioned in other books such as the Apocalypse of Moses as a “oil of mercy” and as a cure for all kinds of diseases. The idea that the oil conferred health and well-being is the meaning of a ritual cleansing of the leper found in Lev 14:15-18. We must remember that any type of “repulsive” skin condition was classified as leprosy; this could include Hansen’s disease (what we know as leprosy today), eczema, and psoriasis, to name just a few. The Leviticus passage is not a purification rite but the transmission of life as suggested by the anointing of the head. The whole rite indicates that the formerly ostracized person is now once again accepted into the life of society. This is such an interesting account because if you know anything about Vita-Flex points in the body, these three are significant. The priest was to put a little oil on the tip of the right ear, a reflex point to release guilt. He then put oil on the thumb of the right hand and the big toe of the right foot, which are reflex points of the brain and the pineal gland, the center of the body’s communication systems and the place where emotional memory is stored.
“The priest shall take from the log of oil [a liquid measure] and pour it into the palm of his own left hand, and dip his right finger in the oil that is on his left hand and sprinkle some oil with his finger seven times before the Lord. Of the oil that remains in his hand, the priest shall put on the lobe of the right ear of the one being purified, and on the thumb of the right hand, and on the toe of the right foot, on top of the blood of the offering for the fault. The rest of the oil that is in the priest’s hand will be put on the head of the one being purified. Then the priest will make atonement for him before the Lord.” Lev. 14:15-18
The oil used in this particular ritual was cedarwood, one of the oldest oils known to man. It was used to cleanse lepers and evil spirits, it was used in a similar way to sandalwood. The Egyptians and Sumerians used it more than 5,000 years ago for embalming, as a disinfectant, and for other medicinal purposes. For biblical people, this oil symbolized abundance, fertility and spiritual strength. Tibetans still use it as incense in temples and it is used in their traditional medicine.
Oil in the Old Testament appears fundamentally as a source of strength, vitality and life. Owning an oil was evidence of wealth and a mark of the nation’s prosperity. Anointing someone with oil brought great honor to the person. This is why it was said to bring joy and happiness to festive occasions. The oil created ties between parties where the anointed showed his authority and ensured his support and protection. And in sacred contexts, anointing with oil took on the weight of theology and holiness.