I’ve read some other essential oil books as I’ve begun my journey to learn more about these oils, and I have not been particularly impressed.  Many read like advertising pamphlets for Young Living, rather than as books intended to educate.  Although Dr. Stewart does use and recommend YL oils, I did not find this to read like an advertisement.  (There are occasional references to YL products within the text, and a good deal of YL information in the appendices, but it doesn’t come across as being the whole reason for the book.)  Rather, I found this to be an extremely well-balanced and informative text written from a very well-reasoned point of view.

The Purpose of the Book

It’s important to note that this is not a how-to-use-essential-oils book.  It’s more of a why-to-use-essential-oils book.  And yet there is so much information here I’m not quite sure where to start!  The introduction provides some necessary background information, including what an essential oil is, a brief introduction to essential oils’ inclusion in Scripture, the author’s own history, and the sources considered as “Scripture references” throughout the book.  The author’s aim is to reintroduce what Christians used to know about God’s healing provision, in ancient times.

Early Chapters

The first chapter is somewhat introductory, as well.  It provides a greater overview of the Bible’s discussion of, and the biblical peoples’ use of, essential oils.  An important point I had never considered is just how much we (as humans) used to breathe in the volatile oils of plants just by living close to nature!  But these oils were present and doing their work even from the Garden of Eden.  Oils were discussed/used right on through Joseph’s life story, and into the New Testament.  Even though the intent of the biblical writers was not to document everyday life in detail, it is amazing the amount of information that can be gleaned about the oils used at that time!

The next chapter is where, in my opinion, it really gets interesting.  This second chapter talks about “how and why oils can heal.”  It does get into a little bit of science, but don’t worry – it’s explained in plain language and you don’t need a degree in chemistry to understand it.  (Heaven knows I wouldn’t be able to understand it if that were the case!)  It talks about the different types of compounds in essential oils, about their ability to access the cells of the body, about their frequencies, etc.

What Kind of Healing?

The following two chapters address biblical healing.  Dr. Stewart points out – and rightly so, I believe – that our modern medical system is atheistic.  That is, we have separated God from the healing process.  It has not always been this way.  In fact, even in pagan societies, healing usually goes hand-in-hand with religion!  In the Old Testament, the priests were the ones approached when healing was needed.  And who does the New Testament say we’re to go to?  We’re to go to the church elders, and have them anoint us and pray over us.

What exactly is this anointing (or, more precisely, “anointment”)?  Is it a symbolic dabbing of vegetable oil (or, worse, petroleum-based mineral oil)?  Or it meant to be an anointing with oils designed to heal?  The author contends that it’s the latter.

The discussion of biblical healing is presented here in a very balanced manner.  You may or may not agree with all of the conclusions Dr. Stewart has drawn.  I don’t, however, expect anyone would take offense at the manner in which any of his opinions/conclusions are presented, even if you do disagree.  You will be caused to think.

Essential Oils in the Bible

Six chapters detail the inclusion of essential oils in the Bible.  First, one chapter gives an overview.  It walks through each oil, name by name (with a section near the end for unspecified oils), tells you where they’re referenced, and provides a running tally.  This way the reader can see how many times essential oils are mentioned in the Bible, but know exactly how the final number was produced.  (There are a few different ways certain things could be interpreted, so it’s good to know what exactly you’re working with.)

Then individual chapters go into further detail regarding some of the more frequently-mentioned oils: “oils of joy,” the “balm of Gilead,” roses (which are probably not what we know as roses here and now), cedar, and myrrh.  There is more to these chapters than just notes of where they’re referenced, though!  Some of the references are discussed in detail, and additional information is provided about the oils themselves.

Another chapter discusses olive oil, which is not an essential oil (‘though it does contain some volatile oils along with its other compounds), but is another healing type of oil used regularly in Bible times.

How Do We Get Them?

A whole chapter discusses methods for distilling the essential oils from plants.  First it details the methods that would have been used in biblical times.  Then modern methods are addressed.  (For the most part, good essential oils are still distilled as they were thousands of years ago, but we do have one or two new options due to technology that wasn’t available then.)

After explaining the ancient methods, along with a couple of newer methods, Dr. Stewart gets into some detailed information about how oils can be altered or adulterated along the way.  (This adulteration is, obviously, not a good thing.)  This gives you a bit of an idea of what to be watching out for.  He does, at this point, recommend Young Living products as trustworthy in all of the key areas, ‘though he’s fair enough not to make the claim that there cannot be any other legitimate companies out there.  (It is my personal suspicion that only Young Living oils were up to par when they first came out, but that with the growing use of – and demand for – therapeutic oils, there are a small number of quality alternatives available.)

Final Things

The final chapter goes with the appendices, in my opinion.  If you have decided that you like the idea of using essential oils for healing, and would like to introduce this concept to others, there is an oils program (a presentation/workshop) the author is doing in churches or community centers which is outlined for you to do, as well.    All of the information you need is provided: how much time to set aside, which oils to use, what to have on hand, what order to present things in, etc.  It’s all laid out in this final chapter.  (This chapter also includes additional information about some of the individual biblical oils, by virtue of containing the information you would present during such a program.)

There are then six appendices.  Appendix A catalogs the biblical citations for essential oils.  This information is provided in several formats over several tables, giving you a number of ways to reference it.  Appendix B catalogs apocryphal citations for essential oils.  Appendix C specifies a number of oils known (from other sources) to be used during Bible times, but not specifically referenced in the Bible.  Appendix D catalogs fatty oils (as opposed to essential/volatile oils) referenced in the Bible.  Appendix E introduces the concept of “Seventh Heaven,” along with some references and a good deal of information about presenting oils formerly available in a “Seventh Heaven” kit from Young Living, in case you should choose to includes them in your oils program.  Appendix F specifically discusses the 14 most commonly-used oils of the Bible, with a good deal of information about each one (and notes regarding which Young Living blends include them).

Other Details You Need to Know

This book is well-indexed, and the table of contents is very thorough, making it quite easy to find the bit of information you’re looking for.  The bibliography is useful for those interested in further study, as well.  (The author has even noted which of the books in the bibliography he especially recommends.)

I came across a couple small details I believe to be inaccurate.  The magi were implied to have arrived while Jesus was a newborn (a reference is made to the use of their gift of myrrh on his umbilical cord), although it’s almost certainly the case that Jesus was past the point of needing umbilical cord care by the time they visited.  And there is negative reference made to cholesterol during the discussion of olive oil (page 160), which is outdated and incorrect.  (Dietary cholesterol does not inherently raise your body’s cholesterol levels!)  However, both of these are minor and neither changes the applicability of any of the oil information presented in the text.  I found this book extremely educational and highly recommend it!

Disclosure: Dr. Stewart provided me with a copy of his book to facilitate my review.  (He has also provided a copy to give away during my upcoming Natural Baby Shower, so keep your eyes open for that!)  As always, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.