The stacte is one of the sweet spices that’s been used for the temple’s perfume (Exodus 30:34-38). While there are different plants and aquatic creatures that some claim its oil form was used in some accounts in the bible, some historical literature, and biblical dictionaries would tell you otherwise. There are only two oils that are directly mentioned in the bible, myrrh oil, and olive oil. However, reading biblical dictionaries as well as thousand-old documents written by historical figures would tell you that stacte is also an oil.
“34 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:
35 And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy – Exodus 30:34-35:
Stacte’s source
There are two suggestions as to how stacte is being sourced. The first notion is that stacte is a distilled myrrh, while other suggest that it is the gum of the storax tree, and shrub of Styrax officinale. (1) The writing of Dioscorides confirms that the stacte is from myrrh. He explained that it is the fat of new myrrh. It is extracted by bruising it with a small amount of water and pressing the oil of new myrrh (stacte) by pressing it by using a particular instrument. (2)
Stacte’s scent and sensational effect
As described by Dioscorides, stacte is very potent even in just a small amount. Applied topically, it has a warming sensation that resembles the effect of hot oils. With regard to the odor, stacte has a very sweet scent. (2)
Stacte in perfumery and as a therapeutic remedy
Stacte is being used in perfumery (1) as well as in making ointments. Dioscorides even noted that by itself it makes an ointment (2). Stacte is being used as a medication to soothe inflammation or irritation (demulcent) to chest (pectoral) discomforts or complaints (1).
Attest what smells good 💋❤
References:
- (1) Illustrated Bible Dictionary by Matthew George Easton via My Bible App
- (2) TA Osbaldeston, RPA Wood., The Herbal of Dioscorides the Greek (Modern English Version) 2000
- (3) King James Bible Version
Oil Therapy 