Historically and biblically olive oil is known to be used for different purposes due to it beneficial properties. James, one of the apostles instructed that a sick person must be anointed with oil (James 5:14).

“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:” – James 5:14

While the verse did not particularly mention that olive oil must be used, we will find in Exodus 30:22-25 that it is used as the base oil and mixed with other natural ingredients to make an annointing oil.

“23 Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,
24 And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and oil olive in:
25 And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be a holy anointing oil.” – Exodus 30:23-25

In different verses, we would also find that olive oil (Olea europaea) is used for anointing. Hence, we conclude that olive oil is the oil that’s also being used for anointing the sick. To know more about how olive oil is used for anointing, read this post. (LINK)

This article will look at how a Greek physician during the Roman Period used different kinds of olive oil due to their medicinal properties

Olive Oil Production

The two ways to make olive oil are by beating or squeezing the olive oil and trodden them out through the feet. (1)

Kinds of Olive Oil

1. New oil from unripe olive berries

To obtain the best oil, olive fruit must be harvested before they are fully ripe and made into an oil hence called ‘fresh oil” (1) This is congruent with the notes of Dioscorides in De Materia Medica. He purported that Elaion Omotribes or new oil from unripe olives is suited and effective for making ointments because the best olive oil to use for health is the oil from the unripe olives (2). This kind of olive oil helps with problems related to stomach, bowels, and loose gums. It can also be useful in teeth strengthening as well as excessive sweating. (2) New oil from unripe olive have a sweet smell. (2)

2. Old Olive Oil

Elaion Koinon or old olive oil has the most fat. (2) It helps in the digestive system, especially in the obstruction of the intestine and purging worms. It has a softening strength effect thus making other ingredients less potent, and even used as an antidote for poisons. It is also good to be blended when making ointments and eye salves as it helps in sharpening the eyesight (2)

Topically applied old olive oil benefits

It has the most fat hence more heating compared to new olive oil. It is warming and prevents you from easily getting chilled during the cool weather. Old olive oil also softens flesh and it ‘violently disperses’. (2)

3. Wild Olive Oil

Wild Olive Oil or Elaion Agrias Elaias (Olea sylvestris var oleaster ) is more useful for skin care and hair. It is astringent thus helps in parasitic skin diseases and psoriasis. It also prevents sweating. It is useful for hair care by helping with falling hair caused by alopecia. Daily application of wild olive oil prevents hair from going gray easily. Aside from prolongs the prevention of gray hair, it also helps in cleaning off dandruff. Other medicinal uses of wild olive oil are for easing headaches (2)

The wild olive tree is also known as the Ethiopian olive tree. Its third pressing is also called tree oil or Dakruon Elias aithiopikes (2) It is good for the eyes as it moisturizes them, and cleans scars and white spots on the cornea of the eyes. (2) It induces the flow of urine and menstruation blood. It is also useful and said to be effective for toothache. For skincare, it can cure skin diseases such as skin infections like impetigo, and lepra or psoriasis. (2)

Another wild olive oil identified by Dioscorides is Elaiomeli. It is produced by using young olive shoots. For wild olive oil, Dioscorides recommended that its old oil has a thicker and fatter texture and is not cloudy hence the best. It aids in health problems such as dyspepsia as well as the bile fluid secreted through the bowels, and eases painful nerves. It is also good for leprosy. Its side effects though include being sluggish and not getting easily sexually stimulated or ‘deficient in virility’. Despite that it has some side effects, they are not disturbing.

The people from the past know the wonders of olive oil. That’s why if you’re looking for natural cosmetics, it’s a good indication if it also contains olive oil.

Encourage natural healing 💋❤

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

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is another aromatic plant that has been listed by others as one of the essential oils found in the bible. However in the verses where cinnamon is mentioned, nowhere can you find that it specifically indicated that its oil was used. In the book of Exodus, we could find that it is only mixed with a base oil hence there’s an oil with cinnamon on it. Scroll down below to read more about cinnamon-containing oil, as well as cinnamon varieties and their fragrance description and therapeutic properties.

1. Ingredient in the holy anointing oil

Cinnamon is included in the formula for the holy anointing oil (Exodus 30:22-25). It’s mixed with myrrh, sweet calamus, and cassia, and the base oil is olive oil.

“23 Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels” – Exodus 30:23

2. Merchandise in the Book of Revelation’s Babylon

Cinnamon is a perpetual merchandise. It has been a valued aromatic plant since ancient times and will continue to be traded even in the future. The book of Revelation (Revelation 18:13) tells that it will still be one of the products being sold in Babylon which refers to a symbolic perverse place. (Please note that others might think that Babylon only existed during the ancient times, but Revelation tells us that Babylon still and will continue to exist even up to the dreadful Day of the Lord.)

“13 And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.” – Revelation 18:13

3. Ingredient in perfumeries

Cinnamon was mentioned in the book of Proverbs and Songs of Solomon, both books are said to be written by Solomon. In Proverbs, it was used as a bed perfume while in the Songs of Solomon, it was one of the odorous plants in the woman’s ‘garden’.

“17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.” – Proverbs 7:17
“14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices” – Song of Solomon 4:14

Cinnamon varieties

To make the fragrant oil of cinnamon, its fruit and bark are used and boiled. (1) However, Cinnamon or Kinamomon as indicated in Diocscorides De Materia Medica has different kinds.

Sweet smelling cinnamon

To determine the best cinnamon, base it on the sweetness of its odor. Cinnamon that smells similar to rue or cardamom is the most special and best-smelling one. (2) Dioscorides also recommended testing it first. This kind of cinnamon might initially taste sweet and it’s odor fills the nose hence preventing you to easily detect the unpleasant undertones

Mosul which is claimed by Dioscorides as the best has a resemblance to cassia. The new and black Mosul with thin smooth shoots is aromatic. (2)

Cinnamon with a weak scent

Woody cinnamon has an inferior sweetness in scent. Bastard cinnamon otherwise known as ginger xylocinnamomum or xylowood has a weak strength or faint smell. (2)

Cinnamon with a somewhat unpleasant smell

Cinnamon that resembles red cassia bites the nose with its smell, while the worst-smelling cinnamon has an odor like frankincense, cassia, or amomum. (2)

Cassia-smelling cinnamon

Aside from Dioscoride’s claim as the worst-smelling cinnamon, the white, fungal cinnamon also smells like cassia. (2)

Other kinds of cinnamon

Other types mentioned by Dioscorides are dwarfish glittery mountain varieties of cinnamon, and cinnamon from Mosul. However, he did not describe their scent. (2)

Therapeutic properties

Due to cinnamon’s therapeutic properties it was blended with ointments. Some of the health concerns where it’s been used as a medicament are for coughs, and mucosal discharges. It is also a diuretic hence helping with urination difficulty and kidney problems. Cinnamon is warming, softening, and digestive as well. It is used as an antidote for deadly poisons or venom caused by animal bites. For women, cinnamon can help in menstrual flow. However, ingesting and applying it topically can have an abortifacient effect. It is also good for the skin as it can eliminate freckles and sunburn. (2)

With all the beneficial properties of cinnamon may it be medicinally, aromatically, or even in culinary, it’s not surprising that it has been valued from ancient times to the present and even in the future.

Identify the bests smelling ones 💋❤

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References:

• Illustrated Bible Dictionary Matthew George Easton via my Bible app
• TA Osbaldeston, RPA Wood., The Herbal of Dioscorides the Greek (Modern English Version) 2000

Salves have been developed by different formulators and ready-made remedies were already used to treat eye diseases even at the beginning of the first century AD according to Celsus a medical author at that time. (2) These eye salves were made using plants and minerals and were mixed with water, milk, wine, and other liquids. (2). Since the salves were already created by different people, and the production expanded, different eye salve formulations and ingredient combinations were invented and developed (2)

Minerals – the Phrygian stone

Some conclude that Laodicea produced an eye salve because they connect it with the mineral that was naturally produced in Phrygia. This mineral was being used to make an eye salve, hence they call Laodicea’s eye salve Phrygian salve. While there are differing opinions whether Laodiceans locally produced an eye salve, what’s certain is that it they made an ointment that’s used for ear treatment (1)

Phrygian stone mixture & hard ointment

Galen’s notes in De compositione medicamentorum Secundum locos confirms that a mineral from Phrygia was being used to make an eye salve. It’s stated that (as cited by Koester, in his 2003 paper) by applying the mixture of dry collyrium made of Phrygian stone on eyelids, the eyes will be strengthened even without touching the membrane of the eye inside.’ (2) However, it’s important to note that despite that Galen mentioned in his writings that Laodicea produced an ointment made from nard, he did not specifically say that the ointment was used to treat eye diseases. He did not also say that Laodicea’s nard can cure eye disorders but it was used for liver or stomach inflammation that comes with a slight fever (2) Hence, as Koester purported in his 2013 paper, concluding that Laodicea produced its eye salve is weak or has holes in its argument because as of the moment of writing, there is no direct evidence that Laodicea was known for its eye salve because they were producing eye salves locally.

Roman period eye salve recipes

To identify the other ingredients used in the salve, the Collyria Seals In The Roman Empire, a 2013 research paper written by Pérez-Cambrodí R. et. al. could be used as a reference. In this research document, a table was presented that shows the details written on the seals that were found in the Iberian Peninsula. These seals identified the different salves used for different eye problems, including their ingredients. Listed below were the ingredients and the corresponding eye condition

• against poor or blurred vision – apple juice
• to preserve the clarity of vision – Copper and iron metallic salts mixed with vinegar
• new cases of blurred vision and cataracts – acacia, aesustum, aloe, cadmia, croceum, haematites, lepidium, opium, piper, sal fossils, gummi, rainwater
• acute conjunctivitis and blepharitis – spikenard and olive oil
• against roughness; it is probably referred to as trachoma and other diseases with similar morphology) – saffron
• lid malposition, eye traumatism, pterygium, acute conjunctivitis – incense
• to treat blurry vision and ocular roughness – slag
• to preserve clear vision and against cataracts – Wine from acrid grapes

Eye salve with spikenard

Since this post is about spikenard, we would compare ancient recipes for eye salve containing this plant. The spikenard eye recipe found in the seals in the Iberian Peninsula is consistent with the writings of the Greek physician Dioscorides, where spikenard has been used as an ingredient for eye salves. Dioscorides was a Cilician Greek from Anazarbos (present day in Turkey ) while the other seals were from the Iberian Peninsula and yet they both used spikenard for eye salves. This suggests that this plant must be a known ingredient for treating eye diseases.

In the seals found in the Iberian Peninsula, the spikenard eye salve was made of spikenard and olive oil. Whereas in Dioscorides’s book, he mentioned that spikenard was grounded and made into balls with wine and stored in a jar. This was used as an eye medicine, particularly for dry eyes, as it can moisturize and thicken them (3). Whereas with the olive oil, Dioscorides stated in his notes under Elaion Koinon or old olive oil (olea europaea) that it is good to use for ointment to sharpen the eyes. (3)

To see more details about the opthalmological practices and the eye ointment during the Roman Empire you can read this post

Opt for formulations that are right for you 💋❤

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References

• (1) Pérez-Cambrodí R., Piñero D., Piñero A., Brautaset R., Del Castillo J.M., 2013. Collyria Seals In The Roman Empire.Acta med-hist Adriat 2013; 11(1);89-100
• (2) Koester, C. R., “The Message to Laodicea and the Problem of Its Local Context.” (2003). Faculty Publications. 9. http://digitalcommons.luthersem.edu/faculty_articles/9
• (3) TA Osbaldeston, RPA Wood., The Herbal of Dioscorides the Greek (Modern English Version) 2000
• (4) King James Bible Version

Eye salve was mentioned in the message to the church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:18). It was stated that they should anoint their eyes with eye salve so they can see. There are different interpretation and conclusions were made about this verse. Since some assume that what’s local in a place is being used as a representation to enable people to relate and easily understand God’s spiritual message. Hence the notion that eye salves were locally made in Laodecia exists.

“14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see.” – Revelation 3:14,18

While it is easier to assume that Laodiceans produce eye salves that’s why it’s mentioned in the message to the church in Laodicea, tracing back history would enable us to discover more about eye salves and it’s significance in treating eye diseases in yesteryears. We’ll also learn where they were located and the reason for its rampant usage during those times. It would also provide us a glimpse of who makes and prescribes it as well as the opthalmological practices during the ancient world.

Ancient eye salves and their labels

Collyria or ointments were contained in a stone with seals. (1) The seals served as labels and indicated the following:

• name of the doctor who concocted the ointment
• ingredients or components of the salve/ointment
• ocular disease it tries to cure.

The notes written in the seal were in Roman and sometimes Greek to ensure that a common language was used. This makes the prescription easier to understand by different people (1) The seals or stamps were useful for record-keeping and inventory and helps in ensuring that enough salves were produced and distributed. Moreover, the labels were used for easy reference as the doctor or the maker could indicate on it the best treatment or salve remedy to utilize for a particular eye problem. (1)

Eye diseases and eye salves with collyria seal location

Being a heterogeneous empire, the Romans have different influences and concepts about health, diseases, medication and treatment. Some concluded that the practice of using eye salve was influenced by the Celtics. Most of the Roman collyria seals were found in places with a strong Celtic influence and were often seen in military camps. Hence it was concluded that the people who produced the slaves with Roman collyria seals were doctors who were working in the Roman army and may have Celtic influence (1)

The seals were mostly located in military camps due to the discomfort or illnesses that that soldiers usually face during the Roman period. Due to long marches, dust, and smoke plus vitamin deficiency, soldiers usually suffer from eye diseases. (1) This suggests that eye salves were commonly used since eye diseases were prevalent in those times due to environmental conditions. However, there are also counterarguments about this as collyria seals were not found in other areas with military camps and places where eye diseases have spread such as Egypt and Syria. (1)

Link between eye salve and Laodicea

Since eye salves were found and marketed in different places and cities, it’s seems inaccurate to tell with certainty that it’s a locally made product in Laodicea. Some researchers conclude that there’s no significant link between the availability of eye salve and the existence of a medical school near Laodicea. (2) Eye salve could be more of a representation of the Laodiceans church spiritual condition. It could pertain to spiritual blindness hence the need to see more clearly.

Eye salve makers

Reading historical accounts and the bible would enable you to figure out the environmental setting and it’s connection as to why eye diseases were prevalent during those times. Therefore, it is not surprising to know that people would need remedies for their eye condition and buy eye salve for treatment. Prescription for eye medication was in demand. The people who prescribed and dispensed it were said to be military doctors who were probably none specialists that have Celtic roots and influence (1).

Proliferation of eye salves

Eye salves were concocted by different druggists and used by different healers. This included individuals who had little training or did not study in medical school as well as trained physicians who learned their practice in places with medical school or training centers such as in Laodicea and Pergamum (2). Others however, tried to practice medicine and sought to obtain eye salve even though they didn’t know how to use them (2). Eye salves spread as healers and physicians traveled and healed in different cities, while others established their medical practice in a particular city. As the eye salve became easily available on the market, people were able to easily buy and apply it to themselves. (2)

Physician-made eye salves and the readily procured eye salves from druggist shops

Preparing medications and drugs was used to be a special business of the medical profession (2) Some eye specialist healers used to make eye salve. However, some doctors eventually detached themselves and refrained from concocting eye salves and instead bought or prescribed the eye salves and plasters that were readily made from druggist shops (2)

Whether Laodicea produced its own eye salve or not, one thing is certain, eye salves were significant historically speaking. Meanwhile the need to see clearly may it mean literally or spiritually is very important biblically speaking. To see more about eye salves, check out this post.

Learn from the past healing wisdom 💋❤

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References:

• (1) Pérez-Cambrodí R., Piñero D., Piñero A., Brautaset R., Del Castillo J.M., 2013. Collyria Seals In The Roman Empire.Acta med-hist Adriat 2013; 11(1);89-100
• (2) Koester, C. R., “The Message to Laodicea and the Problem of Its Local Context.” (2003). Faculty Publications. 9. http://digitalcommons.luthersem.edu/faculty_articles/9
• (3) TA Osbaldeston, RPA Wood., The Herbal of Dioscorides the Greek (Modern English Version) 2000