Onycha Essential Oil
Onycha comes from the Balsam or Benzoin Tree of the Far East. However, rabbis debate whether Onycha is a resin from a tree. Some believe it is an aromatic from a mussel or shell because of its Hebraic root. Others, such as Rabbi Gamaliel (whom the Apostle Paul studied under), believe it is actually a part of the balsam species.
The Hebrew word “Onycha” is shecheleth, which means “part of the holy incense, sweet kind of gum, and shines as the nail.” Because of this definition, some believe Onycha comes from the same mussel which provides the purplish-blue color used to dye tzitzits or fringes on the prayer shawl.
As seen in Exodus 30:34, Onycha is used in the holy anointing oil. It is also mentioned in the Talmud and the Old Testament Apocrypha.
According to Strong’s Concordance, it is from the same root word as shachal, meaning “to roar; a lion from its characteristic roar.” This describes Yeshua, the Lion of the tribe of Judah! The Lord has been given all authority in Heaven and Earth as the Lion of Judah (Matthew 28:18 and Revelation 5:5).
Onycha is one of the heaviest oils and is too thick to pour. Its scent will seem familiar to some because it contains vanillin aldehyde, which gives it a vanilla scent.
Therapeutic/Medicinal Uses
Healing properties of Onycha include: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiseptic. It combats arthritis, gout, asthma, bronchitis, and skin conditions.[1]
The author of Aromatherapy Solutions writes that Onycha was used for thousands of years for respiratory conditions.[2] Many have used it for poor circulation, flu, chills, colic, coughs, and skin conditions such as chapped or inflamed skin.
Onycha is valued for its ability to speed the healing of wounds and prevent infection. Other names it is called include: “Friar’s Balm,” “Benzoin,” and “Java Frankincense.”[3]
The fragrance of Onycha is a reminder to Satan that he is a defeated foe and believers share in the Lord’s authority “to tread on… all the power of the enemy” in His name (Luke 10:19).
[1] Stewart, David, Ph.D., D.N.M. Healing Oils of the Bible. Care Publications. 2003.
[2] Aromatherapy Solutions.
[3] Essential Oils Desk Reference. Essential Science Publishing.
For more information about the biblical essential oils, please visit Rebecca’s website http://HealWithOil.com.
Tags: anointing oils, aromatherapy, aromatic, bible, biblical oil, bride of christ, essential oil, essential oils, fragrances, healing oils, healing properties, medicinal, medicinal uses, onycha, perfumes, pure essential oil, pure essential oils, therapeutic
