Some Detail of Biblical Wellness

Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. I am convinced that many clues to wellness are provided to us in Scripture, and as we earnestly seek godly wellness, the Holy Spirit will allow us to discover them.

Exodus 30-34 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Take for yourself spices, stacte and onycha and galbanum, spices with pure frankincense … .” That was the holy incense that God told Moses to present to Him. Although the specific recipe was sacred, never to be copied for personal use, the individual ingredients were highly sought after for other uses.

Stacte – resin from a tree in Israel, Storax – healing properties

Onycha – taken from a Red Sea mollusk, fixes and enhances the other ingredients

Galbanum – used for abscesses, acne, boils, bronchitis, cuts, lice, aging skin, muscle aches, poor circulation, rheumatism, scars, sores, wounds

Frankincense – antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, astringent, sedative, decongestant, anti-gas, digestive aid, trigger or increase menstrual flow. Used to treat syphilis, infections, skin disorders (bacterial and fungal), and boils. As used in aromatherapy, deepens breathing, aids relaxation, expands lungs, releases trahydrocannabinole (a psychoactive compound that seems to lift up the spirit). Used by ancient Egyptians as eye liner – also prevented eye infections. Used to anoint newborns and individuals in transition. Embalming agent.

Matthew 2:11 And [the magi] came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. The value of gold is apparent – we have common knowledge of the value of precious metals. But we may not as readily recognize the value of frankincense and myrrh. In the culture of Jesus’ time, there were no antibiotics, no antibacterial hand soaps, no sterilizing techniques to eliminate the common germ or virus. Now we can see how eminently practical the gifts were for the family facing an unplanned international journey.
As we apply similar study to the remaining books, chapters, and verses of Scripture, we can expect to find many more nudges toward the wellness that our Creator intended us to enjoy.