In this episode of Crunchy Stewardship, cousins Chrissy Rombach and Katie Jones explore the significance and uses of essential oils from both a biblical and practical perspective. They discuss the origins of essential oils, their historical and spiritual context, and provide a list of oils mentioned in the Bible. The hosts share their personal experiences and the medicinal benefits of various essential oils like lavender and peppermint for stress relief, migraines, and treating fevers. They also emphasize the importance of choosing high-quality oils and avoiding synthetic products. Practical applications of essential oils in daily life, from personal care routines to household cleaning, are highlighted, along with recommendations for reputable essential oil brands. The episode concludes with an invite to their Facebook group, 'Crunchy Christian Mamas on a Budget,' for further discussion and resources.

Episode Takeaway: 

Essential oils, far from being a modern ”alternative” trend, have a deep-rooted history in human health, biblical practices, and natural healing. When sourced for purity and quality, they offer a versatile and biblically-aligned approach to stewarding one's health and home, providing effective natural solutions for common ailments, personal care, and household cleaning, while emphasizing the importance of understanding their true potency compared to synthetic fragrances.

Books/Authors:

• Dr. Josh Axe's book ”Essential Oils”: https://amzn.to/4kt94uh 

Biblical References/Concepts:

• Frankincense and Myrrh: Mentioned as two of the most highly revered oils in the Bible, brought to Jesus as gifts.
• Spikenard: Mentioned as the oil Mary (sister of Martha) poured on Jesus' feet.
  • Matthew, Mark, and Luke: The gospels where the anointing with spikenard is mentioned (though the event where Mary anoints Jesus' feet with costly perfume made of pure nard is specifically found in John 12:1-8, and a similar anointing is found in Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, and Luke 7:36-50 with different contexts). It would be best to link to the relevant biblical passages.
• Moses giving instructions for anointing leaders: General reference to oils being used in the wilderness.
• Anointing the altar in the tabernacle: General reference to oils and incense in biblical rituals.
• Esther bathing in Myrrh: Reference to Esther's purification ritual before presenting herself to the king.

Products/Substances:

• Epsom Salt: Mentioned for baths for detoxification and fever reduction.
• Coconut Oil / Olive Oil: Mentioned as carrier oils to dilute essential oils for topical application.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: Mentioned as natural cleaning agents.
• Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap: Highly recommended as an 18-in-1, non-toxic, concentrated soap with essential oils. https://amzn.to/4kt9q45 
• Dryer Balls: Mentioned as an alternative to dryer sheets for laundry, with essential oils added for scent. https://amzn.to/43Jzd0M 

Essential Oils (specific mentions):

• Lavender: For relaxation, stress reduction, sleep, and baths.
• Eucalyptus: For relaxation, diffusing with lavender, and a good antimicrobial for cleaning.
• Peppermint: For migraines (on temples and behind earlobes), for colds (in diffusers), fever reduction (in baths), draining sinuses (in showers), and for calming the digestive system/healing ulcerative colitis (ingested).
• Lime essential oil: For fever reduction in baths with epsom salt. 
• Oregano oil: Super effective antimicrobial for cleaning, more effective than most antibiotics.
• Lemon essential oil: For laundry (on dryer balls) and diffusing for a clean scent.