Last week we talked about Fir, another evergreen tree used to make essential oils. Some Biblical translations speak of myrtle instead of fir in the references to this tree. So today we'll mention a little about Myrtle and how it stands out as being different from Fir.
One of the differences is the processing of this oil. Where as Fir came from the woody parts of the tree, this oil comes from the leaves of the plant.
It doesn't have a laundry list of things it does for the body, but it packs a mighty wallop. It can be used by itself singly, but is also found in several mixtures that are fantastic at helping different health issues. According to Essential Oils pocket reference and Reference Guide for Essential Oils it is known to stimulate the thyroid, liver, and prostate. It also fights sinus and lung congestion, skin irritations, and muscle spasms.
As far as the history of this plant is concerned, it interestingly enough was worshiped as a plant of mystery by the Greeks according to Reference Guide to Essential Oils. I have never heard of a plant being worshiped. Hmm.
In the Bible references, myrtle is included when they gathered tree branches and limbs for festivities. (Zechariah 1, Nehemiah 8) And when God promises to bring back trees to the barren land the myrtle is mentioned. (Isaiah 41, 55)
So, we find that once again this essential oil of today is not mentioned as part of sacrifices or anointing oils in the Bible. But, it is part of renewal. How fascinating it is that a tree associated with renewal also has a renewing type impact on some body functions.
It never ceases to amaze me that God uses what we see in the physical realm to understand what He's saying in the spiritual realm.
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