What are essential oils, and can Christians use them?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are often marketed for use for therapeutic benefit. Essential oils are often used with the intent to relieve stress, calm anxiety, ease depression, increase focus, and help with sleep. The Bible does not prohibit the use of essential oils, and since plants are created by God for our benefit (Genesis 1:29), they can be used in ways that honor God. While some people associate essential oils with non-Christian practices, oils themselves are not inherently sinful. What matters is how we use them. We should never use essential oils—or anything—for idolatry, rituals contrary to biblical teachings, or to further some end not in keeping with godliness (Romans 14:5–6; 1 Corinthians 10:31). Essential oils may be beneficial when used appropriately. When the oils—or any therapeutic intervention—seem to lead to a positive outcome, we remember that ultimately God is the healer and give Him thanks (Exodus 15:26; James 5:14). Christians should use essential oils with a clear conscience, avoiding practices that compromise their faith and ensuring they honor God in all things.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• God created plants for our benefit (Genesis 1:29). Essential oils, which are derived from plants, may be seen as part of God’s provision for our well-being, as long as their use aligns with biblical principles and doesn’t lead to misuse or idolatry.
• Some people fear a connection between essential oils and false religions, witchcraft, and new age practices. While some of these religions may use incense or oils, it is important to remember that God Himself commanded the use of incense and aromatic infusions in God-ordained worship (Exodus 30:22–38; Leviticus 2:1–2). The issue is not with the substances themselves, but with the intent of their use and the object of worship.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Luke 10:34 gives an example of oil being used in a healing context, revealing that oils can be used for medicinal purposes.
• There is nothing inherently sinful about using aroma or oils, as long as their use is done for the glory of the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:31). Everything we do, including the use of products like essential oils, should be done in a way that honors God. Along the same lines then, it is important that when using oils a person not start incorporating non-biblical practices like reiki, transcendental meditation, séances, etc. Remembering that plants and their oils were created by the one true God of the Bible and that He deserves the glory and focus of our worship will help protect against this pitfall.
• Romans 14:5–6 speaks to personal conviction and the importance of doing things with a clear conscience before God. If a Christian believes using essential oils is helpful and glorifying to God, they should feel free to do so, as long as it doesn’t violate God’s standards.
• Colossians 2:16–17 emphasizes freedom in Christ, stating that believers are not bound by external rituals. The same can apply to the use of oils—if they are not used in a way that leads to idolatry or takes the place of faith in God, they are not inherently sinful.
• "For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer" (1 Timothy 4:4–5). These verses reassure believers that things created by God and used as God intended, including oils from plants, are good and can be used with gratitude.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

While essential oils can help people with different conditions, it is important to remember that "the LORD [is] your healer" (Exodus 15:26). God designed the human body and while a number of different treatments (including essential oils, pharmaceuticals, surgical intervention, and other treatments) may effectively treat an ailment, it is ultimately God who is responsible for that body recovering or not. We see this even in the James 5:14 instruction to those who are sick to call the elders to pray over them and anoint them with oil. Though oil is used, it is evident that the Lord is responsible for the healing, not the oil, which is why the elders are instructed to pray to God for healing. As long as a person acknowledges that God is our healer, depends on Him as the Creator of the human body and all living plants, and recognizes His sovereignty over His creation including medical treatments, then using essential oils can be done in a God-honoring way and should not be feared or forbidden.

UNDERSTAND

• Essential oils, derived from plants, can be used for well-being.
• The Bible doesn’t prohibit oils but emphasizes God as the ultimate healer.
• Christians are free to use oils as long as they avoid idolatry and honor God.

REFLECT

• How do you view the use of essential oils? How can essential oils be used in a way that honors God?
• How can you acknowledge God as the ultimate healer while using oils for medicinal or aromatherapeutic purposes?
• What precautions or principles do you need to consider when using essential oils to ensure they do not lead to practices contrary to God’s ways?

ENGAGE

• When inhaled through the nose, the scent of essential oil molecules travels from the olfactory nerves to the limbic system in the brain which helps control emotions. Essential oils can also be absorbed into the skin when diluted in a carrier oil. This method is sometimes used with the intent to relieve headaches, help with digestion, and improve skin ailments.
• Essential oil companies cannot claim to cure any medical conditions. Essential oils are also not highly regulated by the FDA, so potency, purity, and ingredients vary widely across brands. Furthermore, not every oil is right for every condition nor for every body, and some even interact with certain drugs. Oils should only be used after consulting with a medical professional and under the supervision of someone trained in essential oil use. With the correct precautions in place, many people have found essential oils to be beneficial in relieving certain ailments. What are some common misconceptions about essential oils, and how can we navigate them from a biblical perspective?
• How can Christians balance the benefits of using essential oils with the reminder that God is ultimately in control of our health and healing?