Onycha is one of the three oils that make up what is often referred to as the “Holy Incense Recipe”. Most commonly pronounced “Oh-nigh-ka”, it comes from a tree resin that can be used in that form or turned into what we know of as an essential oil in liquid form.
While researching Onycha I found, well, very little information… So, where better to start than where we first {and only} see Onycha – the book of Exodus. in the Bible. The trio of oils (Frankincense, Galbanum, and Onycha) is referred to other times in the Bible but only mentioned as a single oil in the following verse. Similarly, Onycha can only be purchased in the 12 Oils of Ancient Scripture Kit.
Exodus 30:34-35: “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Take fragrant spices–gum resin, onycha and galbanum–and pure frankincense, all in equal amounts and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer. It is to be salted and pure and sacred.”
I thought it was quite interesting that God tells them to combine the three with salt. The book of Numbers is one of many places in the Bible that mention salt used as a covenant with God.
Numbers 18:19 “Whatever is set aside from the holy offerings the Israelites present to the LORD I give to you and your sons and daughters as your perpetual share. It is an everlasting covenant of salt before the LORD for both you and your offspring.”
We no longer value salt like they did in biblical times, so this many get lost on us. However, salt was something of high value for its preservative qualities and God often called upon it in binding a covenant with Him. Jesus even told the disciples that they were the “salt of the earth” meaning they have great value in this earth and in preserving His name. In commanding His people to use salt, it speaks to me the value of these three precious materials being bound together for a specific purpose.
In biblical times, this combination of Holy Incense was used to purify the temples from being unclean. (Since they didn’t have Thieves Cleaner to scrub the floors and walls with.) People came to the temples not just for spiritual cleansing {confession in our time} but also emotional, physical and mental healing as well. Priests would often anoint others with this Holy Incense recipe during these healing rituals. In Hebrew, to anoint is “meshach”. Notice how it is very reminiscent of the word “massage”? Similar to the Raindrop Technique, Priests would massage these mixtures for their clarifying, healing and restoring purposes of the day.
In 2 Corinthians our bodies are compared to the likeness of a temple in which the Living God resides: 6:16 “….For we are the temple of the living God.” I love this comparison as we think and reflect on the biblical use of oils. Since Young Living oils are so pure, we can use them on our bodies as the priests used them in the temples – purifying them. God has gifted us with so many amazing plants to be used to our mind, body and soul’s benefit – all to help strengthen and deepen our understanding of not only history but His love and care for us through what He created for us.
Even in later biblical times anointing with oils for healing was mentioned and practiced – we see this further in James 5:14:
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”
Onycha is know now in modern times for supporting the cardiovascular system, emotional balance, healthy skin, kidney support and it has a pleasant, mild, vanilla-esq smell. It is a very viscous oil that is benefitted by being held in a warm hand before trying to pour out. You can also use a toothpick to help get some out if you just can’t wait any longer!
*Onycha can only be purchased in the Twelve Oils of Ancient Scripture Kit.
Karin Berdal
Why can’t Onycha be made to sell by its self. I love the smell of it. Is there a chance that in the future it will be available?? Thank you