Essential Oils – The Ancient Oil Known as Onycha – A Great Wound Healer

Onycha (Styrax Benzoin) It is mentioned only once in the Bible:

“The Lord said to Moses: Take aromatic spices, stacte,[another name for myrrh] and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure incense and make an incense mixed as by the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy; and you shall make dust of it, and you shall put part of it before the covenant in the tent of meeting where I will meet with you; it will be most holy for you. When you make incense according to this composition, you will not do it for yourselves; you will hold him holy to the Lord.” Exodus 30:34-36

Benzoin was used as medicine and as incense in the ancient world. They used it in perfume and mixed it in holy anointing oils, and used it as an ointment to heal skin wounds. However, since the 16th century, it has been used as a tincture for respiratory problems and for cuts and skin conditions. To make a tincture, the oil is placed in alcohol. Benzoin is a fairly sticky substance that has a distinctive vanilla-like fragrance. The oil comes from benzoin trees that grow up to 65 feet tall. These are tropical trees that come from places like Java, Sumatra, and Malaysia. To obtain the oil, solvents must be used and then removed from the oil.

How can Onycha (styrax benzoin) be used today for healing?

Modern uses for onycha (benzoin) include stimulating kidney production, relieving colic, flatulence, and constipation, and may help control blood sugar levels. Onycha can be inhaled for sinusitis, bronchitis, colds, coughs, and sore throats. It is anti-inflammatory and is used for dermatitis and skin wounds. This oil can relieve stress when used in massage. As a nurse, I have used tincture of benzoin countless times to dress wounds, and when patients were diaphoretic, I used it to help tape adhere to the skin.

Onycha can be inhaled, used in massage, and applied topically in wound dressings. It is a non-toxic, non-irritating oil but some may be sensitive. Do you want to learn more about this healing oil and many others? Consider becoming a certified aromatherapist. Educational courses on energy healing and aromatherapy can help you understand how essential oils heal the body, mind, and spirit. The Institute for Spiritual Healing and Aromatherapy offers courses throughout the United States.