Aloes (Sacred Sandalwood)
Aloe is mentioned five times in Scripture. If you’re wondering why the plant is on the list, it’s important to know the biblical context. When aloe is mentioned in Scripture, it is referenced to it’s aromatic extract from a tree’s heartwood, used for healing and embalming. Nicodemus brought a hundred pounds of herbs including aloe to prepare Jesus for His burial (John 19:39). This showed that aloe was a preservative for the dead. It is also referenced in Psalms 45:8, “All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.” Another reference is in Proverbs 7:17, “I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.” Some consider aloes or aloewood to be the same as sandalwood because they share the ingredient, A. agallocha which has powerful healing oil component. This was used as an incense and cosmetic oil. Aloewood is also recognized for its benefits as a stimulant and cardiac tonic. It also said to have many digestive benefits too.
