Most of us don’t think twice about slathering on lotion after a shower. We do it on autopilot, usually while rushing to get dressed or thinking of the day ahead. But today, I would like to inspire you with another way to love and care for your body: anointing with herbal oil.
This approach isn’t new. People have been using oils in this way for thousands of years to moisturize, as well as to bless the body on a much deeper level.
What I personally enjoy about anointing is that I can do it to create a pause in the middle of my day-to-day, or I can use it to really drop down and find that deep peace within.
Anointing oil invites you to slow down. You take a minute for a few full breaths and notice there’s something deeply magical about holding a drop of aromatic oil on your temples before beginning your day or placing a few drops on your heart before bed.
The simple practice of anointing has long been part of human spiritual and healing traditions and remains just as relevant today.
When I first began working with plant oils decades ago, I was struck by how this ancient practice created an immediate sense of sacred presence. Anointing oils offer us a beautiful bridge between everyday life and the realm of ritual, between physical healing and spiritual connection.
What is Anointing?
Anointing is the practice of applying aromatic oils to the body with intention. When I started exploring the historical context of anointing, I found that this is one of humanity’s old healing arts, appearing in Egyptian hieroglyphics, biblical texts, and indigenous healing traditions worldwide. The word itself comes from the Latin “inungo,” meaning “to anoint, to pour on, rub in.”
Using oils for healing is just what we do as humans. Ayurvedic practitioners in India came up with Abhyanga, which is a warm oil massage done with a purpose. The Sanskrit term sneha signifies both “oil” and “love,” which shows how intimately the two are connected. The Romans also used oils for religious, medical, and everyday body care. It’s said that Hippocrates recommended it for a variety of health problems.
The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and a scented massage every day
-Hippocrates
Anoint to Become More Embodied
In our disconnect from natural rhythms, anointing offers a gentle return to embodiment. Here are some ways I bring this practice to life.
Morning temple anointing for mental clarity and protection. A small dab of yarrow infused oil at the temples creates an aromatic boundary between your energy and the day’s demands.
Heart center anointing for emotional support. Applying rose or rose hip-infused oil to the chest during challenging times reminds us to find the love and move from a place of heart wisdom.
Wrist and pulse point anointing for nervous system support. A touch of lavender or tulsi oil on pulse points signals the body to shift into parasympathetic rest-and-digest mode.
Foot anointing for grounding. This beautiful evening practice with oils like St. John’s wort, hops and lavender helps release the day and prepare for restful sleep.
At first you might think, one or two drops rubbed in with my thoughts? I don’t know if I need to do this. All I can say is give it a try. It is truly amazing what can happen with the combination of your hands, the herbal oils and your blessings.
I not only apply the oil, but I talk to my body, say prayers, blessings, whatever my body needs to hear at the time. You don’t need to know what you are going to say. Do you know what you’re going to say when you pray or give a toast? Deep down inside you know what you need. Just begin with the thought of blessing the part of your body you are touching. Surrender to your breath and the scent of the oil and give some love to the sacred vessel that carries you through life.
Anointing can facilitate anything you intend. Relaxation, release, integration, restoration. Your body remembers this healing modality. Let your hands do the listening and your voice will speak what you need. My anointing time is more about remembering who I am than a self-care technique with a goal.
Beyond Self-Care: Anointing a Relationship
What moves anointing beyond mere “self-care” is its relational quality. When we anoint, we’re engaging in relationship, with plants, oils, with our bodies, with ancient wisdom, and often with each other. In my community workshops, I’ve witnessed profound healing when partners, friends or family members offer this gift to one another.
My son would allow an anointed blessing on his forehead before bed until he was about 7 years old. My husband and I anoint each other’s hearts and anointing can be part of any special celebration like birthdays and ceremonies. I have facilitated many baby showers where one at a time women anoint the belly or the feet of the mother to be. Profound healing words are said that wouldn’t normally be spoken.
In a world constantly pulling us outward, anointing calls us back to center. It reminds us that healing isn’t always complex, sometimes it’s as simple as a drop of plant-infused oil applied with love and intention.
I invite you to explore this ancient practice. Start simply. Notice how it changes your relationship with time, with your body, with the plant world. In reconnecting with these old ways, we find medicine for modern times.
Anointing Oil Blends to Try
Below are a few blends I’ve put together over the years, they are a great place to begin. I started working with one oil at a time and eventually decided that 3 oils together create a wonderful synergy for anointing.
Ritual Body Oil for Soothing Skin
Equal parts:
- Witch hazel leaf or bark-infused oil
- Calendula-infused oil
- Marshmallow root-infused oil
Ritual Body Oil for Protection
Equal parts:
- Yarrow-infused oil
- Cedar-infused oil
- St. John’s Wort-infused oil
Ritual Body Oil for Nighttime Routine
Equal parts:
- Hops-infused oil
- Lavender-infused oil
- St. John’s Wort-infused oil
So which herbal anointing oil are you going to try first? You can use them before bed, or whenever you want a quiet minute for yourself.
Which part of your body is calling to be anointed? Is there someone in your life that you would like to take a moment with and bless with anointing?
If you’re ready to start making your own oils, my Handcrafted Healing Herbal Oils course will walk you through it. You’ll learn how to work with the plants, create oil blends, and build a practice that supports you and your family. And when you try one, I’d love to hear which oil you are attracted to use for anointing. Are you anointing? If not, let me know what happens when you start!
I love this Kami♥️