top of page
Amanda Chance

The Magic of Egyptian Musk Oil: How to Make and Use Ancient Sacred Oils from Egypt

Egyptian musk oil is a type of perfume oil that is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt. It is made from a blend of natural ingredients, including musk, which is a secretion from the glands of the male musk deer, and various plant extracts.


The ancient Egyptians were known for their love of fragrance and used scented oils for various purposes, such as religious ceremonies, as well as for personal grooming. Egyptian musk oil, or musk al-malaki, was highly prized for its exotic and alluring scent, and it was often used by the wealthy and royal classes. It was said to have been made from a blend of natural ingredients such as musk, frankincense, myrrh, and cinnamon.


Ingredients for Egyptian Musk Oil
Making Egyptian Musk Oil

List of Sacred Oils in the Temple of Edfu


The Temple of Edfu in Upper Egypt was one of the many ancient Egyptian temples where the use of oils played a significant role in religious rituals. The priests of the Temple of Edfu would prepare sacred oils that were used in the temple's daily rituals. These oils were believed to have powerful spiritual properties and were used to anoint the statues of the gods, the priests, and the worshippers. The oils were also used in the purification ceremonies, which were an essential part of the temple's religious practices.


The sacred oils used in the Temple of Edfu were made from various natural ingredients, including plants, animal fats, and minerals. Some of the most common oils used in the temple were frankincense, myrrh, and cedarwood. These oils were believed to have healing properties and were used to treat various ailments. The unique aspect of this list is that it gives the recipes on how to make the oils.


King Teti's relief


King Teti's relief is a fascinating and important piece of artwork from ancient Egypt. Carved in limestone and dated to the Old Kingdom, this relief was unearthed in 1996 in King Teti's royal tomb at the Saqqara necropolis by an Australian-Egyptian excavation mission. The relief features a list of the sacred oils used in ancient Egypt, including those used by the undertaker Anomeen.


Egyptian sacred oils
7 sacred oils on King Teti's relief

This relief provides valuable insight into the religious and cultural practices of ancient Egypt. The use of sacred oils was an important part of ancient Egyptian funerary rites, as they were believed to have purifying and protective qualities that could help guide the deceased safely through the afterlife. Additionally, the fact that the relief was found in King Teti's tomb suggests that he placed great importance on these rituals and was likely a devout follower of ancient Egyptian religion.




If you want to recreate the fragrance of Egyptian Musk, here are some steps to follow:

 

List of Essential Ingredients


  • Frankincense- 5 drops

  • Myrrh- 5 drops

  • Rose- 20 drops

  • Patchouli- 20 drops

  • Cedarwood- 10 drops

  • Ambergris - 10 drops

  • Ambrette seed oil- 10 drops or Musk- 20 drops

  • Carrier oil (i.e. jojoba oil or sweet almond oil)- one drop of essential oil per one teaspoon of carrier oil


Let’s Get Started


  1. Gather your ingredients: To make Egyptian musk, you will need essential oils such as cedarwood, frankincense, myrrh, and patchouli. You will also need a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil.

  2. Mix the oils: In a small glass jar, mix the essential oils. You can start with a few drops of each oil and adjust the scent to your liking or stick to the recommendations above. Once you have mixed the oils, add the carrier oil (one drop of essential oil per one teaspoon of carrier oil) and mix well.

  3. Let the fragrance mature: After mixing the oils, let the fragrance mature for a few days. This will allow the oils to blend together and create a stronger scent.

  4. Apply and enjoy: Once the fragrance has matured, you can apply it to your pulse points such as your wrists, neck, and behind your ears. The scent should last for a few hours.


If you're pregnant or nursing, or have any medical conditions, it's always a good idea to consult your doctor before using.


 

The use of oils in ancient Egyptian temples, such as the Temple of Edfu, played a vital role in the religious practices of the time. The sacred oils were believed to have powerful spiritual properties and were used in various rituals and ceremonies. Today, the use of oils is still prevalent in many cultures around the world, showing the lasting influence of ancient Egyptian practices. Making Egyptian musk is a simple process that can be done with just a few ingredients. With some patience and experimentation, you can create a fragrance that is reminiscent of this ancient scent. Join us on our Ancient Egyptian Healing Tour in October 2024 to learn more about making and using these sacred oils.

87 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
bottom of page