# Chrism

**Sacrum chrisma**

**Known today as.** Olive oil mixed with balsam and consecrated by a bishop.

Kind: Sacramental

## What was it used for?

For baptism, confirmation, the ordination of priests, and the consecration of churches, altars, and bells.

## What does modern science say?

In continuous use; consecrated each year at the Chrism Mass of Holy Week.

## Pharmacognosy and toxicology

- **oleic acid**: the olive oil
- **benzyl benzoate and benzyl cinnamate**: from the balsam of Peru or Tolu mixed in
- **hydroxytyrosol**: the olive polyphenol

**Mechanism.** Olive oil scented with balsam: an emollient with an antiseptic resin, which on the skin does what any such oil does. The sacramental meaning is not a pharmacology, and the Church does not claim one.

**Dose.** Balsam of Peru is a leading contact allergen.

**Standing.** A sacramental; the balsam is restricted in cosmetics by the IFRA for sensitisation.

## What lore surrounds it?

Distinct from the [blessed oil](https://thethinkingpress.org/materia-medica/blessed-oil) of Canale’s rites, which any priest could bless. Its balsam was once [balm of Gilead](https://thethinkingpress.org/materia-medica/balm-of-gilead).

## What did the older authorities say?

**The Church.** The chrism, the oil of the catechumens, and the oil of the sick are blessed together at the Chrism Mass, on or near Holy Thursday.

## Sources

- *Pontificale Romanum*.
- de Groot, A. C. (2019). “Myroxylon pereirae resin (balsam of Peru): a critical review of the literature and assessment of the significance of positive patch test reactions and the usefulness of restrictive diets.” *Contact Dermatitis* 80.

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*Chrism.* In *Materia Medica*, edited by B. C. P. Statema. Version 1, revised 2026-09-25. The Thinking Press. https://thethinkingpress.org/materia-medica/chrism

Historical description, not medical advice.