Why is oil used to anoint people receiving a priesthood blessing?

Anointing is often associated with healing in the scriptures. As an example, we read in Mark 6:13 that the Apostles "anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them." And in James 5:14 it states: "Is there anyone sick among you?" “Let the elders pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”

Anointing means applying oil or ointment to the head or body of a person. This was done in ancient times for a variety of reasons. It was sometimes a sign of hospitality or routine grooming. People who were sick or injured were anointed with oil or ointment as medicine. Anointing was also done for sacred reasons. Under Moses' law, holy anointing oil was used (see Exodus 40:15). As part of the procedure of healing by faith and by the laying on of hands, prophets anointed priests and kings with oil.

The Church today uses consecrated (blessed) olive oil for sacred purposes in various sacred ceremonies, such as administering to the sick. While the scriptures do not specifically state it, it is safe to assume that anointing with oil has been a part of true, revealed religion since Adam first heard the gospel.

What makes olive oil different from other types of oils? In New Testament parables, oil is symbolized as both healing and light (see Matthew 25:1–13; Luke 10:34). Scripture uses the olive branch as a symbol of peace, and the olive tree as a symbol of the house of Israel (see Jacob 5). As the bitter olive provides sweet oil when crushed, olive oil can also symbolize the Savior's Atonement.