It depends on which oil you are talking about. The Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick both are made of olive oil are are used to signify God's blessing in the ceremonies in which it is used. Sacred Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam, it is blessed by the bishop, and is used in many blessings, confirmation and Holy Orders, consecration of churches, altars, chalices, and patens. It represents God's cleansing and blessing.
Roman Catholic AnswerThe oil used in the various oils for anointing is pure olive oil. I believe it is purified by the manufacturer from which the diocese purchases it.
The term is "anointing" of the sick, and it is simply putting anointing oil on the person (usually on the head) and then praying for God to heal them.
In the Roman rite, 3 oils are used: Oleum infirmorum or Oil of the sick used in anointing of the sick Oleum catechumenorum or Oil of Catechumens used in anointing people at baptism Oleum Chrisma or Chrism which is used in anointing at confirmation and Holy Orders. All are olive oil with the addition of balsam in Chrism
"Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit" Amen. "May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up." Amen.
It is made from a mixture of oil olives and balsam
An anointment is an act of spreading or smearing something or someone with oil or other liquids.
The biblical anointing are of two kinds , one when a prophet anointed someone with oil to be king in the future , like Samuel did to David. The second oil is used to anoint sick people as well.
Three of the most common annointings are, When one is anointed to a religious calling, anointing a babe at their christening and anointing a sick person so that a blessing may be given. The oil used in these religious anointing is usually Olive Oil, or water in the case of the babe.
Because the apostles did it, (Acts 8.17)
James 5:14 = Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
usually this means putting a dab of oil on their forehead and praying over them.
It symbolizes the persons connection with Jesus and God. Holy oil in the sacrament of the anointing of the sick purifies a person and prepares them for death. The oil releases them from all of their sins and makes them holy. It symbolizes the faith of the person.