In honor of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, this sacred month of April we’re celebrating the health benefits of a collection of herbs mentioned in the Bible. More are mentioned than we’ll include here, but time and space prohibit including them all.
Since God includes so many herbs in the Bible (the phrase “a garden of herbs” was used many times too), clearly, He values the benefits these healing plants have to offer. So, we should, too. Let’s explore some of them.
Aloes
He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. ~ John 19:39
In ancient times, the aloe vera plant was used as a perfume or to embalm the dead. It has a long history of use for skin issues such as wounds, irritations, and burns and to relieve constipation when taken internally. Today, aloe is commonly used to treat sunburns, heal rashes, and moisturize the skin. Aloe may also lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and decrease liver damage caused by alcohol.
Anise
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. ~ Matthew 23:23
Biblical Israelites used all parts of the anise plant. Seeds, leaves, and stems were used to reduce high temperatures, among other medicinal purposes. Contemporary uses include as a digestive aid, for breast-feeding support, and for treating parasites. Anise has also been used as an antispasmodic helpful for asthma, bronchitis, and COPD.
Cinnamon
Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus. ~ Exodus 30:23
Cinnamon was once considered more precious than gold and was used in Biblical times to make anointing oil and perfume. Now, cinnamon is used to lower blood glucose. As an antifungal, it can treat yeast infections. Cinnamon can also reduce gastrointestinal gas and relieve an upset stomach.
Cumin
When he has leveled the surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin? Does he not plant wheat in its place, barley in its plot, and spelt in its field? ~ Isaiah 28:25
The ancient Israelites used dried cumin to flavor their foods. Today, the seeds are used as a spice as well as for many medicinal purposes such as improving digestion, boosting immunity, treating bronchitis and asthma, and preventing cognitive decline.
Frankincense
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ~ Matthew 2:11
Frankincense was most often used as incense in Biblical times and considered a luxury. Now it’s used as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidepressant, and sedative. Frankincense oil can also serve to mediate stress and anxiety.
Garlic
We remember the free fish we ate in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. ~ Numbers 11:5
Garlic has been used as food and medicine for many centuries, dating all the way back to the building of the Egyptian pyramids. In contemporary society, we use garlic to boost immunity, prevent heart disease, control blood pressure, and lower cholesterol. Garlic may even be helpful to prevent cancer.
Hyssop
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. ~ Psalm 51:7
A sweet-smelling plant from the mint family, hyssop was used in ceremonial rituals by Biblical Israelites such as for painting the sacrificial lamb’s blood on door posts and lintels of each door at the first Passover. In ancient times, hyssop was used for internal cleansing. Today, we recognize it for balancing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and as an expectorant for improving respiratory problems.
Myrrh
Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry down to the man as a present, a little balm and a little honey, aromatic gum and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds.” ~ Genesis 43:11
In Biblical times, myrrh was sold as a spice, as an ingredient in anointing oil, and to anoint the dead. In ancient Rome, myrrh was used as an all-purpose remedy for just about everything from earaches to hemorrhoids. Today, myrrh is appreciated for its antiparasitic, antifungal, and antibacterial benefits.
Cultures throughout the world have used herbs to battle disease, illness, and infections for millennia, and many of them are mentioned in the Bible. The above list is by no means exhaustive. The broad take-home message is this: contemporary science supports what people have known since Biblical times (and perhaps even before), that God created plants to enrich our lives and support our health. Thank you, Father, for the gift these plants are in our lives. But most of all, thank you for the unfathomable gift of your Son Jesus and the eternal life He purchased for us on the cross and through His resurrection.
