Herbs of the Bible

 

By Johann S Gadsden, D.D., DSM, D.Nut., D. Pysch.

 

    Have you read your Bible lately?

 

    Did you know that Naturopathy as we know it today is based on what the Sacred Scriptures (the Bible) teaches about health?

 

    "And God said "Look!  I have given you the seed-bearing plants throughout the earth, and all the fruit trees for your food." Genesis 1:29 (The Living Bible)

 

    We are told that after Moses (the adopted son of Pharaoh and leader of the Exodus) was born his sister Miriam walked along the banks of the river Nile gathering herbs.  It is also an interesting fact that the Sacred Scriptures and herbs have always been inextricably linked together, so let us now consider these Biblical medicines - the healing wonders of Aloes, Mint, Figs, Parsley, Rue, Wormwood, etc.

 

    Did you know that as the modern housewife gathers a sprig of Parsley, spray of Mint, etc., that she is following a tradition that has been handed down from mother to daughter since the very beginning of time?

 

    In 2 Kings 20, we are told of how King Hezekiah was dying of cancer sores.  In verse 7 we read "And Isaiah said, "Take a lump of figs".  And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered."  It is hard to conceive that a man could die from a boil.  However, numerous theologians have said that the word BOIL should read CANCER-SORE.  Researchers today have found that the seeds of strawberries and figs are are radioactive and therefore are able to "cure" some cancers.

 

    It has been said that the radioactivity of plants is very beneficial to humanity and is able to counteract the effects of nuclear fall-out, X-rays and the radiation emitted from TV receivers & microwave ovens  which are both damaging and dangerous.

 

    Fresh figs and strawberries are excellent foods and when crushed can be applied as a poultice to boils, sores, and cancer-sores.          

 

    As the housewife who lives in the 21st Century considers mint sauce as a fitting accompaniment to roast lamb, it is interesting to note that the ancient Hebrews (Jews) used mint to flavour many of their foods.

 

    In Matthew 23:23 we are told that "...ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin ... ."  (King James Version).  The Jews loved the fragrance of mint so much so that they scattered the leaves on the floors of their temples and synagogues to be crushed under trampling feet.

 

    Not only was mint used as to flavour food and as a room freshener, it also had its medicinal uses.  The ancient Hebrews (Jews) used it in the treatment of: nervousness, insomnia, cramps, coughs, headaches, poor digestion and nausea, etc.  Mint was also made into a salve or a bath oil for itchy skin conditions.

 

    It has been said by many herbalists that the most valued medicinal herbs of the Bible times were anise and dill.  The mothers of ancient Israel used anise to promote proper digestion, improve the appetite, relieve nausea and flatulence in their children.

 

    Today, anise is used in treating infantile colic, also anise water promotes the production of milk in nursing mothers.  Anise oil can be used in the relief of muscle cramps and spasms.  Even the drug companies of today value anise, for it helps to make the medicinal mixtures more palatable.

 

    In ancient Israel the Jews used dill for both flavouring foods and for treating skin irritations.  Today many herbalists used dill in combination with anise, coriander, fennel and caraway and give it to nursing mothers to promote the production and flow of milk.  People who suffer from halitosis (bad breath) try chewing the seeds of dill.

 

    During the year of 1979, the doctors of Chicago carried out a series of tests on 1,000 premature babies.  The babies were put on a diet of milk and dill, all 1,000 of them thrived beyond all expectations.

 

    Did you know that before Napi-San was invented the housewives of days gone by used Rue-water?  In the first 12 months of Moses' (the leader of the mass Exodus of the Jews from Egypt) life, his sister Miriam washed out his dirty nappies in Rue water.  Today in some of the remote areas of the Yorkshire Dales, mothers still wash out their babies' nappies and bath their babies bottoms in Rue water, protecting their delicate skin from the burning effects of urine.

 

    Today, scientific researchers have found that the main medicinal properties of Rue are:

* carminative

* stimulant

*stomachic.

 

    Rue is used to relieve gas, palpitations in women going through menopause, to relieve colic, improve appetite and digestion.  It also helps to promote menstruation in females upon reaching puberty.  In Japan the Naturopaths and Herbalists use Rue to promote the development of females' breasts.