By Jacqueline Kelly –
Continuing our series on Biblical herbs and spices, some of which that were used in the Biblical days are worth mentioning:
Two favourite herbs:
Frankincense also called Olibanum has been used for
religious rites for centuries. The oil of Frankincense is calming
and soothing and deepens breathing. It is grown in Africa,
Yemen and the Red Sea countries. It is known as Incense.
[Exodus 30:34]
Also Read:
Part I: Biblical Herbs and Spices – God’s Gift to Man
Part III: Exploring Herbs and Spices During Biblical Times
Myrrh was used by the Egyptians and Hebrews for incense,
cosmetics, perfumes and medicines. It was also used in
Biblical times for embalming. It is found in Arabia and Abyssinia.
Myrrh is also known as “Sweet Cicely”. [Proverbs 7:17]
Frankincense and Myrrh were considered as rare treasures
and were great gifts given to Baby Jesus.
Garden of Herbs:
Chicory [Exodus 12:8] was used in Passover meals to symbolize
Israelites’ slavery in Egypt. The leaves can be used in salads and
the roots can be ground and added to coffee.
Lemongrass [Exodus 30:23] is one of the aromatic grasses grown
in the Holy land. In the Scripture, the Lord delivers instructions to
Moses to prepare and use the Holy Oil. Lemongrass is an essential
ingredient in many Asian dishes.
Greek Bay [Psalms 37:35] Throughout history, a lot of importance
is given to this plant. David assigned the virtue of prosperity to the
tree. It is significant for its spicy aroma and pungent flavour. Its
leaves were used in cooking.
Egyptian Mint [Luke 11:42] The Pharisees placed a lot of value on
this herb. It was used for flavouring meat and was among the
“bitter herbs” as mentioned in Exodus 12:8 and Numbers 9:11
along with leaves of endive, chicory, lettuce, watercress,
sorrel and dandelions which were eaten as a salad.
Mint was also eaten as a digestive aid.
Cumin [Matthew 23:23] is a herb native to the upper areas
of the Nile, Middle East and South Western Asia mentioned
in the Bible along with Mint. It was used as a spice and a
medicinal plant. The Egyptians used cumin not only
for cooking but also for ritual practices.
Gourd of Jonah [Jonah 4:6] is known as Wild Gourd or
the Castor Bean plant. The seeds were used as a medicine
and lubricant. It is believed that the vine grew fast and shaded Jonah.
Dwarf Sweet Myrtle [Isaiah 55:13] is grown in the Holy Land.
According to historians, when “Adam was expelled from Paradise
he was allowed to take with him Wheat, chief of foods;
Date, chief of fruits; and the Myrtle, chief of scented flowers.”
The bark and roots are used to tan Turkish and Russian leather.
Syrian Oregano [Psalms 51:7] was often gathered in bunches and
used as a brush or sprinkler for purification rituals. It is still widely
used in the Middle East as a herb-spice mixture. [Za’atar]
Hyssop [Exodus 12:22] is known as the Holy Herb. It was used to
cleanse the temples and other sacred places of the Egyptians.
Hyssop was used as a medicine to prevent blood from clotting,
which may be the reason why the Jews in Egypt were told to
use it at the time of Passover. The branch held the blood of a
lamb and had to be sprinkled on the door. [Hebrews 9:19]
It is also used as a spice.
Parsley [Exodus 12:8; Numbers 9:11] was used at the Passover
in the spring. Romans served it at banquets as a breath freshener.
Saffron [Song of Solomon 4:13-14] – It takes many flowers to yield
an ounce of saffron. That is the reason why it is very expensive.
It was used to dye and flavour food and has medicinal properties.
Rue [Luke 11:42] was mentioned by Jesus in His rebuke of the Pharisees.
It has long been the symbol of sorrow and repentance and may have
been nicknamed “herb of grace” in Christian times for the grace given by
God following repentance for one’s sins. Brushes made from Rue were
once used to sprinkle holy water at the ceremony preceding Holy Mass.
Aloe [Numbers 24:6] is believed to be the only tree descended to man
from the Garden of Eden. Nicodemus brought it [pounded aloe wood]
to embalm the body of Christ. [John 19:39] Aloe wood was used by the
Egyptians for embalming dead bodies.
Cinnamon [Exodus 30:23; Proverbs 7:17] is one of the ingredients
used in the perfumed oil with which the Tabernacle and its vessels
were anointed. It is a very precious spice and is part of the merchandise
of “Babylon the Great”.
Cassia [Exodus 30:23-24; Ezekiel 27:19] The bark of this tree is ground
to produce a fine spice. The Lord gave Moses a recipe for creating an
aromatic oil to be used in anointing the Tabernacle and Priests.
Flax [Genesis 41:42] is one of the oldest textiles in the world. The curtains
in the Old Testament Tabernacle and the Temple were made of linen
[Exodus 38:18] and Jesus’ body was covered in linen prior to His burial.
[John 19:40]
Tomorrow: Part III: Exploring Herbs and Spices During Biblical Times