By Jacqueline Kelly –
In the final part on the series of Biblical herbs and spices, the author further explores the herbs that were used during those times.
Sage [Exodus 37:17] is commonly found in the Holy Land. The plant is found in Israel and their leaves are used for cooking.
Balm [Genesis 43:11] was extracted from the Balsam tree. Its gum was used as incense and the oil had medicinal properties. It is also known as Turpentine tree. Balm was one of the gifts that Jacob’s sons took to Egypt.
Also Read:
Part I: Biblical Herbs and Spices – God’s Gift to Man
Part II: Some of the Favourite Herbs During Biblical Times
Garlic [Numbers 11:5] was a favourite of the Kings of Biblical times. It was held in great esteem by the Egyptians. This plant dates back 5000 years to the Middle East where it was humanity’s first cultivated plant. It is used for cooking and has medicinal value.
Mallow [Job 30:4] was cut up by Job for food. It is a saline plant like spinach. It is used in cooking since ancient times and was popular in ancient Rome and Egypt.
Mandrake is mentioned in [Genesis 30: 14-16] and [2Kings 4:39] In those days the plant was held by the heathens for their magical properties. It is known as the “love apple” and considered a fertility fruit.
Coriander [Exodus 16:31] was used by the Scribes and Pharisees. It is referred to several times in the Old Testament. Manna which fell in the wilderness was like coriander seeds and its taste was like wafers with honey. [Numbers 11:7] Coriander is used medicinally and as a spice.
Mustard [Matthew 13:31-32] In the New Testament, the tiny mustard seed is a symbol of faith. Mustard seeds were used by Hippocrates as a medicine.[Mark 4:31] The mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds on earth. Jesus compared faith of His disciples to the size of a mustard seed. Jesus wanted to show us what faith can really do to our lives.[Matthew 17:20] This seed is an important spice. There are three types: Black mustard, Brown Indian mustard and White/Yellow mustard.
Holy Thistle [Genesis 3:18; 2 Chronicles 25:18]. The name is derived from a legend connected with the Virgin Mary, whose tears falling on the plant, gave it the white substance with which it has been covered. It was commonly used during the Middle Ages to treat the Bubonic Plague and as a tonic for the monks. It is also known as Blessed Thistle. It has numerous therapeutic properties.
St. John’s Wort is used in emotional wellbeing. It is a medicinal herb. According to tradition, the leaves of St. John’s Wort are stained with red spots on the 29th August, the day St. John the Baptist was beheaded. The ancient name, Fuga Daemonum, referred to its power of driving away evil spirits. The night of St. John has been celebrated all over the world by peasant girls who hang the plant over their doors and sleep with it under their pillows, to get rid of evil spells or to foretell who their future husbands will be.
Chrysanthemum is known as Cost Mary. The name of the sweet-smelling Herb is Costus meaning fragrant root with “Mary” the Mother of Jesus. In Medieval France, it was called “Herbe Sante-Marie” It is used as a flavouring in salads. It is also known as the Bible Leaf because in
colonial times a leaf served as a bookmark in Bibles and Prayer books.
Rosemary [Luke 11:42] is a symbol of fidelity and remembrance as it was used in the holiest of Christian ceremonies. It is used for medicinal purposes. A story tells that the flowers were originally white, but changed to blue when the Virgin Mary hung her cloak on the bush while fleeing from Herod’s soldiers with the Christ Child.
Dill [Matthew 23:23]was used as a medicine for at least 5000 years. The Greeks used this plant as a symbol of wealth. It was used to ward of witches. In the Bible one tenth of the agricultural produce of dill was given as tax. Dill is also used for culinary purposes.
Anise is commonly known as dill. Anise seeds grow wild in Egypt, Syria, Palestine and all parts of the Levant. Anise aids in digestion. It was used as a form of payment for taxes. Anise and Star anise are used for flavouring and have medicinal properties.
Fennel seeds [Isaiah 28:25] are used for medicinal and culinary purposes. The ancient Greeks and Romans used it as an insect repellent. The seeds are aromatic and is used in the Holy Place by the Priests.
Thyme [Luke 2:7] grew in the Holy Land. It was used as food for the animals and was therefore found in the manger where Jesus was laid. The Egyptians used thyme for embalming. In Biblical times it was also used for seasoning food.
Fenugreek [Genesis 1:11] seeds have been used for lactation since biblical times. It is a beneficial herb, exotic spice and amazing medicine.
Tarragon [Revelation 8:11] has been served as a vegetable in the near East and is one of the bitter herbs of the Bible. It is widely used as a flavouring.
Basil [Genesis 1:29] is used as a great culinary ingredient and in traditional medicine. After the resurrection, basil was seen growing around the tomb of Jesus Christ.
Sesame [Ezekiel 4:9] seeds were used by the Assyrians as far back as 1,600 – 3,000 B.C. It is used as an outer coating for bread and as an ingredient in dressings. Black sesame seeds have many health promoting benefits.
Acacia [Exodus 37-38; Exodus 25:5,10] It was a sacred wood used to build the Tabernacle and Ark of the Covenant. It is called the “Shittah tree”. It yields gum and is also used as food. The gum has medicinal properties. [Isaiah 41:19] Burnish Bush is a member of the Acacia family. [Exodus 3:2-4]
Some of the sweet spices like Stacte, Onycha and Galbanum were used by the ancient Jews in the preparation of incense.[Exodus 30:34]
Caraway seeds and Black cumin which is known as “Fitches” were used to season food in biblical times.
Horehound “Marrubium” a musky, bitter tasting herb used by Jews during Passover.
Laurel is referred to as “Cedar” in Biblical times.
Here are some of the fragrant and healing herbs associated with the Bible.
Chives, Chervil, Watercress, Salad burnet, Borage, Calamus, Horseradish, Juniper, Lady’s Bedstraw, Lavender, Pennyroyal and Cistus.
Let’s hope the Biblical herbs and the ancient Indian tradition and heritage return to us.