Many people today are interested in natural ways to heal their bodies and minds. They look for natural alternatives to conventional medicine, such as plants including herbs, spices, fruits, vegetables, and trees, which are used as herbal remedies, essential oils, tinctures, extracts, or other forms. Some people have strong beliefs about the use of these natural products to bring relief and others will only use pharmaceutical products. They view the use of herbs and natural products with suspicion and skepticism. Integrative medicine and research have opened up the use of some herbal products to treat various conditions. Does the Bible provide any guidance on the use of plants and herbs by people for treating illnesses or for healing?
In the Book of Genesis (chapter 2 verse 8) God made the Garden of Eden and put man in it. Verse 15 states that man was put there to dress it and keep it. The Bible states that God created plants and herbs for our benefit. In Genesis 1:29, God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” In Revelation 22:2, we read that “the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” Throughout the Bible, we find examples of people using plants and herbs for various purposes, such as food, medicine, perfume, incense, and dyes.
In Genesis 37:25-26, as Joseph’s brothers sat down to eat their meal, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites from Gilead approaching with their camels loaded with spices, balm, and myrrh which they were taking to Egypt. Joseph’s brothers sold him to the traders, and he was taken to Egypt and sold. These verses were mentioned here to point out that the balm that the traders had was an ointment made from a plant which is commonly known as balsam. The balm was also referred to as the balm of Gilead and was a rare perfume that was used medicinally and was named after the area where it was made. 1 Kings 10:10, states that balsam was among the many precious gifts of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon.
A Few Plants, Herbs, and Spices Mentioned in the Bible
– Fig: King Hezekiah had sores from a boil. The prophet Isaiah instructed the people to apply a plaster (poultice) of figs to it and he recovered (2 Kings 20:7).
– Hyssop: David asked God to cleanse him with hyssop, a plant with antiseptic properties (Psalm 51:7).
– Aloes: Solomon praised his beloved’s fragrance as “the fragrance of your garments is like that of Lebanon … your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia” (Song of Songs 4:11; Psalm 45:8).
– Almonds: Jacob sent almonds as a gift to Joseph in Egypt, as they were considered a delicacy (Genesis 43:11).
– Frankincense and myrrh: The wise men brought these aromatic resins as gifts to Jesus at his birth (Matthew 2:11).
-Cinnamon was one of the highly valued spices and perfumes that King Solomon spoke of regarding his beloved (Songs of Solomon 4:12-14).
– Mint, anise, and cumin are mentioned by Jesus as being paid as tithe by scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:23).
-Olives were used as food, oil, and material for soap in biblical times. The olive tree is mentioned many times in the Bible, for example in the Psalm where the Psalmist describes himself as a green olive tree in the house of God. (Psalm 52:8)
– Willow is mentioned in a popular Psalm and song, “By the rivers of Babylon” (Psalm 137:1-2)
Ancient Natural Remedies versus Modern Synthetic Products
Many plants were used to make oils and perfumes which were used to treat different ailments and also in cleansing for spiritual purposes during Bible days. One of Jesus’ disciples, Luke, was a physician. The Bible does not tell us what Luke used to treat his patients on a day-to-day basis, however, we do know that medicinal plants were available. We also know that many pharmaceutical drugs are made by synthesizing compounds found in plants. Aspirin, one of the most commonly used drugs in the world, is used to treat pain and is used to help prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. It was made to mimic a compound found in the bark of white willow trees. For thousands of years, the bark of willow trees was used to relieve pain and to treat fever.
The use of different types and parts of plants to treat common sicknesses has gone on for generations and perhaps goes back to Eden. The knowledge has been passed on in families, communities, regions, and countries of the world for generations. If you have a stomachache someone from the Mediterranean area would probably recommend orange blossom water, mint, anise, or myrrh as a natural remedy. A person from India may advise you to use ginger, triphala, or senna. People mostly used what was locally available to them. With the sharing of information through social media and other means and the ease of acquiring products from different parts of the world, the use of some of these products has become more widespread across cultures and is becoming almost universal.
Many universities and other organizations have researched plants that have been used in traditional folk medicine and have identified various compounds that are responsible for producing medicinal effects. Synthetic versions have been created. Many persons are not aware that many of the drugs that they take are developed in this way. Natural products have to be used with caution as there may be side effects, but pharmaceutical products also have side effects. If you watch advertisements for many drugs on your television, you will hear a long list of adverse effects some of which are quite serious. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is up to an individual and their doctors to determine what they use. Many of us were given herbal teas for different ailments when we were growing up. If I felt nauseous, I would drink mint and if I was having a stomachache, I would drink ginger or cerasee tea. Cerasee is a vine that produces a small orange or yellow-colored fruit similar to a bitter melon. God certainly did give us the plants that we need for healing whether we use them in an ancient or modern way.
How to Prepare and Use Herbal Teas
The use of herbal teas has become very popular and many spices which are found in most kitchens can be used to make natural teas. Cinnamon bark or powder, nutmeg, Kola nut (Bizzy), turmeric root or powder, ginger root or powder, powdered cayenne pepper, anise, fennel, fenugreek, and different varieties of teas and mints can be found in kitchens all around the world. Some persons even grow their herbs as many of them are quite easy to grow and care for.
Here are some general tips and cautions to bear in mind when preparing herbal teas from leaves, flowers, and the barks of some plants:
– Do not use metal pots or containers to boil or store the herbs, as they may react with the metal and lose their potency. Use glass, ceramic, or enamel instead.
– Boil the water, turn off the heat, and add the herbs. Cover the pot with a tight lid to trap the essential oils. Let it steep for 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the herb being used.
– Do not add sweeteners such as sugar or honey, to the herbal tea, as they may interfere with its effectiveness or cause fermentation.
– Make only enough herbal tea that you can use in a day or two. Store it in a cool, dark place or a refrigerator. Discard any leftover tea after two days.
– Drink the herbal tea according to the recommended dosage and frequency. For example, if you need to drink it four times a day, drink it every six hours; if three times a day, every eight hours.
Other parts of certain plants such as the roots may require a different process and may need to be boiled for longer periods.
Other Forms of Herbal Products Used
While herbal teas are popular and easy to prepare. Plants and plant materials are used in many other ways in holistic medicine. Some of these are:
Capsules, tablets, extracts, tonics, powders, salves, essential oils, ointments, and poultices.
Summary
Herbal medicine, naturopathic medicine, alternative medicine, and holistic medicine are some of the names commonly used in recent years for treatment made from plants and other naturally occurring substances. Some herbs are taken internally while others are only used externally as salves, ointments, or poultices. Extracts can sometimes be more effective as they isolate the active ingredient and produce it to a level of concentration which enhances the effectiveness.
Herbal remedies are a blessing from God, we just use them wisely. They are not a substitute for God’s power or grace. He gave them to help us and the glory belongs to Him. We should always pray and seek God’s will for our healing. We should also consult our medical doctors.
Any information on diseases and treatments mentioned in this blog is intended for general guidance only and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals. Not all plants and herbs are safe or effective to use. Some may interact with other medications or have side effects. You should consult your doctor before using any herbal remedy, especially if you have a medical condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding.