Medicinal Herbs Are Referenced in the Bible

Herbs have been around since the beginning of time, being used to not only season food, but to help heal the sick. Reference to herbs and their medicinal properties have been found in Egyptian tombs, Greek mythology, and even the Bible. One story about the herb rosemary, which is more folklore then truth is how it got its name. It is told that the Virgin Mary draped her scarf over the rosemary bush and then placed a white flower on top of the scarf. In the morning the flower turned blue and thereafter the plant was called Rose of Mary or rosemary. Although this event may be folklore, there are many references to herbs within the Bible that are true fact.

Dill and Cumin - Dill is not threshed with a threshing sledge, nor is a cart wheel rolled over cumin but dill is beaten out with a stick, and cumin with a rod (Isaiah 28:27). A few of cumin's medicinal uses include treating asthma, tumors, colic, fever, and snakebite. Dill was used to treat cancer, dyspepsia, and colic.

Cinnamon - I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon (Proverbs 7:17). Cinnamon is used for treating bronchitis, diabetes, fever, heartburn, herpes, rheumatism and tuberculosis. Myrrh is good for treating bronchitis, high cholesterol, and as an expectorant.

Coriander - The house of Israel called it manna; it was like coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31). Coriander remedies involve treating heartburn, impotence, toothache, and acid indigestion.

Flax - The priest shall put on his linen vestments after putting on his linen undergarments next to his body; and he shall take up the ashes to which the fire has reduced the burnt offering on the altar; and place them beside the altar (Leviticus 6:10). Flax is not only used for clothing but also used as a treatment of cancer, bronchitis, inflammation, and heart disease.