The ManicaPost
Miriam Kwari Herbal Space
Hello friends. Today we continue with our look at the A-Z of herbs. However, today we make heavy reference to the bible to show how herbs and herbal healing have been used for generations.
There were many gardeners in the Bible; with Adam being the first, “The Lord God took Adam and put him in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it.” Genesis 2: 15. He learnt a lot while he was there and utilised that information after he was kicked out. His child, Cain, was a vegetable gardener. Isaiah talked about taking cuttings. “Therefore, though you set out the finest plants and plant imported vines, though on the day you set them out, you make them grow, and on the morning when you plant them, you bring them to bud” (Isaiah 17:10 & 11). Paul was very knowledgeable of gardening methods when he talks about grafting and pruning.
The migratory patterns of herbs and plants follow those of the people who relied on them. As they moved, people carried cuttings, seeds, or saplings of plants and herbs necessary for their well-being or in accordance with God’s directives. Thus, use of the medicinal plants of the area combines the healing wisdom of our forefathers.
Genesis 1:29
And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.
Revelation 22:2
Through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Flax (Leviticus 6:10)
Flax is used to cure Arthritis, bronchitis, cancer, dermatitis, heart disease, inflammation, rheumatism. Flaxseed produces linseed oil, which is edible when cold pressed. Medicinally, the seeds were prescribed as a demulcent, emollient, and laxative; flaxseed was also used as a remedy for burns. The three principal components of nutritional significance in flax are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), dietary fibre, and polyphenolics. The ALA slows blood clotting; prevents inflammation; relieves colitis, arthritis, gastritis, and other conditions; retards and prevents tumour growth; and boosts the immune system. Flaxseeds are particularly useful in preventing breast and colon cancers.
Frankincense (Matthew 2:10–11)
The magi brought the newborn Jesus three gifts: gold to recognize his kingship; frankincense to acknowledge his holiness or divinity; and myrrh to symbolize the hardship and suffering that he would endure.
Frankincense is an important ingredient in incense. Literally, frank means “free” and incense means “lighting”. Also used in the treatment of dysentery, gonorrhea and fever. .” Essential oil of frankincense, or oil of olibanum, is used in high-grade perfumes, especially in oriental and floral types.
Hyssop (Exodus 12: 22. Kings 4: 33)
“Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the door-frame.” Exodus 12: 22. Kings 4: 33.
Hyssop was used at the first Passover to paint the lamb’s blood on the door posts and lintel of each door of the Israelites home so the angel of death would “pass over” and spare the life of the first born. In ancient times the plant was used as insecticide and insect repellent.
The plant has been used in herbal medicine for the treatment of sore throats, colds, hoarseness, and as an expectorant. Some herbalists also believe that hyssop has beneficial effects for asthma, urinary tract inflammation, and appetite stimulation. It is also believed to be effective in relieving gas and colic.
“ . . . the rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, ‘If only we had meat to eat! . . . also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic . . . ” Numbers 11: 1 – 6.
Although all vegetables are important for health, certain kinds offer unique benefits.
Leeks and Onions and are members of the Allium genus of flowering plants that also includes garlic, shallots and chives.
These vegetables contain various vitamins, minerals and potent plant compounds that have been shown to promote health in many ways. In fact, the medicinal properties of leeks and onions
