Biblical Herbs
Biblical Herbs Mentioned in the Bible - SWEET MYRTLE, EGYPTIAN MINT, SYRIAN OREGANO, GREEK BAY, CHICORY, AND LEMON GRASS
Do you know that if you took a few moments and became familiar with the greenery and the colorful plants that dot your landscape, you would come away with an extreme respect for the plants that the Master has put before us.
These plants, sometimes unbeknownst to us, are so extremely important that they influence every aspect of our lives. From fuel for food, to healing, to cleanings to simply giving you joy - plants, flowers, herbs and greenery are here for one purpose....for you.
Our forefathers (and our grandmothers) understood the importance and the value of these oh so necessary plants. And it is just now, in this 21st century that many people are beginning to look back...and realize how much they have forgotten. We are getting back to our roots, in more ways than one!
Of course, when speaking of herbs - all of them are biblical - simply because our Father created them! However, if we look at the ones that are mentioned in the land of Israel and the areas surrounding the apple of His eye, we will see specific plants that are mentioned and learn how and why they were so meaningful in these ancient times.
Let's look at just a few...
CHICORY (Cichorium intybus): Chicory is actually 'bitter herbs' - remember they are mentioned in the Exodus? "and they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread, and with bitter herbs they shall eat it." Exodus 12:8 Actually, bitter herbs are a very necessary element when one wants to cleanse the digestive system. They provide good intestinal bacteria and are a healthy tonic when eaten fresh.
Many herbs are used as tonics and digestive aids. One of my favorites, and one so easy to acquire is the lowly little dandelion - a boon to herbalists and a curse to the manicured garden. However, the root of the dandelion, dried and crushed and used as you would a tea - helps flush out the kidneys and liver and removes bile. Read more about the dandelion here.
Chicory is a beautiful and delicate looking herb with cornflower blue flowers and can be used in a variety of ways. The fresh young leaves can be used in salads, or steamed or blanched. The root, when ground can be added to coffee for a very distinctive flavor.
EGYPTIAN MINT (Mentha niliaca): �But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.� Luke 11:42.
Notice that the Pharisees TITHED on mint! Wow....that shows how important this wonderful little sprawling plant is and how throughout the ages it has found its way into every backyard in all cities, villages, and towns. Not only the fresh aroma, but the sweet taste of many mints satisfy not only the sweet tooth, but enhance the flavor of many dishes.
GREEK BAY (Laurel nobilis): "I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree." Psalms 37: 35
A green bay tree? What you say?? Didn't know that bay was a tree - yep, it surely can be. In fact, in the Mediterranean, it can grow up to 40-50 feet! It is a wonderful evergreen, sturdy in appearance and fragrance that wafts through every room. Bay is a spicy aroma and one of the herbs we so love to cook with today. It is not difficult to grow and is a hardy plant - you can even grow it in a pot if your winters get too cold (below 15 degrees in winter).
LEMON GRASS (Cymbopogon citratus): �Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,� Exodus 30:23
Ahhh, now you know that what sweet Calamus refers to - it is one of the many aromatic grasses found growing in abundance in the Holy Land. Lemon Grass, which is also a common herb here in the states, is but one of these sweet smelling grasses. If you read on in Exodus, you will see that this recipe - thousands of years old - was so important and so valued that it was forbidden for anyone but the priests to develop it. In this scripture the Lord delivers instructions to Moses for the proper way to make and use Holy Oil. So valued was this oil that perfume was not even to be made in the same way. We should also try to remember these instructions today.
Many Asian dishes use Lemon Grass as an essential ingredient in their soups or stir fry. The white fleshy part at the base of the plant is what gives the sharp lemony tang to various dishes. Unfortunately, it is also needs a bit of care as it can not tolerate very cold winters.
SWEET MYRTLE (Myrtus communis compacta): �Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree.� Isaiah 55:13.
One of my most favorite of the herbs. Sweet myrtle has always been associated with generosity. The sages say that Adam was allowed to take wheat, dates, and myrtle when he was expelled from the garden.
Myrtle also has a variety of uses - from the roots and bark that are used to make the finest Turkish and Russian leather to the exquisite scented flowers!
SYRIAN OREGANO (Origanum maru): �Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.� Psalms 51:7.
There has been a lot of debate among scholars concerning common Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis). It is not native to the Mediterranean area and the biblical reference to hyssop could refer to several different plants. However, the Syrian Oregano does seems to qualify for the many references mentioned in the scriptures.
Then, as now, hyssop is often gathered in bunches. It was used from making brooms, to being used in purification rituals. It's flavor is excellent and is a main ingredient in many spice blends. Syrian Oregano has one of the strongest flavors of all the oreganos and is one of the best toppings on pizza, omelets, in bread or in sauces...you make the choice!
