Bitter Herbs Of The Bible
Bitter herbs are plants with the bitter principle that represent a group of chemicals with an exceedingly bitter taste.
These herbs beyond their biblical significance in the Passover offer tremendous healing properties that we can benefit from on a daily basis.
To gain this benefit you first have to taste the bitter flavor this starts a chain reaction in your body starting with the digestive juices and enzymes.
Taste buds have a reflex action that stimulates the secretion of digestive juices and also stimulates the activity of the liver, which improves detoxification and elimination.
Bitter herbs also have antibiotic and antifungal properties. And also anti-tumor actions. They, like all the wonderful foods God has given us, are meant for more than just pleasing our taste buds.
So, what are the 7 bitter herbs mentioned in the Bible and are also powerful for health and healing?
Who Is Jethro Kloss
Born April 27, 1863, in Wisconsin, Jethro Kloss was a renowned natural health enthusiast and herbalist in his day. Greatly influenced by his Seventh-Day Adventist faith and the teachings of Ellen G. White, Kloss adhered to a natural lifestyle that included vegetarianism, hydrotherapy, and herbalism.
He devoted his life to caring for the sick, lecturing on healthy living, and research which advocated the use of soy as a viable protein source. In fact, he started his own factory to manufacture soy-based food products. He was a true pioneer in the natural health movement.
In 1935, Kloss published his book Back to Eden: A Human Interest Story of Health and Restoration to be Found in Herb, Root, and Bark. In 1939, the book was revised and expanded and this original text has sold over 5 million copies.
Although some of his remedies have since proven unwise or even toxic , the book is a great representation of what natural health and herbalism looked like in the 1800s.
But one recipe was a true success: his recipe for liniment. Although he prescribes its use for everything from pain and stye on the eye to headaches and athletic foot troublemaladies for which science has invented other more convenient remediesnothing surpasses it for good old aches and pains.
When Jesus Saw Her He Called Her Forward And Said To Her Woman You Are Set Free From Your Infirmity Luke 1: 12 Niv
God is willing to heal even the most hopeless situations. Hes willing to upset the norm to do it as well. The story of Jesus healing the crippled woman in Luke 13 is evidence of these facts. For eighteen years, this woman suffered not just physical pain but from judgment and scorn.
The holy men around her were of no help to her, and they treated her poorly. Jesus, on the other hand, stepped into her life and treated her with love. He saw her condition, but he also saw her.
This is encouraging news to anyone struggling with illnesses and addictions that have formed their identity over time. People may no longer see you as you want them to. Instead, all they can see is the sickness.
There is still hope for healing in Jesus. Whether its been eighteen years, thirty years, or fifty years. Whatever your weakness, illness, or disease, Jesus can remove it from your life and bring you back to full health.
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This Trusted Herbal Liniment Recipe Is Easy To Make And Can Benefit Anyone Who Needs Relief From Aches Pains Insect Bites Poison Ivy Bumps And Bruises But What Makes It So Special And Who Was Jethro Kloss We Explain
Some herbal preparations belong in every medicine cabinet. Many of us are looking for that one go-to herbal remedy that provides relief from a multitude of ailments. Thats where Jethro Kloss Liniment comes in.
You might not be familiar with his name but his trusted herbal liniment recipe can benefit kids, athletes, gardeners, and weekend warriorsanyone who could use relief from aches, pains, insect bites, poison ivy, bumps, and bruises. And the best part: its easy to make. But what makes it so special, and who was Jethro Kloss?
Anointing With Healing Oils
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.
While not all healing oils of the Bible are identifiable, available, or used now as they were then, the study of ancient botanical preparations is fascinating. When we see threads of benefit antimicrobials as anointing or temple oils, for example, keeping the population healthy we begin to deepen our understanding of creation and the order that God set into place. The anointing oil, for example, contains fragrant ingredients that would contain at least some of the volatile healing oils of the Bible no matter how it was produced. Then the Lord said to Moses, Take the following fine spices:
- 500 shekels of liquid myrrh
- Half as much of fragrant cinnamon
- 250 shekels of fragrant calamus
- 500 shekels of cassia
- And a hin of olive oil
Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil. Then use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law, the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand. You shall consecrate them so they will be most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 drops cinnamon
- 2 drops sweet orange
- 1 drop frankincense
References:
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Does The Bible Mention Healing Herbs
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Humans have used healing herbs for centuries and reaped great benefits. There are many healing herbs that mentioned in the Bible. Here are some:
1- Myrrh Esther 2:12Myrrh is a natural gum or resin extracted from a number of small, thorny tree species of the genus Commiphora. Today, it is used for: Analgesic, astringent, bronchitis, expectorant, and high cholesterol.
2-Aloe John 19:3940Aloe, is a genus containing over 500 species of flowering succulent plants. Today, it is used for Used for: Burns, constipation, cancer, and skin irritations.
3-Frankincense or Matthew 2:1011Frankincense is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. Today, it is used for: Used for: Dysentery, gonorrhea, fever, and polyps.
4-saffron Song of Solomon 4:1415Saffron a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the saffron crocus. Today, it is used for fighting infection, regulating sugar and metabolism, and for blood purification.
5-Garlic Numbers 11:56Garlic is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Today, it is used for: Angina, cancer, colds, diabetes, flu, hypertension, and infections.
6-Flax Leviticus 6:10Flax , Linum usitatissimum, is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. Today, it is used for: Arthritis, bronchitis, cancer, dermatitis, heart disease, inflammation, and rheumatism.
In His service,
Magic And Medicine In The World Of The Old Testament
In the ancient world, there is no clear-cut distinction between ritual/magic and medicinal uses of the same plant . Medical practices in Egypt and in Mesopotamia involved, in addition to the use of medicinal plants, rituals and incantations.
This paper does not aim at a detailed catalogue of specific uses for each plant in each civilization. Our study is limited to re-examining questions arising from the list of actual and potential medicinal plants of the Bible.
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Herbs Bible References And Uses Then And Now
CORIANDER – Exodus 16:31 Numbers 11:7
Coriander was used as medicine and the appearance of the white flowers were similar to the way the manna looked when it was gathered. Today we use the leaves of coriander and we call them cilantro, which we use in many Mexican dishes. The seeds of coriander are crushed and are one of the ingredients in curry powder and can be used in baking.
CUMIN – Isaiah 28:25, 27 Matthew 23:23
Cumin is used similarly today as in biblical times. It is mixed with bread or meat or sprinkled on cakes. Today it is an ingredient in chili powder and flavors chutney, pickles and sausage.
DILL – Isaiah 28:25, 27 Matthew 23:23
Dill seed and weed were used for medicine and for culinary purposes. Today we use them in pickling spices, in bread, fish and potato salad.
FRANKINCENSE – Exodus 30:34 Matthew 2:11
Frankincense is a resin from a tree. The trunk is slit and the resin oozes out, dries and is scraped off. This was a very important ingredient in incense. Using it on the sacrificial fires of the Old Testament was two-fold. It would cover up the burned flesh smell of the animal sacrifice and it would make smoke that would rise up to heaven so the sacrifice would be honored by God. It was one of the gifts of the Magi to foretell of Jesus sacrificial death. Today it is still used as incense. It can be melted on a low burner in a washed out tuna can and the fragrance will be released.
HYSSOP – Exodus 12:22 John 19:29
LEEKS, ONIONS – Numbers 11:1-6
The Lord Sustains Them On Their Sickbed And Restores Them From Their Bed Of Illness Psalm : 3 Niv
David, in Psalm 41:1-3, talks about the blessings that will befall those who have regard for the weak. In another translation, they are referred to as the poor. This is consistent with the very nature of God. When Jesus walked the Earth, He spent most of His time with the poor, widowed, elderly, and afflicted.
He celebrates those who care for the less fortunate and make provisions for them. It s against our nature to be selfless, so whenever we choose to tend to the needs of others, we are reflecting the character of God. We step into prescribed blessings such as healing and restoration by reflecting God and making Him known to others.
We cannot trick God into blessing us by routinely doing charity work, though. God searches and knows our hearts. If we do anything, no matter how good it seems to be on the surface, for vainglory or just to reap benefits, then we cancel our own blessings.
This passage reminds us of how important it is to allow ourselves to be transformed by the renewing power of God and His word. Only when we walk with God in sincerity can we have regard for others selflessly, and only then will we receive the blessings that God promises to us.
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Historical Use Of Healing Oils
Essential healing oils of the Bible are a component of botanical matter, evident with a simple walk through of a fragrant garden. The aromatic properties escape a rose with the brush of a hand. So theres little question why or how the ancients would have noticed this and utilized it in some form. Oils themselves are discussed in ancient literature dating back thousands of years, with Rome known for its baths, territories of Greece for their perfumes, and anointing oils mentioned in the Bible.
Largely, these were extracts, with many writings indicating the use of olive oil because of the many benefits, and pressing the oil out. There are indications of crude distillation methods, though, with discoveries of clay-made distillery equipment not unlike our own. While these early distilled oils would have been closer to our modern hydrosols steam distillation that creates an aromatic water the idea of extracting, distilling, or otherwise capturing and using the fragrant component of a plant is of old.
Top 14 Herbs Of The Bible That Heal & Nourish
People have been using herbs for thousands of years for their culinary and medicinal benefits. I want to tell you about some of the most popular herbs of the Bible and what they were traditionally used for as well as how they are still used to this day.
As the Bible states in Psalms 104:14, God provides us with herbs for the service of man. Hopefully, after reading this article, you can start incorporating some of these health-boosting Biblical herbs into your life daily.
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Worship The Lord Your God And His Blessing Will Be On Your Food And Water I Will Take Away Sickness From Among Youexodus 2: 25 Niv
As the Israelites prepared to enter Canaan, the land they were promised, God began laying down ground rules for their preservation through Moses. They would be entering unknown territory with ungodly practices, and God wanted His people to be set apart from them.
As God made provision for their food, shelter, and territorial expansion, He promised to also care for their health. Sickness was not a part of Gods original design, but we are plagued by diseases as a result of sin.
This does not catch God by surprise. He tells the Israelites in advance that He will be their Jehovah-Rapha, their God who heals, and He is reminding us of the very same thing today. He is an unchanging God .
God sees the end from the beginning and has control over everything. With just one word, He can cast diseases out of our bodies, and with a touch, He can take away our pain. We can never truly earn this protection from God it is a gift given to us freely.
The old sacrificial covenant, the shadow of Jesus, could not save the Israelites it was only by faith that they received these blessings. There was never any power in the sacrificing of lambs or in the celebration of holy days and festivals. Were they required under the Mosaic laws? Yes. Were they the source of protection and healing? No.
O Lord My God I Cried To You For Help And You Have Healed Me Psalm : 2 Niv
God is attentive to the condition of His people. The psalmist in chapter 30 is giving a praise report of the miraculous healing He received from God. He thanks God not just for healing His body but for saving His soul. When we pray for healing, we should be sure that our concern is for our flesh and soul.
We know that our bodies are temporary and that, at some point, they will cease to exist. We can try our best to delay the inevitable by observing Gods health laws and being obedient to the guidelines He has left for us in His word, but at the end of the day, we will close our eyes in eternal physical sleep.
This is why when the apostles express their wishes of health, it was an all-inclusive greeting. I wish above all things that you will prosper and be in good health, even as your soul prospers.
We should continue to cry out to God for our healing. He will hear and help us. But let us never lose sight of the fact that this is a temporary journey to an eternal life that awaits us hereafter. Let us seek to have spiritual health and restoration of our souls as well.
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Turmeric Song Of Solomon : 14
Used for: Inflammation, flatulence, arthritis, bronchitis, diuretic, dyspepsia, expectorant, laryngitis, lymphoma, rheumatism
Three plants vie for the honor of being the biblical saffron: the saffron crocus, safflower, and turmeric. Since saffron is mentioned only once in the Bible, this plant presents a conundrum for botanists. Linguistically, the issue is the proper translation and interpretation of the Hebrew kakom and the Arabic kurkum, or saferam.
Okay. I confess. I want turmeric to be the saffron mentioned in the Bible. Its such a good herb that it deserves to be in the Bible. I am sure that humans have used it for thousands of years.
Dried turmeric rhizomes are used as spice, whole or ground, to flavor meat and egg dishes and to flavor or color pickles, relishes, prepared mustard, butter, and cheese turmeric is an indispensable constituent of curry powder. It provides a natural dye to color cloth, leather, silk, palm fiber, wool, and cotton. Its rhizomes yield an orange-yellow essential oil used in flavoring spice products and in perfumery. Powdered turmeric is an antioxidant. The essential oil of turmeric has shown anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activity in rats. And I believe that turmeric as a pain reliever has preceded aspirin by at least 2,000 years.
Bible Verses About Healing The Sick
The Bible covers many instances of God healing the sick. If there was ever any doubt about the power of God to intervene and heal diverse diseases, these Bible verses should help to set your mind at ease. Below are some Bible verses about healing the sick.
Some of the most well-known and widely-used Bible verses about healing the sick and restoring health can be found in Psalm 147:3, Jeremiah 30:17, Exodus 23:25, Jeremiah 33:6, Psalm 41:3, Matthew 10:1, Psalm 30:2, Luke 8:50, Luke 13:12, and Luke 6:19.
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History Recipes And Biblical Wellness
This course is a well-researched look into the plants of the Bible and how we can use them practically today for our own wellness! As a Christian herbalist, researching, writing, and videoing this course was an absolute labor of love.
Here’s what you’ll learn and be able to do once you complete this interesting and useful course. You’ll be able to:
Create your own home remedies with plants of the Bible that are still commonly found and used today
Learn about how God means us to have natural wellness, and that He gave us the plants on this earth for our benefit
Understand the five specific medicinal healing plants in the Bible, and know the many others used for wellness that scientists have discovered references to in other ancient texts.
Get a glimpse into 20 plants of the Bible, what they’re used for medicinally, how you can use them yourself, which preparations is best to use.
Enjoy the recipes and remedies you can make with the plants listed in the book and videos!
Be inspired to continue learning about the plants God has given us and how they can help us heal here on earth.
Print out the beautiful 80 page book that comes with the course as a go-to reference.
—K. B., via email
NOTE: This course is an interesting, well-researched overview of 20 Biblical plants with some starter recipes for you to enjoy.