Biblical Foods:- Herbs....

HERBS

For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated receives blessings form God.(Heb 6:7)

Like all people of their day, the early Hebrew of the promised Land were very familiar with all the plants growing around them –especially herbs, which were used as medicine as well as food. The phrase, “a garden of herbs” is used several times, so we know that biblical people set aside plots specifically for herbs.

So Ahab spoke to naboth, saying:” Give me your vineyard, that it may serve as a garden of herbs to me.” (1Kings 21: 2)

The people of Bible cultivated a variety of herbs for their healing powers as well as the zestines they added to otherwise bland food. Herbs and spices were necessary ingredients of almost every receipe, but only a few are specifically mentioned in the scriptures.

Here are few of them :- 1. Coriander.

When the children of Israel wandered in the desert and received manna for food, they described it as looking like coriander seed:

Now the manna was like coriander seed, of the color bdellium gum, and all the people went about, and gathered it, ground it in a mill, or beat it in a mortar, and boiled it in a pot, and made cakes thereof the taste of bread tempered with oil. And when the dew fell in the night upon the camp, the manna also fell with it( Num 11:7-9) Ever since, coriander (also known as cilantro) has been called “The healer from heaven”

Coriander is an annual plant of the carrot or parsley family and has pink or white flower clusters. The fruit consists of globular grayish-white colored seeds. It grew wild throughout Eygpt,ancient Palestine and other countries in the region.

The seed have pleasant, aromatic oil. They are used as a spice or flavoring for pastries,meats,candies,salads,soups,curries and wine.
Chances are, none of the early peoples suffered from indigestion because coriander has been used for centuries as a treatment for minor stomach ailments. Unlike most medicines for digestive problems, coriander tastes great and has a warm fragrance like citrus and sage.

It’s recommended for indigestion, flatulence and diarrhea. Externally. Its used to ease muscle and joint pain.Recently,scientists began looking at coriander as an anti-inflammatory treatment for arthritis. Other research has demonstrated that it reduces blood sugar levels, an indication that it may prove to be a useful sugar management tool for diabetics.

2. HYSSOP

Beginning with the Passover in Egypt, hyssop was often referred to in the Old Testament in connection with purified rites. David, for example, prayed to be purified with hyssop: Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean… (Psalms 51:7)

Some modern scholars say that the hyssop of the Hebrew Scriptures may have been a type of marjoram. This plant –part of the mint family –is common in Palestine.

One variety of hyssop that grew abundantly in Israel and Sinai in biblical days is still used extensively by many people there today to flavor cooking and in medicinal teas.

The Romans brought hyssop from Middle East to Europe where even today hyssop tea is a standard home remedy for belief of rheumatism and respiratory complaints.

The hairs on the stem of the plant are often used to prevent blood from coagulating. Which explain why the Jews in Egypt were told to use it as the time of the Passover.

And you must take a bunch of hyssop and dip it into the blood in a basin and strike upon the upper part of the doorway and upon the two doorposts some of the blood… (Exodus 12:22)

The medicinal use of hyssop is found elsewhere in the New Testament:

Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar,and put it upon hyssop and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar,he said,it is finished.( John 19:29-30)

Scientists have found that the herb contains several soothing camphor-like substances, which help loosen phlem so it can be coughed up more easily.
King Solomon spoke of tees, from cedar tree of Lebanon even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall…(1 Kings 4:33)

Hyssop is used in sprinkling blood on the doorpost before the Passover. (Exodus 12:22) Hyssop was used to offer to Jesus vinegar… (John 19:28)



3.MINT

The warm flavor of mint, due to the prescence of characteristics essential oils, is well known to all of us today, just as it was to the Hebrews,Greeks and Romans of Bible times who used mints as medicines , as well as a flavoring.

Some bible experts say mint was among the “ Bitter herbs” of Exodus 12:8 and Numbers 9:11 along with leaves of endive, chicory lettuce, watercress, sorrel and dandelion which were eaten as a salad. Mint is one of the bitter herbs of the Passover feast today.

Greek and Roman physicians used mint. They recommended adding it to milk to prevent spoilage and serving it after meals as a digestive aid. They also suggested hanging it in sick rooms to speed healing.

Several species of mint grew wild throughout the Holy land. Today, we know mint mainly as peppermint and spearmint. Modern herbalists recommend peppermint be taken staight or added to foods as a treatment for menstrual cramps,motion and morning sickness,colds,and flu, headache and heartburn,fever,and insomnia.

Medical experts also know that the mints are marvelous for treating dozens of problems. That’s why mints, with their menthol contents, are found in many over-the counter remedies for indigestion, minor pain and congestion.

The mints are also anti-spasmodics.They soothe the muscles of the digestive tract and the uterus. But while peppermint may be good for nausea, it may also stimulate menstruation.