In addition, God gives us the use of plants and herbs for curative care, both physical (2 Kings 20:7; Psalm 51:7) and emotional (Psalm 45:8; Genesis 43:11). Reflect on how people have used plants, seeds and herbs.
Only five species are mentioned directly as medicinal plants in the Bible: Fig (Ficus carica), Nard (Nardostachys jatamansi), Hyssop (Origanum syriacum), balm of Gilead (Commiphora gileadensis) and Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum).
Jesus said: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick”—Matthew 9:12. For any one who is sick or a pregnant woman who needs medical attention but refuses a medical treatment is acting in ignorance of the Divine Providence.
Neophyti: And the Glory of the Lord said: "Behold, I have given you all the herbs that produce seed that are on the face of all the earth and every tree that has fruit in it--seed bearing tree--I have given them to you for food.
In addition, God gives us the use of plants and herbs for curative care, both physical (2 Kings 20:7; Psalm 51:7) and emotional (Psalm 45:8; Genesis 43:11).
Cedar, sage, sweetgrass, and tobacco are sacred to Indigenous people across North America. These herbs are used to treat many illnesses and are crucial in many ceremonies.
Scripture is clear: God calls Christians completely avoid witchcraft, idolatry, and spiritualism (Galatians 5:19-21). And thankfully, you can do that and still confidently use herbal remedies. Just keep some things in mind.
The Magi brought to Jesus Frankincense, Gold, and Myrrh.
Turmeric
Turmeric is discussed a little differently in the Bible. It was considered a valuable herb. Therefore, it wouldn't come as a surprise that Solomon used this herb to describe his bride in Song of Solomon 4:14-15.
Opium is a drug, which has been used for centuries before and after Christ. Feted as “God's own medicine” by Sir William Osler, it is perhaps the only drug over which two wars were fought. The fact that it is still used today for many of its original indications is a tribute to its versatility.
God's Word is medicine — for any weakness or sickness in body, mind, finances, family, marriage, etc. Whatever sickness or disease you suffer from, God's Word can cure it. God's Word is effective for any condition. It works as a preventative as well as a cure.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
These lines speak to taking care of your body. You should not harm that which was created by God in His image. Substance abuse of any kind certainly harms the body and the mind.
Plants mentioned in the Bible and known as medicinal in Egypt and Mesopotamia include: Myrtle (Myrtus commnis), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), Pomegranate (Punica granatum), Garlic (Allium sativa), Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) and Cedar (Cedrus libani).
[4] The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth; and he that is wise will not abhor them. [5] Was not the water made sweet with wood, that the virtue thereof might be known? [6] And he hath given men skill, that he might be honoured in his marvellous works.
Ezekiel 47:12 and Health
Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.” Ezekiel 47 is a beautiful picture of the heavenly temple. In Ezekiel's vision, healing waters flowed from this temple. The water nourished the fruit trees near the temple and the fruit and leaves provided wonderful benefits.
Hyssop, an herb that is native to the Mediterranean region, is mentioned several times in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Interestingly, it is brought up most often in relation to the process of being cleansed. God desires His people to be clean, pure and holy.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Cinnamon
Mentioned, like cassia, as a perfume. In Exodus 30:23 it is one of the ingredients of the "holy anointing oil"; in Proverbs 7:17 it is, along with myrrh and aloes, a perfume for a bed; in Song of Solomon 4:14 it is a very precious spice.
Certainly there was salt in abundance from the Dead Sea area, which also helped preserve certain foods. Other common spices were mustard, capers, cumin, rue, saffron, coriander, mint, dill, rosemary, garlic, onions, and shallots.
Many verses in the Bible speak of using medical treatments that were common at the time. These include applying: bandages (Isaiah 1:6) oil (James 5:14) oil and wine (Luke 10:34) leaves (Ezekiel 47:12) balm (Jeremiah 8:22). We know that Luke, the author of Acts and the gospel of Luke, was a doctor (Colossians 4:14).
Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusion. Christian Scientists refuse most medical treatment. Instead they rely on the healing prayers of Christian Scientist Practitioners. The Faith Tabernacle Congregation in Altoona, PA believes that disease is caused by the devil.
In Hinduism, tulsi is worshipped as a goddess and every part of the tulsi plant is revered and considered sacred, including the leaves, stem, flower, root, seeds and oil.
There are four Sacred Medicines: Tobacco, cedar, sage, and sweetgrass. These are traditional medicines that have physical qualities for medicinal purposes, and a spiritual aspect used in traditional healing and ceremonies. Care and attention should be given when harvesting Sacred Medicines.
Turmeric is certainly the most powerful herb on the planet. It is from the ginger family that is primarily grown in India, China and Indonesia. It contains various compounds with medicinal properties. For example, turmeric contains Curcumin which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the body's own antioxidant enzymes.
In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is known as the “King of Medicine,” or the most sacred herb. In fact, its name literally means “the smell of a horse,” as it was said to give people who consumed it the strength and virility of a horse.