Find Sacred Healing With Ancient Biblical Herbs And Remedies

Biblical Herbs Are Useful Even I Modern Times
Contents hide

Introduction

With Holy Week fast approaching, many of us reflect not just on the life and sacrifice of Jesus, but also on the daily realities of His time—what He ate, drank, and used for healing and wellness. That curiosity led me to ask a simple but interesting question:
“Did Jesus drink tea while He was in Jerusalem?”

The answer, surprisingly, is no—not the kind of tea we know today.
The green, black, or oolong tea made from Camellia sinensis was unknown in the Middle East during the 1st century. It was cultivated in China and didn’t make its way westward until centuries later. In Jesus’ time, people in Jerusalem and Galilee would not have sipped brewed tea leaves like we do now.

But that doesn’t mean they didn’t drink infused herbal beverages. Quite the opposite. Ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions were rich with the use of local herbs—both in food and medicine.

People regularly used hyssop, mint, frankincense, myrrh, cumin, aloe, and olive oil for flavor and fragrance. They also used them to cleanse, heal, and soothe the body and soul. These herbs were considered gifts from God—offering natural healing in an era long before pharmaceuticals.

Inspired by that question and the deeper meanings of Holy Week, this article brings together:

  • 🌿 A list of biblical herbs with real healing benefits
  • 🍵 Infusion recipes to enjoy as teas or gargles
  • 🧴 Topical applications like oils and salves
  • ⚠️ Notes on safe use and precautions

By using the very herbs mentioned in Scripture, you’re not just nurturing your health—you’re connecting with the same gifts of the earth that were part of daily life during Jesus’ ministry.

Let’s explore these sacred plants—and learn how to prepare and use them just as the early faithful might have.

II. What Are Biblical Herbs?

Biblical herbs are plants mentioned in the Bible. They are either identified by name or through historical context. These plants were used in everyday life for food, healing, worship, or cleansing. These herbs were more than just flavorings or fragrances; they were essential to survival and spiritual practice.

In the ancient world, people didn’t separate health from faith the way modern culture often does. Healing was holistic—what you ate, how you lived, and how you prayed were all connected. Herbs played a central role in this connection. Whether they were brewed as infusions, burned as incense, crushed into poultices, or anointed with oil, herbs were part of the daily rhythm of life in Galilee, Jerusalem, and across the broader Roman world.

Most of these plants were locally grown and easily accessible—a gift from God for the nourishment of body and soul. In the Scriptures, herbs are referenced for their role in:

  • Worship and purification – like hyssop, used for ritual cleansing (Psalm 51:7)
  • Medicinal care – like myrrh and aloe, used in burial and healing preparations (John 19:39)
  • Everyday cooking and flavor – like mint, dill, and cumin (Matthew 23:23)
  • Anointing and spiritual comfort – like olive oil, used for healing and blessing (James 5:14)

In this article, we’ll focus only on biblical herbs that have known or likely therapeutic value. Many of these herbs are still used today in herbal medicine. Each section will include a short background. It will then present practical infusion recipes.

Finally, topical applications are included so you can bring these ancient healing practices into your own life.

Let’s start with one of the most sacred and symbolic plants in the Bible—hyssop.

III.1🌿 Hyssop

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”
Psalm 51:7 (KJV)

🏺 Biblical and Historical Context

Hyssop is one of the most frequently mentioned herbs in the Bible. In Exodus 12:22, it was used during the first Passover to apply lamb’s blood to doorposts. In Psalm 51, King David refers to it as a cleansing agent for the soul. It was also offered to Jesus on a stalk at the crucifixion (John 19:29). In biblical times, hyssop symbolized purification, healing, and spiritual renewal.

The exact species referred to as “hyssop” in the Bible may differ from modern Hyssopus officinalis. However, its historical use in the Middle East as a cleansing and respiratory herb is well established.

Hyssop Officinalis Is A Biblical Herb
Hyssop officinalis

🌿 Modern Benefits

  • Antimicrobial and antiviral
  • Expectorant for cough and congestion
  • Mild digestive aid
  • Traditionally used for cleansing rituals and wound healing

⚠️ Note: Hyssop should not be used by pregnant women. Individuals with seizure disorders should avoid it. This is due to its essential oil content in high doses.


🍵 Infusion Recipe: Hyssop Tea for Respiratory Relief

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon dried hyssop leaves (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon honey (for added soothing effect)

Instructions:

  1. Place hyssop in a cup.
  2. Pour over boiling water.
  3. Cover and steep for 7–10 minutes.
  4. Strain and sip slowly, up to 2 cups daily during respiratory discomfort.

🌬️ Use during colds, coughs, or sinus congestion. It can help loosen mucus and ease breathing.


🧴 Topical Recipe: Hyssop-Infused Olive Oil for Wounds and Skin Irritation

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon dried hyssop
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Combine the hyssop and oil in a small saucepan or glass jar.
  2. Gently heat (not boil) using a double boiler or warm sunlight for 2–3 hours.
  3. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle.

How to Use:

  • Apply gently to cuts, scrapes, or irritated skin.
  • Use as a chest rub for respiratory relief.

Hyssop was both a symbolic purifier and practical healer in biblical times. When you drink it or apply it today, you connect with a rich heritage of physical and spiritual cleansing.

III.2. 🌿 Mint

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin…”
Matthew 23:23 (ESV)

🏺 Biblical and Historical Context

Mint was commonly grown in ancient Palestine and used in both culinary and medicinal practices. Jesus mentioned mint in the context of tithing, suggesting that it was considered valuable enough to offer as a sacred portion. In Greek and Roman traditions, mint symbolized hospitality. It was often scattered on floors or used in perfumes.

In biblical times, mint was prized for its refreshing aroma, cooling effect, and ability to calm digestive upsets.


🌿 Modern Benefits

  • Relieves indigestion and gas
  • Helps with headaches and nausea
  • Naturally antimicrobial
  • Uplifting and calming to the nervous system

🍵 Infusion Recipe: Mint Tea for Digestion and Calm

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • Optional: Lemon or honey

Instructions:

  1. Add mint to a cup or teapot.
  2. Pour in boiling water.
  3. Cover and steep for 5–7 minutes.
  4. Strain and sip after meals.

🍃 Mint tea is a gentle, everyday remedy for bloating, indigestion, or post-meal sluggishness.

Sadaf Mint Leaves Cut – Dried mint leaves cut and sifted


🧊 Topical Recipe: Mint Compress for Headaches and Heat

Ingredients:

  • A handful of crushed fresh mint leaves
  • 1 cup cold water
  • Clean cloth

Instructions:

  1. Soak mint leaves in cold water for 5 minutes.
  2. Place the wet leaves into a cloth and fold it over.
  3. Apply the compress to the forehead, temples, or back of the neck.

🌬️ This soothing compress can ease tension headaches, cool fevers, or relieve mental fatigue.


Mint was used in biblical times not only for its pleasant scent but also for its soothing effects on the body and mind. Drinking mint tea or applying a cool compress offers a simple, sacred form of comfort that still works today.

III.3. 🌿 Frankincense

“And when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”
Matthew 2:11 (KJV)

Frankincense Is One Of The Biblical Herbs
Flowers and branches of the Boswellia sacra tree where frankincense comes from

🏺 Biblical and Historical Context

Frankincense was one of the most treasured substances in the ancient world. A resin harvested from the Boswellia tree, it was used in the incense offerings of the Jewish Temple (Exodus 30:34–38) and gifted to Jesus by the Magi at His birth. Its sweet, woody fragrance symbolized worship, holiness, and divine presence.

Beyond its spiritual symbolism, frankincense had many medicinal uses in ancient times and is still valued today for its anti-inflammatory, calming, and skin-healing properties.

Frankincense Is A Biblical Herb
Frankincense resin

🌿 Modern Benefits

  • Reduces inflammation and joint pain
  • Calms the nervous system and promotes deep breathing
  • Supports skin healing
  • Antibacterial and mildly immune-boosting

✨ Frankincense is often used in aromatherapy for prayer, meditation, and emotional grounding.


🍵 Infusion Recipe: Frankincense Resin Steep for Immune Support

⚠️ Only use edible-grade frankincense resin (e.g., Boswellia sacra or Boswellia carterii). Do not use essential oil internally.

Ingredients:

  • 2–3 small edible frankincense resin tears
  • 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

  1. Add frankincense resin to a heat-safe cup.
  2. Pour hot (not boiling) water over it.
  3. Let steep for at least 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Drink slowly once cooled.

💡 This infusion is traditionally used to support the immune system, calm inflammation, and ease respiratory discomfort.


🧴 Topical Recipe: Frankincense-Infused Olive Oil for Joints and Skin

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon frankincense resin (crushed)
  • ¼ cup olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Combine resin and olive oil in a double boiler or small saucepan.
  2. Heat gently for 2–3 hours (do not boil).
  3. Strain through cheesecloth into a dark glass container.

How to Use:

  • Massage onto achy joints or muscles.
  • Use as a nighttime facial oil to reduce fine lines or blemishes.
  • Apply over the chest as a calming rub during stress or prayer.

Frankincense bridges the gap between spiritual reverence and physical healing. Whether you’re sipping a gentle resin infusion or massaging its oil into sore joints, you’re using a remedy that has been revered for over two thousand years—for body, mind, and soul.

III.4. 🌿 Myrrh

“Then they offered Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it.”
Mark 15:23 (NKJV)

“They took the body of Jesus and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place… they laid Jesus.”
John 19:39–42 (paraphrased)

🏺 Biblical and Historical Context

Myrrh is a resin from the Commiphora tree, often paired with frankincense in Scripture. It was highly valued in the ancient Near East for its spiritual, aromatic, and medicinal qualities. Myrrh was one of the gifts brought by the Magi to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:11), offered to Him before His crucifixion (Mark 15:23), and used in His burial (John 19:39).

In biblical times, myrrh symbolized suffering, purification, and sacred anointing. It was often used in embalming, perfumery, and medicine.


🌿 Modern Benefits

  • Antibacterial and antifungal
  • Promotes wound healing and gum health
  • Reduces inflammation and minor pain
  • Traditionally used for oral care and skin infections

⚠️ Myrrh should be used in moderation and is not recommended during pregnancy or for those on blood thinners.


🍵 Infusion Recipe: Myrrh Mouth Rinse for Oral Health

Do not swallow. This infusion is intended as a rinse or gargle.

Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon crushed edible myrrh resin
  • 1 cup boiling water

Instructions:

  1. Add myrrh to a cup of boiling water.
  2. Cover and let steep for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Strain and allow to cool slightly.
  4. Swish in the mouth or gargle as needed.

🦷 Helpful for sore gums, mouth ulcers, and mild oral infections.


🧴 Topical Recipe: Myrrh Tincture for Skin Repair

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon crushed myrrh resin
  • ¼ cup high-proof alcohol (vodka or brandy)

Instructions:

  1. Combine ingredients in a glass jar.
  2. Shake daily and let steep for 2–4 weeks.
  3. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle.

How to Use:

  • Dab a small amount onto minor cuts, fungal spots, or cracked skin.
  • Can also be diluted with water for a compress.

Myrrh is an ancient balm that evokes deep reverence and healing. Used for pain relief, purification, and burial rites, it reminds us of both the sacrifice and sacredness of the body. Today, it remains a powerful herbal ally—especially for the mouth, skin, and spirit.

III.5. 🌿 Aloe

“Then Nicodemus… came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices…”
John 19:39–40 (ESV)

🏺 Biblical and Historical Context

Aloe is mentioned in the Gospel of John as part of the burial preparation of Jesus. The term “aloes” in some biblical texts may refer to fragrant wood (Aquilaria or Aloeswood). However, many scholars agree that Aloe Vera was likely included or widely used during the time of Jesus. It has a long medicinal history in the Middle East for soothing the skin and healing wounds.

In the ancient world, aloe was considered a gift of health and beauty. It was applied to burns and infections. People even used it internally for digestive complaints.

Aloe Vera Is A Biblical Herb
Aloe Vera

🌿 Modern Benefits

  • Soothes burns, rashes, and sun damage
  • Promotes wound healing
  • Mild laxative when taken internally in small amounts (gel only)
  • Hydrates and nourishes the skin

⚠️ Only use the inner gel of Aloe Vera. The yellow sap (aloin) found in the leaf’s outer layer can be irritating and is a strong laxative.


🍵 Infusion Recipe: Aloe Gel Digestive Soother

Use this internally with caution and for short-term use only.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon fresh Aloe vera inner gel (clear, not yellow sap)
  • 1 cup water or coconut water
  • Optional: squeeze of lemon or honey for flavor

Instructions:

  1. Slice a fresh aloe leaf and scrape out the clear inner gel.
  2. Blend with water until smooth.
  3. Sip slowly on an empty stomach.

🌿 Used in traditional medicine to soothe the stomach lining, relieve heartburn, or aid gentle digestion.


🧴 Topical Recipe: Fresh Aloe Gel for Burns and Skin Repair

Ingredients:

  • 1 fresh Aloe Vera leaf

Instructions:

  1. Cut open the aloe leaf lengthwise.
  2. Scoop out or rub the inner gel directly onto the skin.
  3. Store extra gel in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to Use:

  • Apply to sunburn, rashes, insect bites, or minor wounds.
  • Can be used on the face as a hydrating mask.

❄️ For added relief, refrigerate the gel before use.


Aloe is one of the most accessible and effective biblical plants still in use today. Its gentle but powerful healing qualities make it ideal for anyone seeking natural first aid and skin nourishment. It may have been used in Jesus’ time for similar purposes.

III.6. 🌿 Olive Leaf and Oil

“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.”
James 5:14 (NIV)

🏺 Biblical and Historical Context

Few plants are as deeply woven into biblical history as the olive tree. Its fruit, leaves, and oil were essential to daily life in ancient Israel—for food, lighting, medicine, and sacred rituals. Olive oil was used for anointing kings, prophets, and the sick, and symbolized peace, healing, and God’s blessing.

The olive leaf, though less known than the oil, was also prized for its antimicrobial and cleansing properties. The tree’s resilience and longevity made it a symbol of endurance and divine provision throughout Scripture.

The Biblical Herb, Olives Are The Source Of Olive Oil
Olive leaves and fruit

🌿 Modern Benefits

  • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (especially the polyphenol oleuropein)
  • Supports immune health and cardiovascular function
  • Olive oil soothes and moisturizes skin and joints
  • Helps lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol

🍵 Infusion Recipe: Olive Leaf Tea for Immune Support

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon dried olive leaves (or 3–4 fresh leaves, crushed)
  • 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

  1. Add olive leaves to a teapot or mug.
  2. Pour hot (not boiling) water over the leaves.
  3. Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes.
  4. Strain and sip warm.

🛡️ Olive leaf tea is traditionally used to help fight colds, reduce inflammation, and support heart health.


🧴 Topical Recipe: Olive Oil Herbal Massage Balm

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1–2 tablespoons dried herbs (like mint, hyssop, or frankincense)
  • Optional: a few drops of essential oil (lavender or frankincense)

Instructions:

  1. Gently warm the olive oil with the herbs using a double boiler or low heat for 2–3 hours.
  2. Strain and store in a dark glass jar.
  3. Add essential oils once cool, if desired.

How to Use:

  • Massage into dry skin, sore muscles, or joints.
  • Use for anointing during prayer or healing rituals.
  • Apply to chapped lips, elbows, or cracked heels.

✝️ Anointing with olive oil continues to this day in many Christian traditions as a symbol of healing, blessing, and the Holy Spirit.


The olive tree offered sustenance and sacredness in biblical times—its leaves to strengthen the body, and its oil to bless the spirit. Today, this ancient gift continues to serve as a powerful tool for natural healing and spiritual connection.

III.7. 🌿 Rue

“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God.”
Luke 11:42 (ESV)

🏺 Biblical and Historical Context

Rue (Ruta graveolens), known for its strong, bitter aroma, was well known in the ancient Mediterranean. Though it’s mentioned only once in the New Testament, its inclusion alongside mint suggests it was a common household herb in biblical times. It was likely used in cooking, medicine, or religious offerings.

In folk tradition, rue was called the “herb of grace”, used for its cleansing and protective properties. However, its potency means it must be used with care—a little goes a long way.

Ruta Graveolens - The Source Of Rue Is A Biblical Herb
Ruta Graveolens – The Source Of Rue

🌿 Modern Benefits

  • Mildly anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic
  • Traditionally used for digestive cramps, menstrual pain, and as an insect repellent
  • Used topically to relieve joint pain or skin irritation

⚠️ Caution: Rue is not safe during pregnancy and should not be ingested in large amounts. It can be irritating to the skin if used undiluted or in high concentrations.


🍵 Infusion Recipe: Rue Tea (For External Use Only or Short-Term Use)

Ingredients:

  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon dried rue leaves
  • 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

  1. Add rue to a cup.
  2. Pour over hot water.
  3. Steep for 5 minutes max.
  4. Strain immediately.

💧 Use externally as a foot soak, or compress for joint pain. If used internally, limit to no more than ¼ cup once daily for 1–2 days—and only under professional guidance.


🧴 Topical Recipe: Rue Poultice for Muscle and Joint Pain

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon fresh or dried rue
  • Warm water
  • Clean cloth or gauze

Instructions:

  1. Mash rue with a bit of warm water to make a paste.
  2. Spread the paste onto a cloth or gauze.
  3. Apply to the affected area (avoid broken skin).
  4. Leave for 10–15 minutes, then remove.

🦵 Traditionally used for arthritis, muscle cramps, or bruises, rue poultices offer local relief when used carefully.


Rue is a powerful yet pungent herb that commands respect. While it was once part of the biblical household herb collection, today it’s used mostly in topical applications or protective folk remedies. It serves as a reminder that even God’s strongest plants must be approached with knowledge and reverence.

III.8. 🌿 Coriander (Cilantro Seed)

“The manna was like coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.”
Exodus 16:31 (ESV)

“Now the manna was like coriander seed, and its appearance like that of bdellium. (a type of resin)”
Numbers 11:7 (ESV)

🏺 Biblical and Historical Context

Coriander seed was familiar to the Israelites and is used in the Bible to describe the appearance of manna—a food sent from heaven. It was used widely in the kitchen and medicine cabinets of the ancient Middle East, valued for its digestive and calming properties.

Today, the dried seed is called coriander, and the leafy herb is known as cilantro.

Coriander Is One Of The Biblical Herbs
Illustration of coriander plant

🌿 Modern Benefits

  • Aids in digestion and bloating
  • Supports blood sugar regulation
  • Mild calming and detoxifying effects
  • Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory

🍵 Infusion Recipe: Coriander Seed Tea for Digestion

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp crushed coriander seeds
  • 1 cup boiling water

Instructions:

  1. Lightly crush the seeds to release oils.
  2. Add to a cup and pour boiling water.
  3. Steep for 10 minutes.
  4. Strain and drink after meals.

💡 This tea soothes the stomach, eases bloating, and supports gentle detoxification.


🧴 Topical Use: Coriander Foot Soak for Relaxation

  • Add 2 tablespoons of crushed coriander seeds to a basin of warm water.
  • Soak feet for 15–20 minutes.
  • Helps relieve fatigue and calm the senses.

III.9. 🌿 Cumin

“You tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law…”
Matthew 23:23 (ESV)
“When he has leveled its surface, does he not scatter cumin?”
Isaiah 28:25 (paraphrased)

🏺 Biblical and Historical Context

Cumin was so important in everyday life that it was considered worthy of tithing. In ancient Israel, cumin was valued as both a kitchen spice and a remedy for digestion and respiratory ailments. It was cultivated, scattered by hand, and carefully processed.

Cumin Is A Biblical Herb
Cumin plant

🌿 Modern Benefits

  • Stimulates digestion and appetite
  • Reduces gas and bloating
  • Mild bronchodilator for coughs and asthma
  • Contains iron and antioxidants

🍵 Infusion Recipe: Cumin Tea for Bloating or Cough

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp whole cumin seeds
  • 1 cup boiling water

Instructions:

  1. Crush seeds slightly and place in cup.
  2. Pour in boiling water and cover.
  3. Steep 10–15 minutes.
  4. Strain and sip slowly.

🌿 Great after heavy meals or during mild chest congestion.


🧴 Topical Use: Cumin Oil Massage for Abdominal Relief

  • Mix 1 tsp cumin seed oil with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  • Massage into the abdomen in clockwise circles.
  • Helps relieve indigestion or menstrual cramps.

III.10. 🌿 Anise (Possibly Dill or Fennel)

“You tithe mint, anise, and cumin…”
Matthew 23:23 (KJV)

🏺 Biblical and Historical Context

Some translations of Matthew 23:23 use the word “anise”, but the Greek word anēthon likely refers to dill, anise, or fennel—all of which share licorice-like flavors and were used similarly in the ancient world.

Regardless of the exact plant, these seeds were used for their digestive, calming, and aromatic properties, both in medicine and cooking.

Fennel Is A Biblical Herb.
Fennel

🌿 Modern Benefits

  • Relieves indigestion and gas
  • Eases nausea and colic
  • Promotes lactation
  • Soothes mild cough and asthma

🍵 Infusion Recipe: Anise Seed Tea for Bloating and Breath

Ingredients:

  • ½ to 1 tsp anise seeds
  • 1 cup boiling water

Instructions:

  1. Lightly crush the seeds.
  2. Steep in hot water for 10 minutes.
  3. Strain and sip warm.

🌬️ Traditionally used to freshen breath, calm the gut, and ease mild coughs.


🧴 Topical Use: Anise Steam Inhalation for Congestion

  • Add 1 tsp anise seeds to a bowl of hot water.
  • Lean over with a towel over your head.
  • Inhale for 5–10 minutes to ease nasal or chest congestion.

IV. Herbal Infusion Safety: Using Biblical Herbs Wisely

Biblical herbs offer a beautiful connection to ancient healing, but it’s important to remember that natural does not always mean harmless. Many herbs contain active compounds that can interact with medications, cause side effects, or affect vulnerable groups like pregnant women, children, and those with chronic illnesses.

Before you start sipping or applying any of the remedies in this article, here are some important safety guidelines:


⚠️ 1. Know the Difference Between Culinary and Medicinal Use

  • Herbs like mint, olive oil, and aloe are generally safe in food amounts.
  • Others, like rue and myrrh, are much more concentrated and should be used sparingly or only externally.

⚠️ 2. Use High-Quality, Food-Grade Ingredients

  • Always purchase herbs and resins from reputable sources labeled edible or food-safe—especially for frankincense, myrrh, and aloe.
  • Never ingest essential oils or non-edible resins unless explicitly intended for internal use.

⚠️ 3. Limit Dosage and Frequency

  • Herbal infusions are usually taken in small amounts (1–2 cups/day) for short durations (3–7 days).
  • Topical applications should be patch tested first, especially on sensitive skin.

⚠️ 4. Avoid in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Unless Approved

  • Some herbs in this article (especially rue, myrrh, and hyssop) can cause uterine stimulation or hormonal effects.
  • Stick with gentler herbs like mint or aloe unless guided by a qualified practitioner.

⚠️ 5. Watch for Reactions and Interactions

  • Stop using any herb right away if you experience:
    • Rash, itching, nausea, dizziness, or difficulty breathing
  • Be cautious if you take medications for:
    • Blood pressure
    • Blood thinning
    • Hormonal conditions
    • Autoimmune diseases

🛐 6. Approach with Reverence

  • Biblical herbs were often used in ritual, prayer, and reflection. Consider incorporating a moment of stillness or gratitude when preparing or using these remedies.
  • Treat these sacred plants as gifts, not quick fixes.

In short: Herbal medicine is a beautiful form of healing when practiced responsibly. Use these biblical remedies with care, respect, and intention—and when in doubt, consult a trusted healthcare provider or trained herbalist.

V. How to Make Basic Infusions and Topical Oils

Once you’ve chosen your herb, the next step is knowing how to prepare it. These ancient plants are most commonly used in two ways: internal herbal infusions (like teas) and external applications (like oils, salves, and poultices). Below are time-tested methods that people in biblical times—or anyone seeking natural remedies today—can easily follow.


🍵 A. Herbal Infusions (Teas and Rinses)

Herbal infusions are the simplest and safest way to benefit from biblical herbs. They gently extract water-soluble nutrients, oils, and compounds from the plant material.

🌿 Basic Herbal Tea Infusion

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp dried herb (or 1 tbsp fresh)
  • 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

  1. Place the herb in a cup or teapot.
  2. Pour in freshly boiled water.
  3. Cover and let steep for 5–15 minutes, depending on the herb.
  4. Strain and drink warm (or cool, if using as a rinse).

🕊️ Use gentler herbs like mint, olive leaf, and hyssop for this method.


🧴 B. Herbal Oil Infusions (for Skin and Massage)

This method captures the herb’s oil-soluble properties, making it ideal for skin care, massage, and minor wounds or inflammation.

🌿 Warm Oil Infusion (Stovetop or Double Boiler)

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1–2 tbsp dried herb (or 3–4 tbsp fresh, wilted)

Instructions:

  1. Combine oil and herbs in a heat-safe jar or saucepan.
  2. Warm gently using a double boiler or low heat for 2–3 hours.
  3. Strain through cheesecloth and store in a dark glass bottle.

🌟 Use with herbs like frankincense, myrrh, hyssop, or rue for healing oils.


🧴 C. Poultices and Compresses

Used for topical relief of pain, inflammation, or infection, a poultice applies mashed herb directly to the skin.

🌿 Herbal Poultice

Ingredients:

  • Fresh herb (mint, aloe, rue, etc.)
  • Warm water
  • Clean cloth or gauze

Instructions:

  1. Crush or mash the fresh herb with warm water into a thick paste.
  2. Spread onto cloth or gauze.
  3. Apply to the skin (avoid broken skin for stronger herbs).
  4. Leave for 10–20 minutes and rinse afterward.

🧴 D. Tinctures (for Preserved Topical Use)

Tinctures are alcohol-based extractions that concentrate an herb’s healing power. Used mostly for topical applications or diluted oral rinses (e.g., myrrh).

🌿 Basic Tincture Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp crushed resin or herb
  • ¼ cup high-proof alcohol (vodka or brandy)

Instructions:

  1. Combine in a glass jar with a tight lid.
  2. Shake daily for 2–4 weeks.
  3. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle.

These methods bring the healing wisdom of the ancients into your hands today. Whether you’re steeping tea for calm or massaging herbal oil into sore joints, you’re partaking in a time-honored tradition of natural, faith-rooted healing.

VI. Conclusion: Rediscovering Sacred Healing Through Biblical Herbs

The herbs mentioned in the Bible were more than just plants—they were gifts of healing, symbols of purification, and part of daily life in a culture deeply connected to the land. From hyssop’s cleansing power to olive oil’s soothing touch, these ancient remedies speak to both the body and the soul.

By learning how to prepare simple infusions, oils, and poultices, you reconnect with the natural medicine that Jesus, His disciples, and early followers likely used. These herbs were gathered, prepared, and used with care and reverence—often alongside prayer and faith.

Today, as we approach Holy Week, it’s fitting to reflect not only on spiritual healing but also on the physical wisdom found in Scripture. You don’t need to be an herbalist or theologian to benefit from these remedies. All you need is a little knowledge, the right herb, and a heart open to healing.

Whether you sip a warm cup of mint tea after a meal or apply olive oil to tired muscles, you’re practicing something ancient, sacred, and beautifully simple. May these biblical herbs bless you with renewed strength, peace, and wellness—just as they did thousands of years ago.

Don’t Get Sick!

Stay current by subscribing. Feel free to share and like.

Follow me on Truth SocialGabTwitter (X)FacebookFollow, and Telegram.

If you find value in this website, please consider buying a coffee to show your support.

Related:

References:

📚 Modern Scientific and Historical Sources

  1. Bone, K. & Mills, S. (2013). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine. 2nd Edition. Churchill Livingstone.
    [Covers therapeutic actions of herbs like hyssop, mint, myrrh, and frankincense.]
  2. Yarnell, E., & Abascal, K. (2004). “Herbal medicine for the nervous system, part 1: Herbs for sedation.” Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 10(6), 307–312.
    [Covers the calming effects of mint and frankincense.]
  3. Ghassemi, F., et al. (2020). “Medicinal uses of Aloe vera: A review.” International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 11(5), 1935–1944.
  4. Hamdy, R. M., et al. (2019). “Olive leaf extract as a functional food: Antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties.” Food & Function, 10(8), 3248–3261.
  5. Al-Harbi, M. M., et al. (1994). “Antiinflammatory activity of myrrh.” International Journal of Pharmacognosy, 32(3), 263–265.
  6. Sabra, A. B., et al. (2018). “A Review on Ruta graveolens: Traditional uses and pharmacological properties.” Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 7(1), 431–435.
  7. Arulmozhi, S., et al. (2007). “Neuroprotective effect of Boswellia serrata (frankincense) extract on ischemia-induced brain damage.” Phytomedicine, 14(6), 378–384.
  8. Duke, J. A. (2000). The Green Pharmacy: The Ultimate Compendium of Natural Remedies from the World’s Foremost Authority on Healing Herbs. Rodale Books.
    [Provides practical uses for biblical herbs.]

Image credits:

  1. Hyssop – By User:Topjabot – Original book source:Prof. Dr. Otto Wilhelm Thomé Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz1885, Gera, GermanySource: www.biolib.de, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9426
  2. Mint – By Daniel J. Layton – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3742735
  3. Boswellia sacra tree – By Scott Zona from USA – Boswellia sacra, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5409339
  4. Frankincense – By snotch – photo taken by author, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=486696
  5. Myrrh – By derivative work: Photohound (talk)IncenseWikiVers.jpg: Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Trengarasu using CommonsHelper.The original uploader was Sjschen at English Wikipedia. – IncenseWikiVers.jpg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5723891
  6. Aloe vera – By Collage by en:User:MidgleyDJ, original images from Wikimedia commons (Image:Aloe_vera_offsets.jpg and Image:Aloe_vera_C.jpg) – See author., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5084561
  7. Olive leaves and fruit – By en:User:Nickfraser – en:Image:Olivesfromjordan.jpg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2208405
  8. Ruta graveolens – By Plenuska – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43277226
  9. Coriander plant – By Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler’s Medizinal-Pflanzen – List of Köhler Images, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=255535
  10. Cumin – By Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler’s Medizinal-Pflanzen – List of Koehler Images, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=255540
  11. Fennel – By Alvesgaspar – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15855012

Let me know what you think!