Until the arrival of modern medicine, our biblical ancestors worked with what they had: natural healing ingredients derived from plant life, herbs, and nature across the Holy Land. From fever to skin conditions, there was always a treatment to be found in the wild. Sometimes just one item was suitable, other times, healers and physicians would create a concoction of different ingredients for an effective remedy.
The Healing Herbs of Israel
Taste of Israel History
Content
The Land of Israel, the Land of Milk and Honey, the Land of the Seven Species. For thousands of years, the Land has provided for its inhabitants, providing them with the ingredients to sustain themselves and the ability to use the natural plants and vegetation of the Land to care for their bodies and treat various ailments.
In the Rabbinical commentaries, there is a fascinating insight into the healing power of natural herbs and plants when the physician of the great sage, Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi, treated him for an eye ailment. Shmuel (the physician) said to him: I will apply a salve above your eye, not directly in it. Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi said to him: Even that I cannot bear. Shmuel placed the medication in a tube of herbs beneath his pillow, and Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi was healed.
Within the Bible itself, there aren’t too many references to healing medicinal herbs; in fact, there are only five explicitly mentioned as such. However, when you include the scriptures, we reach at least 70 herbs and plants that were used for multiple purposes, among them for food, medicine, religious rituals and services, perfume, cosmetics, and incense.
From Figs (whose leaves covered Adam and Eve's nakedness in the Garden of Eden) to Hyssop, which was part of the alluring mixture of fragrant spices used in offerings to God, the Holy Land was undoubtedly filled with all the plants and herbs one would need to live a healthy lifestyle while looking after one's body, mind, and soul!
From Figs (whose leaves covered Adam and Eve's nakedness in the Garden of Eden) to Hyssop, which was part of the alluring mixture of fragrant spices used in offerings to God, the Holy Land was undoubtedly filled with all the plants and herbs one would need to live a healthy lifestyle while looking after one's body, mind, and soul!
Biblical Herbs in the Holy Land
The benefits of the fruits, plants, and herbs of the Holy Land are mentioned in the Bible more in passing than anything else. After all this isn’t a book of natural medicine! However, we do see how our Biblical ancestors utilized what was available to them for a whole variety of purposes, whether it would be to cure medical ailments, increase fertility, heal painful skin conditions, and increase one's attraction through the lovely scent emitted from the natural perfumes containing the fragrance of the Holy Land!
Figs (Ficus Carica):
And Isaiah said, "Take a cake of pressed figs." And they took [one] and placed it on the boil, and it was healed.
(Kings II - 20:7)
The fig tree was present in the Garden of Eden during the time of Adam and Eve. It is one of the seven species, representing the abundance, beauty, and goodness of the Land, and it is also symbolic of the themes of fertility.
“I found Israel [as pleasing] as grapes in the wilderness; Your fathers seemed to Me like the first fig to ripen on a fig tree.”
Hosea 9:10
The Fig was used for various purposes. Its fruit is sweet and delicious, and it was also used to treat skin conditions. The great physician Rambam (Maimonides) greatly valued figs for their medicinal and nutritional properties, saying, “Figs, grapes and almonds are always the best fruits, whether fresh or dried.” He recommended eating figs as an effective way to relieve constipation, which is the source of many bodily ills. Other health benefits include helping to control blood pressure and increase vitality.
Hyssop (Origanum syriacum)
"Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to take some hyssop, dip it in the water and sprinkle the tent and all the furnishings and the people who were there.
Numbers 19:18
Hyssop, or Ezov as it is known in Hebrew, is recorded throughout the Bible. It is known for its purifying properties, both spiritual and physical. If someone came in contact with the dead, they would become spiritually unclean, along with any objects that were also touched. Hyssop formed part of a special mixture together with the ashes of the Red Heifer and spiritually cleansed anyone rendered impure through the sprinkling of the mixture upon them.
“Then the kohen shall order, and the person to be cleansed shall take two live, clean birds, a cedar stick, a strip of crimson [wool], and hyssop.”
(Leviticus 14:4)
Those affected with leprosy would also benefit from the cleansing properties of hyssop which played an integral part in the cleansing formula to be administered by the High Priest.
As mentioned in Kings, hyssop grew out of the walls in the Holy Land, providing an accessible source for this wonderful herb. “and to the hyssop that springs out of the wall”
(Kings I - 5)
And who better to confirm the cleansing properties of hyssop than King David himself when he implored God to purify him?
"Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."
(Psalms 51:7)
Balm of Gilead (Tzori)
"As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm, and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt."
Genesis 37:25
Even though Joseph was thrown into a pit by his brothers, God performed a number of miracles to make even his journey into slavery in Egypt a relatively comfortable one as he was hoisted out of the pit and placed on this caravan filled with wonderfully smelling spices, and the Balm of Gilead!
"Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?"
Jeremiah 8:22
Rashi points out that while people would go to Gilead to take the balm that could physically heal them, in this context, the Prophet Jeremiah is telling the people of Israel that in order to end their sorrows, they should mend their ways and be healed, just like the Balm of Gilead does for physical ills.
A fascinating modern-day review by archeologist Zohar Amar of Bar-Ilan University has recognized that the Balm of Gilad is the resin of the Atlantic pistachio tree (Pistacia atlantica), which is found in the region of Gilead, located just northeast of the Sea of Galilee!
A fascinating modern-day review by archeologist Zohar Amar of Bar-Ilan University has recognized that the Balm of Gilad is the resin of the Atlantic pistachio tree (Pistacia atlantica), which is found in the region of Gilead, located just northeast of the Sea of Galilee!
According to the great Rabbinical commentator Rashi, the Balm of Gilead is “a sap that drips from balsam trees, and this is a sap which is enumerated with the ingredients of the incense [used in the Temple] (Exod. 30:34-38).
The healing power of the Balm is referenced in the book of the Prophet Jeremiah.
Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum)
Reuben went in the days of the wheat harvest, and he found dudaim (Mandrakes) in the field and brought them to Leah, his mother, and Rachel said to Leah, "Now give me some of your son's dudaim."
Dudaim is the Hebrew word for Mandrakes, a plant known since the days of the Bible for its fertility-boosting properties. It is the reason why Reuben, the eldest son of our foremother Leah, brought them back from the field, knowing that the alluring aroma of the Mandrakes could help bring her and his father Jacob together for Leah to conceive once again. Almost Immediately after, our foremother Rachel (who at this point was childless) came to Leah and demanded the Mandrakes, which some have interpreted as her desire to increase her chances of conceiving.
(Genesis - 30:14)
The effect on love and fertility from the use of the Mandrakes is confirmed in the Holy Zohar, where Rabbi Yitzchak says, “Do not read it as duda’im (mandrakes), but rather as ha-dodim (the lovers)” (Zohar, Midrash ha-Ne’elam part I (Genesis)
Other notable herbs and plants from the Bible and Scriptures
This fruit is one of the seven species and represents beauty and fertility. On the Jewish New Year we bless each other that we should have as many good merits as the number of seeds within the pomegranate (there are considered to be 613 seeds within - mirroring the 613 commandments!). The robes of the Priests featured designs of pomegranates, as did King Solomon’s Temple. The fruit is known for its many health benefits, which today have been utilized to their fullest by aspiring natural medicine practitioners. Both pomegranate extract and pomegranate seed oil provide a huge array of skincare benefits, among them antioxidants and fatty oils.
"Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon; your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate." (Song of Solomon 4:3)
"Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon; your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate." (Song of Solomon 4:3)
Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
Wild rose (Rosa Canina) is mentioned in the Gemara as a powerful ingredient and treatment for certain types of headaches.
“let him bring a white rose [varda] that stands in one row, meaning that it was growing alone, and he should boil it. And he should pour sixty cups on this side of his head and sixty cups on this side of his head.
(Gittin: 68b)
“let him bring a white rose [varda] that stands in one row, meaning that it was growing alone, and he should boil it. And he should pour sixty cups on this side of his head and sixty cups on this side of his head.
(Gittin: 68b)
Wild rose (Rosa Canina)
Myrtle (Hadas in Hebrew) is mostly known for being one of the four species we wave together on the Festival of Sukkot. It is a symbol of blessing and renewal.
"Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers will grow the myrtle. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign that will endure forever” (Isaiah 55:13)
"Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers will grow the myrtle. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign that will endure forever” (Isaiah 55:13)
Myrtle (Hadas in Hebrew)
Cinnamon was a major ingredient in the sacred anointing oil used to inaugurate High Priests. It is well known for its numerous health benefits, including digestion and the wonderful smell it emits when used in cooking. "
And you, take for yourself spices of the finest sort: of pure myrrh five hundred [shekel weights]; of fragrant cinnamon half of it two hundred and fifty [shekel weights]; of fragrant cane two hundred and fifty [shekel weights], (Exodus - 30:23)
And you, take for yourself spices of the finest sort: of pure myrrh five hundred [shekel weights]; of fragrant cinnamon half of it two hundred and fifty [shekel weights]; of fragrant cane two hundred and fifty [shekel weights], (Exodus - 30:23)
Cinnamon
There are many more herbs and plants mentioned across the Bible and Scriptures, including the spices used in the Temple for the incense offering, and there is no doubt that there are benefits to be derived from each and every one of them, whether Myrrh Gum, sage, grapes, coriander, cumin, or any of the others!
The impact of Israel’s herbs and plants today
Just picture the scene in the hills of Samaria. There in the forests, lies a world of natural goodness. In the soil, in the trees, in the flowers and in the plants. And then you will see one of Israel’s local herbalists, people who are deeply connected in body, mind and spirit to this breathtaking nature that is infused with blessings, simply by it existing in the Land which God gave to the Jewish people. There they are, observing, feeling, touching, and smelling the various herbs and plants and carefully plucking them before returning home with a basket filled with this special bounty. There, in their kitchens, or their small laboratories or workshops, they begin cooking, blending, measuring and creating a concoction which will eventually be bottled or packaged into a whole variety of organic health and wellness products.
Of all the Biblical plants and herbs we have already discussed, the majority still grow in the Holy Land today and play a vital part in the natural health and wellness sector in Israel. These modern-day natural medicine practitioners have reached deep into the scriptures and discovered the knowledge and health properties of each plant. They have taken that knowledge and learned which plants and ingredients combine well to produce effective natural remedies and skin care products to shower the natural wonders of the Holy Land on all those fortunate enough to use them!
Looking at some of the Biblical ingredients, Figs are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help revitalize skin and keep it looking youthful. Hyssop contains natural antiseptic and skin-protecting oxidants, making it a natural disinfectant that has also been known to help reduce headaches. It is, of course, edible as well, forming part of the aromatic spice mix called Zaatar! Myrtle continues to grow in the wild, mainly in the northern regions of Israel, including the Galilee and Golan Heights.
Body butter, organic olive-oil-infused soaps, massage balms, lip balms, skin creams, herbal shampoos, perfume and essential oils are just a small selection of the types of products that Israel’s modern-day herbalists are producing using a variety of herbs, plants, fruits, and ingredients that the Land of Israel has to offer for our benefit!
This is where you discover that pomegranates aren’t just for eating!
Meet the producers harnessing the power of Israel’s nature
We are so proud to work with some of Israel’s most talented natural skincare experts. Each one is deeply connected to the Land of Israel and has found their passion in cultivating the healing plants, herbs and minerals of the Land to create some of the most wonderful organic cosmetics and skincare products around.
Shoresh Body & Soul (Neve Tzuf - Samaria)
Shoresh Body & Soul was founded by Nicole Cohen Yechezkel and is based out of the wonderful community of Neve Tzuf in the Binyamin region of Samaria. Since 2016, Nicole has been collecting and turning all the wonderful green herbs and flowers that surround her community into a special collection of natural cosmetics that are a treat for both body and soul! One of her most popular products is the Organic Anti-Aging Pomegranate Serum which maximizes the goodness of Israeli pomegranates to help keep skin looking youthful and radiant. The serum includes pomegranate seed extract, which contains a high level of antioxidants, making it the perfect addition to your daily skincare routine.
Arugot (Ofakim, Netivot - Southern Israel)
If you are looking for a face wash that not only removes impurities but also helps maintain and moisturize your skin, look no further than Arugot’s Wild Rose Anti-Aging Cleanser, which utilizes the wonderful skin nourishing properties of wild rose. Arugot is a natural skincare company that Esther runs with her husband Itai. They are both deeply connected to the Land of Israel, and are based right next to the Gaza border, where they live a religious, Torah led lifestyle. With Arugot’s wonderful organic skincare products, just know you are getting an item infused with the natural goodness of the Holy Land!
Masik (Golan Heights)
Imagine washing your hands not with some chemical-packed liquid soap but rather with an organic soap bar made with ingredients that take you on a journey across the Holy Land! That is exactly what Amnon Mizrachi of Masik, a unique skincare company based in the Golan Heights has done. Try his Natural Handmade Pomegranate Soap which also contains pure moisturizing olive oil and mineral rich Dead Sea Mud. The soap can be used for all skin types, as do all of Masik’s products. It was created out of a need to treat his psoriasis, a painful skin condition. With no magic cure, his physician recommended using a natural soap made from olive oil, and that was the inspiration for all of Masik’s products, skincare using natural healing ingredients from the Holy Land!
Dvash Hagolan (Kibbutz Galon - Judea)
Do you remember what the Hebrew word for Balm of Gilead was? It’s Tzori, and that is what the skincare experts at Dvash Hagolan have created for you, a Natural Skin Cream that will help to heal all kinds of skin problems, especially for babies. It contains beeswax, essential oils, and propolis which is a sticky substance produced by bees is known for its incredible healing properties! Where else could you expect to get such a wonderful bee-based skin care product than the Land of Milk and Honey?!
Einav Hagag (Mitzpeh Yair - South Judea)
At the end of a long day’s walk, kick off your shoes and socks and let the healing powers of Einav Hagag’s Holy Hyssop Foot Balm revive your tired feet and rejuvenate the skin! Hyssop is full of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it the perfect ingredient for treating aching joints. Massage some Holy Hyssop Foot Balm into your skin and notice the instant relief as it reduces puffiness and rejuvenates your feet, leaving them feeling smooth as can be! Einav is proud that all her ingredients are locally sourced and that she has the privilege of creating herbal mixtures that allow her customers to truly benefit from Israel’s plant life, just as our ancestors did thousands of years ago!
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