In this second part we continue examining the special qualities found in different herbs and their potential to heal. Most of these herbs are also mentioned in the Bible and used in various ways like purification for religious reasons as well as being an important substitute or alternative to modern medicine.

1) Garlic: Garlic is an ancient herb and has many great qualities in it. It is an effective infection fighter and is even known to discourage irritating and potentially dangerous mosquitoes and ticks. It stimulates the immune system as well as being a pain killer. It is known to help in treating asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure.

2) Hyssop: This herb is also known as Marjoram and is harvested in dry places amongst rocks. It was the Bible’s “brush of salvation” for spreading the blood of lambs on door posts to spare the Israelites from the angel of death in Egypt. This was the genesis of Passover (Exodus 12: 21-23). Biblically Hyssop was also used in purification ceremonies to cleanse those who had come into contact with dead bodies or lepers because of its masking of odors qualities. It is also an astringent and is known to stop bleeding. Traditionally it was also used as a remedy for cold, inflammation and rheumatism.

3) Juniper: This herb has been known and in use since King Solomon’s time. It is still grown in Israel and yields two forms of “cade oil”. It is used for making men’s fragrances and antiseptic soaps. Traditionally it has been used to treat skin parasites in animals and has recently started to be used in the treatment for human psoriasis, eczema, and other skin and scalp conditions. According to a Dr Duke, researchers have identified certain lignans in some junipers useful in the production of etoposide, a drug used to treat testicular and lung cancers. They also found a potent antiviral compound in the herb that inhibit viruses linked with the flu and herpes.

4) Milk thistle: This ancient herb is native to Samaria and parts of Israel. It has been used for along time in the treatment of liver because it contains solitarian, a natural compound that prevents and repairs liver damage. It apparently also regenerates damaged liver cells. It has been approved in Germany for the treatment of cirrhosis and chronic liver conditions. It has also been proven to lower blood sugar and insulin levels in diabetics as well as preventing gall stones. This is one herb that can be maintained in home gardens.

5) Mint /Horsemint: Mint is one of the three herbs mentioned by Jesus when addressing Pharisees concerning the payment of tithe, (Mathew 23:23, Luke 11:42) indicating they were needed herbs for tithing. Some species of mint are used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. They are also used in flavoring candies, gum, toothpaste and liqueurs. Mint is also known to aid in digestion. The oil of the herb is antiallergenic and is used in aroma therapy to stimulate the brain.

6) Myrrh:  There are apparently over 135 varieties of myrrh found in Africa and Arabia. The oil of myrrh is mentioned in the Bible as one of the oils used to purify Esther and other virgins who were candidates being prepared to be king Xerxes wife (Esther 2:12). Traditionally it was administered as oils for the exterior body as well as an edible substance for internal cleansing. This expensive fragrant herb was used to make holy anointing oil used in the tabernacle of Moses. It was also one of the three gifts given by the Magi to Jesus.

The herb was widely used in ancient Mesopotamia, Greece and the Roman empire as a treatment for most ailments. Myrrh can stop mouth infections and is effective in treating bronchial and vaginal infections. According to researchers at Rutgers University, the herb has a compound called “furanosesquiterpenoid” which deactivates a protein in cancer cells that resist chemotherapy. This chemical has proved effective against leukemia, breast cancer, prostate, ovaries and lung cancers.

7) Nettle: Nettles get their name from the Latin tern urtica which means to burn. This is because the tiny hairs on the leaves cause a burning sensation when touched. The herb is also mentioned in the Bible in the book of Job. The herb may contain substances that alleviate arthritis symptoms. They are aloes rich in vitamins A, C and E as well as other antioxidants.

Saffron: This flowering herb was used as a condiment, sweet perfume and as a coloring agent and was one of the most expensive spice. Each autumn saffron flowers are picked in the morning when they first open up because the orange scarlet stigmas inside the flowers must be taken before the flower wilt. An ounce of saffron requires 4,300 flowers.

Saffron was used by Jews to dye their clothes yellow and has been used for centuries to mock Jews. Nazi Germans required Jews to wear armbands bearing a yellow star of David as a mockery to them. Saffron was also used medically in the treatment of gastric and intestinal problems. It is considered an antispasmodic expectorant sedative and a stimulant in small doses. It also helps in bladder, kidney and liver ailments.

9) Spikenard: The oils of the plant are used in making cosmetics and perfumes and medically dispensed as a stimulant. It is native to India and has used in Israel as evidenced by the woman with the alabaster jar who anointed Jesus feet with the Spikenard perfume worth

The Spikenard large root contains atamans a compound used to treat epilepsy, hysteria, as well as heart palpitations. The oil may act to depress the central nervous system and relax skeletal and soft tissue muscles.

10) Turmeric: This herb and spice has tremendous anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties. Much of the research concerning the herb has been done in India. The research shows that it may be beneficial for wound treatment, digestive aid, liver protector and heart tonic. It is a flavor enhancer for cooked food as well as being an antioxidant. It is also a pain reliever better than aspirine in that it does not upset the stomach.

Read also part 1 at http://www.bukisa.com/articles/403523_the-ignored-importance-and-value-of-herb

Burdock, dandelion and milk thistle, ground together in an ordinary coffee grinder, make a potent herbal liver cleansing formula. Learn how to add this blend to foods and beverages in this free video on herbal healing. Expert: ROBERT LINDE Bio: Acupuncture physician and registered herbalist Robert Linde has studied herbs since 1975 and has practiced Traditional Chinese Medicine for more than six years. Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz Series Description: Herbal healing relies on substances with natural curative properties, offering safe and effective treatments for everything from depression and weight loss to bladder infections. Learn herbal healing techniques from a professional herbalist in this free video series.