Is using herbs biblical? Is it permissible for Christians to use herbal medicine as a means of healing? The Bible gives many examples of herbs being used in both the Old and New Testament. In 1 Kings, King Ahab asked Naboth to give him his vineyard because he wanted to have it for a garden of herbs (1 Kings 21:2). The herb garden was valuable to the king as well as to the common folk. Spices and herbs were valued for their use as flavor-enhancement for foods and for their medicinal uses. The people who lived in Bible times used herbs as food, for medicine, and in worship.

Herbs In the Bible

The use of herbs as food was very common during Biblical times. In the Old Testament, Esau ate the lentils that Jacob gave him in exchange for his birthright. (Genesis 25:34) The Jews used bitter herbs in their Passover feast. (Exodus 12:8, Numbers 9:11) These bitter herbs could have been dandelion, chicory, lettuce endive, sheep sorrel, or watercress. These herbs contain many important phytochemicals (plant medicines) and nutrients (Duke, 24). There are many other examples in the Bible that are interesting to explore.

References to the use of herbs as medicine also are included in the Bible. In 2 Kings 20:7 and Isaiah 38:21, Isaiah used a poultice of figs on King Hezekiah’s boils and Hezekiah got well. David wrote in Psalms 51:7, “Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean…” Hyssop is known to have medicinal uses that could constitute a cleansing for intestinal mucosal disorders, chest and lung ailments, respiratory infections, colds, and other medical problems. (MM, 66)   Jeremiah 8:22 asks, “Is there no balm in Gilead, is there no physician?” The balm of Gilead was the desert date. It was used to treat digestive and chest complaints, open wounds as an antiseptic, and forms a protective covering against secondary infections.” (Duke, 107) Ezekiel 47:12 refers to using the leaves of fruit trees for healing as well as the fruit for food. In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul urges Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach and his frequent illnesses. Revelation 22:2 mentions that the leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of the nations. Healing from God results in praise and worship by His people.

Worship had a vital place in the lives of the people who lived in Bible times and herbs were used often in their celebrations. Almond oil and olive oil were used for lamps and for anointing (Duke, 30). Cinnamon, myrrh, cane, cassia, and olive oil were mixed and used in the holy oil for anointing the priests. (Exodus 30:22-25) Fragrant incense made from gum resin, galbanum onycha, and frankincense was to be salted and used as a holy fragrance to the Lord. (Exodus 30:34-38)

Action Step

Plants are mentioned in the Bible for their use in worship, in herbal medicines, and as food. Since the people of the Bible used herbs, Christians can be assured that it is permissible to educate themselves in the safe use of herbs and use them in foods and herbal medicines.  While the use of the specific formulas mentioned in the Bible are sacred and should not be replicated, using pleasing herbal spices and scents as one worships God is not forbidden. The use of herbs is biblical, so explore the healing power of herbs yourself and learn to safely use herbs for yourself.

Resources:

Zondervan Handbook to the Bible, Pat and David Alexander

Herbs of the Bible: 2000 Years of Plant Medicine, by James A. Duke

Zondervan NIV Exhaustive Concordance

Zondervan NIV Study Bible

Naturally Healthy Herbs: Whole Herbs for Your Whole Life, By Shonda Parker (referred to as MM)

May God bless you on your wellness journey!

Joni

P.S. What experience do you have with using Biblical Herbs?