Medicinal Plants

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 8
Balm was a curative agent of high repute; its medicinal virtues, both as an external remedy for all kinds of wounds, and its internal efficacy in stomach and other complaints are well-known (Jer. 8:2222Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered? (Jeremiah 8:22)).
Cumin is another of the numerous umbelliferous plants of the East. Most useful in stomachic complaints.
Figs were prepared as a plaster or poultice for the cure of Hezekiah's boil (Isa. 38:2121For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaster upon the boil, and he shall recover. (Isaiah 38:21)). This is still in many cases an efficacious remedy in abscesses, gum-boils, etc.
Myrrh or Laudanum occurs in the Old Testament in Gen. 37:2525And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. (Genesis 37:25); and is not the perfume known as Myrrh. In these two passages the word denotes the gum of the " Cistus Plant," known to us as Laudanum, the medical virtues of which are known to all.
The Pomegranate Tree is one of the most generally useful. The rind, seeds, and other parts form a most useful medicine for various complaints.
Rue is a plant mentioned only in the New Testament, and has long been used as a disinfectant in fevers.
The Olive Tree produces almost the only oil used in Palestine; its healing properties are referred to in such Scriptures as Luke 10:3434And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. (Luke 10:34), etc.
Stacte or the Gum of the Storax Tree is extensively used in chest complaints.