Many people today are interested in natural ways to heal their bodies and minds. They look for alternatives to conventional medicine, such as herbal remedies. But what does the Bible say about using plants and herbs for healing?
The Bible affirms that God created plants and herbs for our
benefit. In Genesis 1:29, God said, "I give you every seed-bearing
plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in
it. They will be yours for food." In Revelation 22:2, we read that
"the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations."
Throughout the Bible, we find examples of people using plants and herbs for
various purposes, such as food, medicine, perfume, incense, and dye.
Some of the plants and herbs mentioned in the Bible are:
- Fig: Hezekiah was healed from a boil by applying a
poultice of figs (2 Kings 20:7).
- Hyssop: David asked God to cleanse him with hyssop, a
plant with antiseptic properties (Psalm 51:7).
- Aloes: Solomon praised his beloved's fragrance as
"the fragrance of your garments is like that of Lebanon ... your robes are
all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia" (Song of Songs 4:11;
Psalm 45:8).
- Almonds: Jacob sent almonds as a gift to Joseph in Egypt,
as they were considered a delicacy (Genesis 43:11).
- Frankincense and myrrh: The wise men brought these
aromatic resins as gifts to Jesus at his birth (Matthew 2:11).
How to Prepare and Use Herbal Remedies
If you want to try herbal remedies, you need to be careful
and informed. Not all plants and herbs are safe or effective. Some may interact
with other medications or have side effects. You should consult your doctor
before using any herbal remedy, especially if you have a medical condition or
are pregnant or breastfeeding.
You also need to know how to prepare and use herbal
remedies properly. Here are some general tips:
- Do not use metal pots or containers to boil or store the
herbs, as they may react with the metal and lose their potency. Use glass,
ceramic, or enamel instead.
- Boil the water first, then turn off the heat and add the
herbs. Cover the pot with a tight lid to trap the essential oils. Let it steep
for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the herb.
- Do not add sweeteners, such as sugar or honey, to the
herbal tea, as they may interfere with its effectiveness or cause fermentation.
- Make only enough herbal tea that you can use in a day or
two. Store it in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator. Discard any
leftover tea after two days.
- Drink the herbal tea according to the recommended dosage
and frequency. For example, if you need to drink it four times a day, drink it
every six hours; if three times a day, every eight hours.
Herbal remedies can be a blessing from God if used wisely
and with faith. However, they are not a substitute for God's power or grace. We
should always pray and seek God's will for our healing and trust Him to heal us
in His way and time.
Any information on conditions, illnesses, diseases, remedies, and treatments available via this blog is intended for general guidance only and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals.
