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BAY LEAF
Botanical name: Laurus nobilis
Other common names: Sweet bay, Grecian Laurel, Bay Tree
Earliest recorded uses: Bible approximately 1000 BC in the book of Psalms. It is documented that Ancient Romans in the 5th century BC used for liver disorders, took baths with, and made tea from the bay leaves.
Bay leaves belong to the Lauraceae or Laurels family. Bay leaves have a very long history of use worldwide. It has been used in food preparations for thousands of years. Several countries are examining bay leaf for type 2 diabetes and cholesterol. Both the leaves and berries are used, most common use is leaves. It was used as much as garlic was for protection during epidemics and against the poisons of venomous creatures and insects.
Constituents include but are not limited to terpenes, terpinyl acetate, eucalyptol, sesquiterpenes, linalool, methyleugenol, geraniol, terpineol, tannins, flavones, alkaloids, vitamins, and minerals.
Its potential health benefits include but are not limited to antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, improved insulin levels, immune support, migraines, and digestion.
Mention in the Bible
Psalms 37:35 35I have seen a wicked ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree
Most common ways to use seasoning foods, tea, foot soaks, poultice, and tincture.
Tendencies or energetics warming, and drying by dispersing dampness in the body.
BURDOCK ROOT
Botanical name: Arctium lappa
Other common names: Beggars Buttons, Great Burdock, Bardane, Thorny Burr
Earliest recorded medicinal use: It has been used since at least the Middle Ages. Ancient practitioners in India, Europe and China often used it as a tonic for blood purification.
Burdock is part of the Asteraceae or Aster family. The root and seeds are used in preparations. It is great at stimulating the natural flow of lymphatic fluid. It is fantastic for removing gut toxins, supports beneficial flora in the gut, and liver support. Burdock root is safe for every age and can be used daily in normal amounts without a break. It is a staple in many home apothecaries.
Avoid the seeds should not be used long term and should be completely avoided by pregnant women and animals.
Constituents include but are not limited to quercetin, phytochemicals, inulin, sterols, tannins, phenolic acids, luteolin, vitamins,, and minerals.
Its potential health benefits include but are not limited to alterative, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, digestive stimulant, promotes blood and lymph circulation, liver tonic, antioxidant, antitumor, antirheumatic, and choleretic.
Most common ways to use tea or a decoction and tincture.
Tendencies or energetics Cooling and drying by distributing moisture around the body.
Calamus
Botanical name: Acorus calamus
Other common names: Sweet Flag, Bee Wort, Flag Root, Myrtle Grass and many more
Earliest recorded uses: Bible approximately 1490 BC in the book of Exodus. Ancient Egyptian text dating back to 3100-30 BC.
In the Bible it was translated from the Hebrew word Kaneh Bosem or Qaneh Bosem to calamus in the KJV. The Hebrew word Kaneh Bosem can be defined as an aromatic resinous reed plant and is descriptive of the cannabis plant according to the Ancient Hebrew Research Center.org along with many others. Some believe that it in fact was cannabis, there is no way to say it was or was not cannabis. If it was cannabis it was nothing like today's human-altered cannabis is. I will put the information for calamus here and have information regarding cannabis in the general plant profiles. Calamus is a relaxant and a stimulant leaving you feeling centered and focused. Historically it is known for life and vitality, shown to be neuroprotective against cancer-causing acrylamides.
Calamus constituents include but are not limited to asarone, linalool, a-terpineol, b-caryophyllene, acorenone, a-bisabolol, shyobunone, isocalcamendiol, camphor, a-selinene, vitamins, and minerals.
Its potential health benefits include but are not limited to anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiparasitic, aphrodisiac, digestive, laxative, nervine, stomach tonic, and vermifuge.
Mentions in the Bible-
Exodus 30:23 23” Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (the is , 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus,
Song of Solomon 4:14 14 nard and saffron, calamus, and cinnamon, with every kind of incense tree, with myrrh and aloes and all the finest spices.
Ezekiel 27:19 19 and casks of wine from Izal in exchange for your wares: wrought iron, cassia and calamus.
Most common way to use is tea, infused oil, tincture, and raw plant.
Tendencies or energetics drying, and stimulating.
calendula
Botanical name: Calendula officinalis
Other common names: Pot Marigold, Scotch Marigold, Marys Gold
Earliest recorded medicinal uses: The ancient Egyptians believed it had rejuvenating properties while the ancient Romans used it on injuries.
Calendula is part of the Asteraceae family. Calendula can be used internally and externally but it is favored externally for its multitude of benefits for skin. It can be made into an eyewash for conjunctivitis and as a gargle for throat and mouth sores. A poultice for scratches and open wounds. It was used as a balm and cream for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties during the American Civil War and WWI.
Avoid pregnant women and animals should avoid internal use due to emmenagogue and abortifacient effects.
Calendulas constituents include but are not limited to auroxanthin, carotenoids flavaxanthin, lutein, triterpene oligoglycosides, zeaxanthin, saponins, vitamins, and minerals.
Its potential health benefits include but are not limited to anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, gastrointestinal ulcers, diuretic, antipyretic, antitumor, antifungal, lymphagogue, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory.
Most common ways to use are tea, infused oils, tincture, oxymel, and cooking specifically in soups and stews resulting in name pot marigold.
Tendencies or energetics drying.
cassia cinnamon
Botanical name: Cinnamomum cassia
Other common names: Chinese Cinnamon
Earliest recorded uses: Bible approximately 1490 BC in the book of Exodus, Chinese herbalist Shennog Ben Cao Jing detailed uses around 2700 BC.
Cassia of the Bible, not to be confused with the herb Senna whose proper name begins with Cassia. Most closely resembles our more common cinnamon of today, not Ceylon Cinnamon. An etymology done by BibleHub online shows that Cassia was likely the inner bark of the Cinnamomum Cassia plant. A fragrant plant with aromatic reddish dark brown bark, was likely used in a powdered form. Today’s Cassia is the outer bark, most is grown in Texas and Virginia.
Avoid Cinnamon is generally considered safe but large doses over an extended period of time should be avoided especially during pregnancy.
Cassia’s constituents include but are not limited to cinnamaldehyde, methoxy cinnamic acid, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzonate, cinnamic acid, cinnamomumolide, glucosyringic acid, coumarin, vitamins, and minerals.
Its potential health benefits include but are not limited to blood sugar control, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor activity, brain health, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and diarrhea treatment.
Mentions in the Bible
Exodus 30:24 500 shekels of cassia-all according to the sanctuary shekel-and a hin of olive oil
Psalm 45:8 8 All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.
Ezekiel 27:19 19 and casks of wine from Izal in exchange for you wares: wrought iron, cassia and calamus.
Most common ways to use are baking and cooking, tea, tincture, and infused oil.
Tendencies or energetics drying, heating, and stimulating.
CATNIP
Botanical name: Nepeta cataria
Other common names: Catmint, Catwort or Catswort
Earliest recorded uses: It is believed that catnip was discovered in Eturia an ancient country that was located in central Italy during the 7th century BC. Many believe ancient Egyptians gave it to their cats.
Catnip belongs to the Lamiaceae or mint family. It has many benefits besides driving your kitty-cat bonkers. All aerial parts of the plant is used. It is a popular plant among many apothecaries being it is very safe for use with children, especially colicky babies. Commonly used for restlessness and insomnia. Works well for choughs, asthma, and bronchitis.
Avoid during pregnancy, women and animals due to emmenagogue and abortifacient effects.
Constituents include but are not limited to nepetol, carvacol, thymol, nepetalactone, pinene, vitamins, and minerals.
Its potential health benefits include but are not limited to antispasmodic, carminative, emmenagogue, nervine, mild sedative, antimicrobial, antioxidant, insecticidal, and diaphoretic.
Most common ways to use teas, tincture, and poultice.
Tendencies or energetics cooling and drying.
cedar wood
Botanical name: Cedrus libani
Other common names:
Earliest recorded use: Bible approximately 600 BC in book of Psalms. Sumerian epic “The Epic of Gilgamesh” which mentions the “Cedars of God” in Lebanon region dated 3500 BC.
Cedars of Lebanon are thought to be the first trees. Cedar wood is mostly mentioned as a burned wood for ceremonial purposes, it is associated with cleansing and purification. The ancient tree likely the Cedar of Lebanon, Cedrus libani, are still around today but is protected due to over-harvesting. It has a slightly spicy aroma compared to the cedar wood used today.
Cedar woods constituents include but are not limited to manool, atlantones, B-himachalene oxide, longiborneol and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, vitamins, and minerals.
Its potential health benefits include but are not limited to antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, sedative, diuretic, anti-cancer, and antiparasitic.
Mentions in the Bible-
Leviticus 14:4 the priest shall order that to live clean birds and some cedar wood, scarlet yarn and hyssop be brought for the person to be cleansed.
Psalm 92:12 12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
2 Chronicles 2:8 8 “Send me your cedar, juniper and algum logs from Lebanon, for I know that your servants are skilled in cutting timber there. My servants will work with yours
Most common way to use is infused oils although it is likely not Cedrus libani cedar wood.
Tendencies or energetics drying.
Photo credit https://www.bibleplaces.com/cedar-of-lebanon/
Ceylon cinnamon
Botanical name: Cinnamomum verum
Other common names: Ceylon, true cinnamon and soft cinnamon
Earliest recorded uses: Bible approximately 1490 BC in the book of Exodus. Chinese writing dating from 2800 BC
A tree from the Lauraceae, the laurel family. Has numerous references in the Bible in the Old Testament and New Testament. Cinnamon was and still is a valuable and precious commodity that was used for vast purposes. Cinnamon is a different plant than the more common Cassia, it is from the Ceylon tree that was originally native to only Sri Lanka. The inner bark is used unlike the Cassia is outer bark.
Avoid Cinnamon is generally considered safe but large doses over an extended period of time should be avoided especially during pregnancy.
Cinnamon’s constituents include but are not limited to cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, cinnamyl acetate, caryophyllene, cinnamate, coumarin, cinnamyl alcohol, tannins, catechins, proanthocyanidins, vitamins, and minerals.
Its potential health benefits include but are not limited to antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, aromatic, astringent, carminative, digestive, hemostatic tonic, and uterine stimulant.
Mentions in the Bible-
Exodus 30:23 23”Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus,
Proverbs 7:17 17 I have perfumed my bed with aloes and cinnamon.
Revelation 18:13 13 cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages and human beings sold as slaves.
Most common way to use is cooking or baking, tea, tincture, infused oil, and capsules.
Tendencies or energetics drying, heating, and stimulating.
chamomile
Botanical name: Chamomilla recutita or Matricaria recutita
Other common names: Scented Mayweed, Camomile
Earliest recorded uses: Bible approximately 740 BC in the book of Isaiah. Include being depicted in ancient Egypt 3100-30 BC hieroglyphics dedicated to their "gods" as a cure.
From the Asteraceae or Aster family. Chamomile is a Nervine and is commonly used as a tea for irritability in people with a strong, active nervous system. Only the flowers are harvested, leaves and stems of chamomile have very little benefits. More than other herbs the effects of chamomile are cumulative allow 4 weeks before deciding whether it is effective for you. Chamomile is used topically as much as it is used internally with a vast list of benefits. If sensitive to ragweed use German chamomile vs Roman chamomile. The flowers mentioned in the below verses are commonly thought to be Dog Chamomile.
Chamomile constituents include but are not limited to flavonoids apigenin, quercetin, patulentin, luteolin, chamazulene, matricin, a-bisabolol, herniarin, umbelliferon, phenols, polyacetylenes, choline, vitamins, and minerals.
Its potential health benefits include but not limited to antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, analgesic, antipyretic, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antifungal, carminative, anxiolytic, sedative, and antidiabetic.
Mentions in Bible-
Isaiah 40:6-8 6A voice says"cry out" And I said "what shall I cry" "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. 7The grass withers and the flowers fall. Because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."
Most common ways to use are teas, tincture, poultice, and infused oil.
Tendencies or energetics cooling.
comfrey
Botanical name: Symphytum officinale
Other common names: Boneset, Bone-knit, Black wort
Earliest recorded uses: Comfrey has been farmed as a healing herb since at least 400 BC by Greeks and Romans. Dioscorides included comfrey in the herbal text Materia Medica in 50 AD for its medicinal benefits.
Another all star herb for me! Comfrey is part of the Boraginaceae, borage family. All parts of the comfrey plant are harvested, the root and main rib of the leaf in the comfrey plant have the most mucilage and allantoin. Comfrey has recently gotten a bad rap due to a study done to see if it “can” cause liver failure….well it can. It can, just like alcohol can or anything taken in abusive amounts. You would have to drink cups of tincture daily for years…so is it the alcohol or the plant? It has thousands of years of human use with no recorded deaths…..another you decide for yourself. My surgeon was shocked at the speed of my total rotator cuff rebuild healing. I use it externally and internally.
Avoid internally if you have liver disease or any liver related issues.
Comfrey constituents include but are not limited to alkaloids, allantoin, pyrrolizidine and sympthtocynoglssine alkaloids, inulin, rosmarinic, caffeic, protein, mucilage, resins, choline, vitamins, and minerals.
Its potential health benefits include but are not limited to digestion, antioxidants, increased cell production, alternative, emollient, expectorant, nutritive, antiseptic, styptic, and pectoral.
Most common ways used tea, tinctures, poultice, and infused oil.
Tendencies or energetics cooling and moistening.
cottonwood
Botanical name: Populus deltoides, balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa
Other common names: Eastern Poplar, Eastern Cottonwood, Trembling Cottonwood
Earliest recorded uses: Bible approximately 1765 BC in the book of Genesis. In 400 BC Hippocrates refers to the resin being an effective pain reliever.
The resin of the Cottonwood bud is very versatile. It is a burnt amber color and the aroma is like none other, very earthy with some pine and balsamic scent. It is easily identified by its knobby knuckled branches the buds sprout from. All parts are usable for medicine but the buds are most common. It is a preservative, some herbalists say a jar of oil or balm will last 10 years easy.
Cottonwood bud resin constituents include but are not limited to Salicin acid, phenolic compounds, tannins, and populin.
It’s potential health benefits include but not limited to anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, expectorant, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and astringent.
Mentions in the Bible-
Genesis 37:25 25 As they sat down to eat their meals, 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.
Jeremiah 8:22 22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is no healing for the wound on my people?
Jeremiah 46:11 11Go up to Gilead and get balm, O Virgin Daughter of Egypt. But you multiply remedies in vain; there is no healing for you.
Most common ways to use are in infused oils, poultice, tea, and tinctures.
Tendencies or energetics drying.
CRANBERRY
Botanical name: Vaccinium macrocarpon and oxycoccos
Other common names: Crane Berries, Sour Berries
Earliest recorded medicinal uses: 1550 BC Native Americans used it as food and dye.
Cranberries are in the Ericaceae or Heather family. Grown in bogs or wetlands cranberries are not actually a berry, they are epigynous or false berries grown on vines. Cranberries are known as a superfood due to the amount of nutrients and powerhouse of antioxidants. They have the ability to prevent bacteria formation in the mouth, digestive system and bladder.
Avoid People allergic to aspirin may be allergic to cranberries also. If kidney stones are present do not use cranberry.
Constituents include but are not limited to citric, malic, and quinic acids, quercetin, peonidin, ursolic acid, lutein, phenolic acid, resveratrol, carotenoids, oxalates, vitamins, and minerals.
Its potential health benefits include but are not limited to Antioxidant, UTI’s and prevention, may lower cholesterol and blood pressure, anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, anti-bacterial, antifungal, and eye health.
Most common ways to use food, tea, tincture, oxymel, and mels
Tendencies or energetics cooling.