Herbal Remedies in the Bible: Restoring Ancient Wisdom on the Modern Homestead

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible speaks of trees, herbs, and plants given for food, healing, and holiness. These are not just poetic references—they reflect a deep relationship between people, plants, and the God who created both. On the modern homestead, returning to these ancient ways isn’t just nostalgic—it’s restorative.

A Garden of Purpose

In Genesis 1:29, God says:
“Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth… to you it shall be for meat [food].”

Later in Ezekiel 47:12, the prophet describes a future time when:
“Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”

These verses frame our understanding: herbs were created not just to season our meals but to sustain and heal us. When homesteaders grow biblical herbs, they are reclaiming a sacred inheritance.

“Windowsill Garden” image by Suzi Wollman

Healing Herbs of the Bible

Let’s explore several specific herbs mentioned in Scripture and how they were historically used—for healing, ritual, or nourishment.

Hyssop (אזוב | ezov)

Scripture: Exodus 12:22, Psalm 51:7, John 19:29
Traditional Use: Antiseptic, cleansing, digestion, respiratory support

Hyssop was used to apply the blood of the Passover lamb and later as a spiritual symbol of cleansing: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean.” In Roman times, it was known for its decongestant properties.

Homestead Tip: Grow hyssop in well-drained soil with full sun. Harvest leaves and flowers for tinctures or teas to support lung health.

Frankincense (לבונה | levonah)

Scripture: Exodus 30:34, Matthew 2:11
Traditional Use: Anti-inflammatory, incense, mood and immune support

Used in temple worship, frankincense was more than a fragrance—it was medicine. Ancient healers valued it for easing inflammation and stress.

Homestead Tip: Though the Boswellia tree doesn’t grow in most U.S. climates, frankincense resin can be purchased and used in salves or oil infusions. A little goes a long way.

Myrrh (מר | mor)

Scripture: Esther 2:12, Mark 15:23, John 19:39
Traditional Use: Wound healing, antimicrobial, skin salve, pain relief

Myrrh was part of the anointing oil (Exodus 30) and used in burial preparation. It was known to purify and preserve, both physically and spiritually.

Homestead Tip: Myrrh resin can be infused into oil and used in healing salves. It’s especially good for cracked skin and minor wounds.

Aloe (אהלים | ahalim)

Scripture: John 19:39, Psalm 45:8
Traditional Use: Burn care, digestion, skin softener

Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes to prepare Yeshua’s body for burial. While this “aloes” may refer to agarwood in some translations, traditional aloe vera has been used across cultures for healing skin and soothing the gut.

Homestead Tip: Aloe vera is easy to grow in pots. Keep it in a sunny window or greenhouse. Snip off a leaf and apply the gel to burns, bites, or dry skin.

Bitter Herbs (מררים | merorim)

Scripture: Exodus 12:8
Traditional Use: Liver support, detoxification, digestive aid

Eaten during the Passover meal, bitter herbs were a reminder of slavery—but also served as a seasonal tonic for digestion.

Homestead Tip: Grow dandelion, arugula, endive, or chicory—any of which can serve as “bitter herbs.” They are excellent in spring salads or dried for tea.

Cinnamon (קינמון | kinamon)

Scripture: Exodus 30:23, Proverbs 7:17
Traditional Use: Antibacterial, warming spice, circulation aid

Used in the sacred anointing oil and perfumes, cinnamon represents sweetness and sanctity. Medicinally, it warms the body and supports blood sugar regulation.

Homestead Tip: While true cinnamon trees need a tropical climate, Ceylon cinnamon powder is widely available and can be used to make immune-boosting teas or honey infusions.

How to Restore These Practices Today

Restoring biblical herbal practices on your homestead means more than just growing the right plants. It means treating your land as sacred, your health as a gift, and your remedies as a form of worship.

1. Plant a Bible Herb Garden

Even a small patio can host a biblical herb garden. Include:

• Hyssop

• Mint

• Basil (similar to biblical sweet herbs)

• Dill (mentioned in Matthew 23:23)

• Mustard (faith-sized seeds!)

• Bitter greens like arugula or dandelion
  
  Label each plant with its Hebrew name, biblical reference, and medicinal use.

2. Make Your Own Healing Preparations

Start with simple remedies:

• Herbal tea: Steep dried hyssop or mint with a touch of honey

• Salves: Infuse olive oil with herbs like frankincense or myrrh, then thicken with beeswax

• Compresses: Use warm aloe or bitter herb infusions for skin inflammation

3. Use Herbal Moments as Teaching Moments

Involve your children by:

• Reading Scriptures that mention herbs while planting

• Creating Scripture cards for each herb

• Starting a “Healing Plants of the Bible” notebook with drawings and notes

• Making anointing oils or balm of Gilead salves for gifts
  
  

4. Honor Yeshua as the Healer

Every time you harvest a leaf or blend a salve, remember: our healing doesn’t come from the plant—it comes through it. The Great Physician, Yeshua, used mud, spit, and word to heal. The herbs are simply part of His design.

Pray before planting. Thank God when making a remedy. Let your homestead medicine cabinet be an altar of remembrance.

Conclusion: Rooted in Wisdom, Growing in Grace

We don’t need to invent new health systems. Much of what we need was already sown in Eden and practiced in the wilderness. Scripture, soil, and stewardship go hand in hand.

On the modern homestead, returning to herbal remedies of the Bible reconnects us with generations past and plants seeds of healing for generations to come.

Let’s cultivate that wisdom—leaf by leaf, lesson by lesson, prayer by prayer.

How to Make Salves and Tinctures from Biblical Herbs

Reclaiming Scriptural Remedies with Simple Homestead Methods

From the moment frankincense was offered in worship and hyssop used for purification, God’s Word has been rich with references to healing plants. In this follow-up to our post on Herbal Remedies in the Bible, we’ll learn how to turn some of these sacred herbs into salves and tinctures—two time-tested preparations for wellness that align beautifully with a faith-rooted homesteading life.

“Salves & Tinctures” image by SuziWollman

What Are Salves and Tinctures?

A salve is a topical ointment made by infusing herbs in oil and thickening with beeswax. It’s ideal for skin issues like burns, cuts, or inflammation.

A tincture is a concentrated herbal extract made by steeping herbs in alcohol or glycerin. Tinctures are taken internally (with care) or used topically for deeper support.

Both methods allow you to preserve the benefits of biblical herbs in a form that’s easy to use, store, and share.

Herbs of the Bible Perfect for These Remedies

Here are a few scriptural herbs ideally suited for salves or tinctures.

How to Make an Herbal Salve

“Herbal Salve” image by Suzi Wollman

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried herb (or 1½ cups fresh)

• 1 cup olive oil or grapeseed oil

• ¼ cup beeswax pellets

• Optional: essential oils for fragrance or added benefits

  
  Steps:

1. Infuse the oil
   In a double boiler, combine oil and herbs. Simmer gently (don’t fry!) for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. Strain through cheesecloth into a glass jar.

2. Make the salve
   In a clean pot, warm the infused oil and add beeswax. Stir until melted. Test consistency by dropping a spoonful onto a cold plate. Adjust wax as needed.

3. Pour and store
   Pour into small tins or jars. Label and store in a cool, dark place. Use within 6–12 months.

Try This:

Make a “Cleansing Salve” with hyssop, frankincense, and myrrh. Use it for skin irritation, prayer anointing, or as a soothing balm for hands after gardening.

How to Make a Tincture from Biblical Herbs

“Tincture” image by Suzi Wollman

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped fresh herbs or ½ cup dried

• 80–100 proof vodka or brandy (or vegetable glycerin for alcohol-free)

• Mason jar with lid

• Cheesecloth

Steps:

1. Prepare your herbs
   Chop or crush them to release the medicinal compounds.

2. Steep in alcohol
   Fill jar with herbs and cover completely with alcohol or glycerin. Seal tightly and label with date.

3. Wait
   Store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking gently every few days.

4. Strain and bottle
   After steeping, strain the liquid and pour into dropper bottles. Label clearly with contents and dosage info.

   
   Try This:

   Make a “Faithful Digestion Tincture” with mint, dill, and a touch of myrrh—helpful after rich Sabbath meals!

Faith and Wisdom in Healing

These remedies aren't just about physical care—they're a return to honoring God's provision through the earth. Scripture reminds us in Ezekiel 47:12 that the leaves of the trees are for healing. When we use these gifts wisely, we become stewards of both creation and restoration.

“And their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.” —Ezekiel 47:12

Tips for Homestead Herbal Crafting

• Label every jar with the date, contents, and intended use.

• Start with small batches until you know how your body responds.

• Teach your children by helping them harvest, crush, and label herbs for learning and memory.

• Include Scripture verses in your labels or recipe books to connect heart, hands, and healing.

“Hand Cream” image by Suzi Wollman

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