Suzy Cohen, author of 'Medicinal Herbs from the Bible', describes ancient remedies that go as far back as the times of the bible that are still largely used to this day.
"Many of you are convinced that prescription medicine is the best way to heal. As a pharmacist, I would agree with that at times, but not every time. Don't forget that before man pulled the plant from the ground, took it to a lab and attached a synthetic chemical by force to the plant (just to get it patented), we all used Mother Earth."
While many such ancient remedies exist, here are a few of those old bible remedies that have withstood the test of time.
Bitter Herbs
Use of antioxidants and detoxification are, apparently, not new trends. The most common bitter herbs in the olden times used for such purposes are romaine lettuce, parsley, scallions and horseradish. These herbs also serve as digestive aids by stimulating the saliva as well as gastric and intestinal enzymes. The horseradish peroxidase is an anti-cancer agent found in horseradish root.
Stinking Rose
Stinking rose in the bible actually refers to garlic. The sulfur-based contents of this vegetable aids in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels and in preventing cancer. The distinct odour that emanates from garlic is owed largely to these sulfur compounds.
Prunus Dulcis
Prunus dulcis is the biblical term for almonds. Almonds are good for pain relief and may be used much like aspirin. Their magnesium content have been found to relax the muscles and calm the nerves.
Nigella Sativa
Nigella sativa or black cumin seeds are not the same as the common cooking cumin. Black cumin seeds help regulate blood sugar level through beta cell function improvement in the pancreas. Seizure frequency and risk may also be lowered by the consumption of black cumin seeds.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon comes in two varieties: Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon. The more common variety found in supermarkets is the Cassia cinnamon. While excessive intake of cinnamon is cautioned due to liver toxicity, cinnamon generally aids in curing athlete's foot and indigestion and in regulating blood sugar levels.
Frankincense
Fankincense or boswellia has been found to aid in the prevention of ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, arthritis and in maintaining cognitive health.
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