Medicinal and herbs garden

Since the beginning of mankind, plants have been used as a source of medicinal substances. The knowledge of their medicinal properties was acquired through trial and error for thousands of years.
Until the last generations, modern medical science tended to ignore the traditional medicines, but due to the vaccination of the bacteria, the side effects of the synthetic medicines and the recognition that even it does not have a cure for all diseases, it turns again to alternative medicine. Many studies conducted in recent years on medicinal plants scientifically confirm what our ancestors knew thousands of years ago.

Already ancient medical books from Egypt 3,500 years ago make a lot of use of medicinal plants and spices. For example, the Egyptian papyrus Avers recommends "half an onion and foam of beer" as a remedy against death. Sages say: "Eat onions and sit in the shade and your heart will not chase you." Studies show that onion is contributes to heart health.

In the garden you will find a selection of medicinal and herbs from the ancient Land of Israel, from the Biblical period to the Middle Ages. Spice plants have a special smell and taste that are used to season food, but in addition, many of them contain many active compounds that can affect our health and offer medical benefits. They contain components such as phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can provide a natural solution for health care and supporting physiological processes in the body.

Here are some examples of important medicinal plants:

“Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean” (pslms 51 5)

Scientific name Origanum syriacum L.

Arabic: Zaatar.

After his sin with Bathsheba, king David asks God to purge him with Hyssop. It is a purifying and disinfecting plant, an ingredient in purification rituals, a symbol of purity and chastity.

During the period of the classic age, they prepared an ointment from it to apply to wounds (Mishna Sheviit 8 a)

Dioscorides, Greek physician and botanist, 1st century: boiled in water with figs and honey is beneficial for respiratory diseases. Ascites, edema, urinary infections, and regulation of the female cycle.

Studies: Modern studies reveal that the Hyssop is “nature’s antibiotic”, contains a large amount of disinfectants, antibacterials, and antioxidants

“Hemorrhoids will be treated with a cocoii (unknown plant) and Aloe …” (Babylonian Talmud, Gittin 69 2)

zabar moraA perennial succulent plant from the Asphodelaceae Juss family.

scientific name: Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. Arabic: zabar

A cultural refugee in Israel and its neighbors. In ancient Babylon it was used as a remedy for hemorrhoids, a diuretic and medicine for stomach problems. In Greece and Rome was a remedy for wounds and ulcers, headaches and gums and hair loss, an anesthetic, dehydrator, and laxative. In the Middle Ages, similar uses were made of it. Today, the gel extracted from the center of the leaf, which does not contain laxatives, is mainly used. Studies: More than 200 substances were discovered in the gel, including all the nutrients necessary for humans, which accelerate the regeneration of the cells, prevent the development of cancer cells, strengthen the immune system and reduce sensitivities and internal inflammations.

“One does not chew mastic on the Sabbath; however it is permitted for medicinal purposes (like) for bad breath” (Tosefta, Shabbat 12,8).

Tall evergreen shrub of the Anacardiaceae family

Arabic: Mastic. scientific name: Pistacia lentiscus

Mishnaic period: a spice and medicine for gum problems and to alleviate bad breath.

Greece and Rome and in the Middle Ages: as a facial cream to brighten the skin, bandaging wounds, treatment for dysentery, snake bite, gum problems.

Research studies:  Anti-bacterial properties are found in the resin and essential oils effective against six types of bacteria and two types of funguses; relieves stomach and duodenal pain; rich in antioxidants.

“The woman bathes her son in wine …” (Tosefta, Shabbat 12,13)

Perennial vine of Vitaceae family

scientific name:Vitis vinifera. Arabic: Dalia

The grapevine was a basic agricultural crop in the Middle East from ancient times.  Different parts of the plant, primarily wine made from the fruit, have medicinal uses. Mentions in Talumudic sources: Wine mixed with oil was used to bathe sick children and given to women to stop post-partum bleeding. Bread soaked in wine used as a eye-patch.  Numerous mentions of medical uses by the Talmudic Sages.

Greece and Rome and Middle Ages: grape products used to improve appetite, alleviate stomach aches, treatment for dysentery, to lower fever.

Research studies:  Moderate consumption of wine works on several systems to prevent arteriosclerosis and other heart conditions.  May help prevent oxidation, reduce “bad cholesterol” (LDL) and raise HDL (“good cholesterol”) levels.  Helpful in treatment of infections, reduction of blood clots, hardening of the arteries, Alzheimer’s and much else.

 “To congestion in the respiratory organs, he will bring a quart of goat’s milk, flood it with cabbage and stir it with a branch of sage… (Talmud, Gittin, 69b)

 (Talmud, Gittin, 69b)

Perennial shrub of the Lamiaceae family

scientific name: Salvia fruticosa. Arabic: Miramia

The Arabic name of the plant, miramia (Miriam – Mary), and its Latin name, salvia, from the same root as salvation, come together in the legend that the Virgin Mary wiped her face and that of Jesus with salvia leaves.

The doctors of the classical age recommend it to purify the blood, to cure female diseases, pneumonia and spitting blood Middle Ages: used as a treatment for hemorrhoids, to stop bleeding, relief of menstrual pain, and to lengthen hair.

Research studies:  the volatile oil contains ingredients that suppress the central nervous system, mitigating the effects of various poisons but may cause hallucinations. Animal experiments have shown that the plant prevents muscular convulsions, lower blood sugar, lowers fever and is effective against inflammation and viruses.