Herbs In the Bible: For Physical Healing and Spiritual Reflection

Amy K

I love to garden.  I love the process of taking a small seedling and the process that we take to care for and cultivate something so small to then become a hopefully flourishing plant that will then produce a fruit or vegetable or herb that we can then use in the kitchen.  The idea of taking something so small that is so useful and will give us nourishment for the family is so wonderful.  It really is one of the greatest satisfactions in life.  

The idea of a healthy family physically and spiritually is important to everyone.  Many times we look immediately in our cabinets for the quickest relief to a headache or a cold and flu symptom.  Something - anything that will relieve us of that discomfort.  While we are blessed with modern medicine, I want to look more closely at the health benefits of herbs that we can grow in our own garden to keep us healthy and thriving.

The Bible speaks of a number of herbs throughout the bible that were used for their healing properties and now more recently have been studied for that very reason.  But there is a profound "symbolic bridge" between the physical properties of these herbs and the spiritual healing of the soul. We can see that the connection of the benefits of these herbs are physical but they also point us to the spiritual sickness that we have and the only cure that we can find in Christ to cleanse and heal us.  

Hyssop: The Antiseptic of the Soul

In the Bible, hyssop is the symbol of purification. It was used to apply the blood of the Passover lamb to doorposts (Exodus 12:22) and to cleanse those recovering from leprosy (Leviticus 14:4). When King David cried out, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean" (Psalm 51:7), he was drawing on the common understanding of hyssop as a physical cleaning agent.  Hyssop represents the "deep clean" of the conscience. Just as it was used to scrub away physical impurities or mark a home for protection, it symbolizes the removal of the "stain" of sin that prevents a relationship with God.

The physical properties of hyssop mirror this spiritual purging. Rich in antimicrobial and antifungal compounds, it acts as a potent antiseptic. Medically recognized as an expectorant, it physically "purges" the respiratory system by clearing mucus. This physical "deep clean" perfectly embodies the spiritual removal of the "stain" of sin. Just as hyssop was used to scrub away physical impurities, it symbolizes the cleansing of the conscience through Christ, removing the spiritual infection that prevents a relationship with our heavenly Father.

Frankincense: The Peace of Communion

While most immediately think of Frankincense being offered to Jesus by the Magi, it actually appears throughout the entire Bible as a symbol of holiness, prayer and the presence of God.  It was an expensive item reserved for sacred and important uses.  First, Frankincense was used in the Temple for offerings. In Leviticus 2, Frankincense was part of the Grain Offering, to be consumed with flour and oil.  This offering was an offering of thankfulness and gratitude to God.  The offering created a “pleasing aroma to the Lord.”  In Exodus 30:34-38, Frankincense was a key ingredient in the incense burned twice a day on the Golden Altar.  This was considered such an holy offering, it was forbidden for personal use.  Other uses in the scripture is listed as a symbols of wealth as it is used as tribute in Isaiah and at the arrival of the king in Song of Solomon.  The most famous reference was of course when the Magi presented it with Gold and Myrrh to the Highest King, Jesus in Matthew 2:11.  The final mention is in the book of Revelation, where the angels hold a golden censer with incense to offer the prayers of the saints.  

Today, Frankincense is known for its physical properties as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory.  It opens up the airways in the lungs and helps calm the nervous system and slows your breathing to create an atmosphere your body can heal int.  It has also been known to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression from its calming properties in the nervous system.  The symbolism between the physical healing pointing to our need for spiritual healing is evident.  Just as frankincense physically "clears the chest" and allows for easier breathing, spiritual healing through repentance is seen as "clearing the air" between man and God, removing the weight of guilt.

Myrrh: The Preservation of the Soul

Frankincense and myrrh are inextricably linked, appearing together from the Song of Solomon to the gifts of the Magi. While frankincense was the "sacred and holy smoke" of the temple, myrrh was the "bitter balm" of suffering.  The first time myrrh is mentioned God instructs Moses to create and anointing oil using liquid myrrh as a primary ingredient in Exodus 30:23.  It is also used to consecrate the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant and the priests.  This was part of designating them as holy and set apart.  In Mark 15:23, Jesus is offered wine mixed with myrrh just before being nailed to the cross. In the ancient world, this was an act of mercy used to numb the pain of those condemned.  After His death, John 19:39 records that Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes to wrap with Jesus' body. Here, myrrh acted as a preservative and a final gesture of honor to the King of Kings. 

The physical properties of Myrrh have been studied today and it is used as an anesthesia and a preservative.  It was used to numb pain and also halt the decay of the body.  It is still one of the most effective natural antiseptics.    Used to treat trauma and wounds and stopping decay, we see clearly the connection of our spiritual condition. Sin is a form of "spiritual decay" or "death" while we are still living. Myrrh symbolizes the preserving grace of God. It represents the spiritual "antiseptic" that stops the corruption of the world from rotting our hearts. It is the symbol of a soul that is being "kept" or preserved for eternity, even while living in a decaying world.  When we "clothe ourselves" in the attributes of Christ, we take on his fragrance. Because Christ’s life was defined by a "bitter" sacrifice that led to a "sweet" resurrection, the smell of myrrh on a believer’s life signifies that they have embraced the cross and are now sharing in His royal nature.  But praise be to God that He paid the ultimate price of sin and death so that we may have life eternal. 

Ultimately, the study of these herbs reveals a powerful truth: God is in every detail of creation. The physical benefits we enjoy in our gardens are not merely for the body; they are signposts pointing back to Christ. From the purging of Hyssop to the peace of Frankincense and the preservation of Myrrh, every element of nature serves to illustrate the greater reality of our spiritual healing and the eternal life found only in Him.