The Bible is rich with references to plants, herbs, and aromatic resins that were valued for healing, anointing, purification, and daily life. Many of these herbs are still used today in home apothecaries for teas, infused oils, salves, and incense blends.
“down the middle of the street of the city. The tree of life was on each side of the river. It produces fruit 12 times a year, once each month. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of all people.” â€â€Revelation‬ â€22‬:â€2‬ â€ICB‬‬
Here are 12 herbs mentioned in Scripture that you can thoughtfully incorporate into your own herbal practice.
1. Hyssop
Biblical reference:Â Exodus 12:22, Psalm 51:7
Hyssop is one of the most frequently mentioned biblical herbs and is associated with cleansing and purification. Traditionally, it has been used in teas and steam blends and is a lovely addition to spiritual or ritual cleansing practices.
Apothecary use:Â Dried herb for tea blends, herbal baths, or incense
2. Frankincense
Biblical reference:Â Exodus 30:34, Matthew 2:11
This aromatic resin was used in temple incense and sacred offerings. Frankincense has a long history in prayer, meditation, and skin care.
Apothecary use:Â Incense, infused oils, salves, and aromatics
3. Myrrh
Biblical reference:Â Exodus 30:23, John 19:39
Myrrh is a resin prized for preservation, anointing, and burial practices. It has traditionally been used in skin preparations and oral care.
Apothecary use:Â Tinctures, infused oils, salves, incense
4. Cinnamon
Biblical reference:Â Exodus 30:23, Proverbs 7:17
Cinnamon was part of the holy anointing oil and valued for its warming aroma and preservative qualities.
Apothecary use:Â Powdered spice, infused oils, warming teas
5. Cassia
Biblical reference:Â Exodus 30:24, Psalm 45:8
Closely related to cinnamon, cassia has a stronger scent and was also included in sacred anointing oils.
Apothecary use:Â Herbal oils, aromatic blends, teas (used sparingly)
6. Aloe
Biblical reference:Â Psalm 45:8, John 19:39
Biblical aloe refers to aromatic wood or resin, not modern aloe vera, but today aloe vera is commonly used for skin care and soothing preparations.
Apothecary use:Â Aloe gel, skin salves, after-sun remedies
7. Garlic
Biblical reference:Â Numbers 11:5
Garlic was a staple food with strong traditional associations with strength and vitality.
Apothecary use:Â Honey infusions, vinegars, culinary medicine
8. Coriander
Biblical reference:Â Exodus 16:31
Coriander seed is mentioned in connection with manna. It has long been used to support digestion.
Apothecary use:Â Tea blends, tinctures, culinary remedies
9. Mustard Seed
Biblical reference: Matthew 13:31–32
Used symbolically in Jesus’ teachings, mustard seed was also valued for its warming properties.
Apothecary use:Â Poultices (external use), infused oils, spice blends
10. Saffron
Biblical reference:Â Song of Solomon 4:14
Saffron was prized for its color, aroma, and rarity.
Apothecary use:Â Herbal teas, culinary infusions, mood-lifting blends
11. Mint
Biblical reference:Â Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42
Mint was common enough to be tithed, showing its everyday importance.
Apothecary use:Â Teas, digestive blends, infused oils
12. Spikenard (Nard)
Biblical reference:Â Song of Solomon 1:12, John 12:3
Spikenard was an expensive aromatic oil used for anointing and perfume.
Apothecary use:Â Perfume oils, meditation blends, sacred anointing oils
12 Biblical Herbs to add to your Home Apothecary;
- Hyssop
- Frankincense
- Myrrh
- Cinnamon
- Cassia
- Aloe
- Garlic
- Coriander
- Mustard Seed
- Saffron
- Mint
- Spikenard (Nard)
Bringing Biblical Herbs Into a Modern Home Apothecary
Adding these herbs to your apothecary connects you to centuries of tradition, faith, and natural wisdom. Whether you use them for teas, skin care, aromatics, or spiritual practices, these plants carry rich stories alongside their practical uses.
Always research proper preparation and safety before using any herb, and consult a qualified professional when needed. Remember to do a patch test before use. Use in small quantities.
Shalom,
Following God’s Ways,
Natasha Chetty.
