006 Medicinal Plants

Medicinal Plants vBalm was a curative agent of high repute; its medicinal virtues, both as an external remedy for all kinds of wounds, and its internal efficacy in stomach and other complaints are well-known (Jeremiah 8:22). vCumin is another of the numerous umbelliferous plants of the East. Most useful in stomachic complaints. vFigs were prepared as a plaster or poultice for the cure of Hezekiah’s boil (Isaiah 38:21). This is still in many cases an efficacious remedy in abscesses, gum-boils, etc. vMyrrh or Laudanum occurs in the Old Testament in Genesis 37:25; and is not the perfume known as Myrrh. In these two passages the word denotes the gum of the " Cistus Plant," known to us as Laudanum, the medical virtues of which are known to all. vThe Pomegranate Tree is one of the most generally useful. The rind, seeds, and other parts form a most useful medicine for various complaints. vRue is a plant mentioned only in the New Testament, and has long been used as a disinfectant in fevers. vThe Olive Tree produces almost the only oil used in Palestine; its healing properties are referred to in such Scriptures as Luke 10:34, etc. vStacte or the Gum of the Storax Tree is extensively used in chest complaints.