An Introduction to Herbs

Herbs can help to reduce stress, heal the body from various ailments (including viruses and bacteria that cause illness), and bring the body into better balance. Herbal adaptogens help support your immune system. Some herbs are more effective for specific conditions, such as fever, respiratory illness, or digestive complaints, while others are more effective as preventatives. 

 

The following information provides a brief introduction to herbalism and how you can use herbs to protect and heal your mind, body, and spirit. However, first, let me share with you how far back the use of herbs dates.

 Herbs Mentioned in the Quran

 

The Quran mentions date palms, garlic, and olives as medicinal plants. Otherwise, over 50 plants, including acacia, athel tamarisk, basil (sweet), leek, lentil, mustard, olive, and onion, are mentioned.

 

 

Herbs Mentioned in the Talmud

 

The Talmud contains a lengthy list of plants used for cosmetics, potions, and medicinal purposes. It also lists plants and herbs for sexual enhancement, fertility, and, in some cases, birth control Among some of the herbs mentioned in the Talmud are caper, caraway, cumin, dill, dodder (the fruit), fennel and fennel flower, galbanum, ginger, hyssop, lavender, mint, mustard, pepper, rue, safflower, saffron, savory, sesame, sumac, and thyme. 

 

 

Herbs Mentioned in the Bible

 

Many herbs are mentioned in the Bible, but only five are explicitly mentioned for medicinal purposes: balm of Gilead, fig, hyssop, mandrake, and nard. Otherwise, anise, basil, caraway, cardamom, cassia, cloves, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, dill, hyssop, leeks, onions, oregano, marjoram, mints, mustard, savory, sesame, spikenard, tarragon, and thyme were

 

Jesus referred to mint in Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42. Castor oil is mentioned in the book of Jonah.

 

Genesis 1:29-30: And God said. Behold, I have given you every herb-bearing seed, which is upon the face of the earth, and every treat, which is the fruit of the tree-yielding seed. To you, it shall be for meat.

 

 

The Power of Herbs: Old-Fashioned Thieves Oil

 

The Bubonic Plague was nicknamed the Black Death due to its symptoms, including severely swollen lymph nodes, black sores, and blackened skin. The lymph nodes, primarily located around the armpits and inner thighs, could become so filled with toxins that they rupture and ooze. However, black sores (buboes) could also develop in other areas of the body due to hemorrhaging under the skin. Symptoms also included fever and joint pain. 

 

There are three types of "Black Death" caused by the same bacteria: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic. Each depends on how one was infected. Bubonic plague, as mentioned, settles in the lymph nodes, Pneumonic Plague infects the lungs, and Septicemic Plague is within the blood. The latter two are nearly always fatal. 

 

Between 50% and 75% of the people contaminated died, and up to 50% of the population in cities and towns was wiped out. ​At the peak of the pandemic, approximately 800 people were buried each day in Paris, which sounds much like what Italy went through during the more recent COVID-19 pandemic. The disease finally ran its course by the mid-thirteenth century, but it would rear its ugly head occasionally throughout the rest of the medieval period. Even now, the Bubonic Plague still surfaces in areas of the world.

 

Millions of people died from contracting the plague. France was hit especially hard. By 1413, because businesses had shut down (sound familiar?), four spice trading merchants had to find a way of supporting themselves. Having a background in the uses of spices and herbs, they decided to use their knowledge to help them rob and loot the homes and bodies of the dead. They made out very well and bartered their loot for food and money.

 

When the King heard of what they were doing, he wanted to know how they could get away with touching the bodies without becoming ill. He captured the four thieves and promised they would not be "burned" for their crimes if they revealed their secret. Of course, they readily handed over their secret, that special herbs provided them immunity. They explained how wearing herbs enclosed in masks and rubbing oils derived from the herbs on their skin (later known as thieves' oil) kept them from contracting the plague.

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​Of course, there is another version of how the oil came about. Another story recounts how the thieves were already prisoners, sentenced to bury the victims of the plague. To survive, the thieves relied on their knowledge of plants and herbs to create a unique vinegar that protected them from the Black Death. ​This is the power of herbs.

 

Over the centuries, people have created many versions of thieves' oil. Most modern-day recipes contain just five essential oils that have been studied and proven to kill viruses, bacteria, and fungi. However, The Herpes Witch Remedy Oil Recipe contains thirteen powerful essential oils and a fourteenth that gently lifts your spirit.​

 

 

The Benefits of Using Adaptogenic Herbs

 

Adaptogenic herbs help your body adapt to ongoing and chronic stress, adjusting its function to meet your needs and improve your health and wellness, thereby maintaining balance (homeostasis). For example, adaptogens nourish and support your adrenal glands, helping to manage neurotransmitter and hormonal responses to stress, which in turn eases anxiety and fatigue. Unlike popular Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants that jolt and crash you, they work gently. 

 

 

Can Anyone Use Herbal Adaptogens?

 

There are instances where it is better to avoid specific herbal adaptogens. For example, if you have an autoimmune disorder, you'll want to avoid taking herbal adaptogens that are immuno-stimulators, such as echinacea, as these could worsen your symptoms. Instead, focus on herbs that can help reduce stress and calm your mind and body, such as lemon balm. There are four categories of herbal adaptogens. I've listed a few in each category below. 

 

  1.   Normalizers (immune amphoterics): American ginseng, ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, cordyceps, holy basil (tulsi, jiaogulan, licorice, reishi (mushroom), rhodiola, schisandra, and shilajit

 

  1.   Nourishers & Stimulators: Eleuthero, codonopsis, prince seng, rhaponticum, and shatavari

 

  1.   Adaptogens with Antibacterial & Antimicrobials: Holy basil (tulsi), licorice, schisandra, and shatavari

 

  1.   Antivirals: Holy basil (tulsi), licorice, reishi, lemon balm (Melissa targets herpes), and rhodiola

 

 

Some herbs aren't adaptogens but have immunological activity and anti-inflammatory properties, which can also inhibit excessive immune response.

 

  • Boswellia (NOT to be taken internally)
  • Cinnamon 
  • Cordyceps (a systemic adaptogenic mushroom that boosts the immune system and cellular energy)
  • Gotu kola 
  • Sarsaparilla 
  • Turmeric 

 

While some herbs are universal and may work for a specific symptom or condition for most people most of the time, such as chamomile or lavender (to relax) or peppermint or ground fennel (for soothing digestive complaints), most herbs are best selected and used with others for a synergistic effect based on your symptoms and constitutional temperament.

 

Additionally, when coexisting with the herpes virus, you might think that an antiviral herb would be the appropriate choice. However, this isn't always so. For example, suppose you suffer from chronic stress or take an antiviral prescription medication. In that case, you might be better off using an herbal adaptogen (or a combination of herbs) that helps reduce the adverse effects of stress. Herbs that relax the body can help reduce the chance of outbreaks that stress would otherwise trigger.

 

Note: Just because an herb is natural doesn't mean there are no side effects. Please research any possible adverse reactions before trying any new herb or spice. When in doubt, use the Interactions Checker at Drugs.com.

 

 

How to Hang-Dry Herbs

 

You can dry herbs by tying a handful of stems together with a string and hanging them upside down in small bunches in a warm, airy environment. Another method is to place herbs between two screens taped or tied together (two window screens will suffice) and dry them in this manner. You can lay screens on any flat surface, such as a dresser, a storage shelf, or a clothes dryer. Tiny herbs, such as parsley or green onion, can be placed in a mesh bag with a drawstring and hung to dry.

 

 

How to Store Dried Herbs & Flowers

 

Dried herbs can be stored in capped, dark glass jars in a cool place. Fresh herbs can be refrigerated or frozen in closed containers or Ziplock freezer bags. However, flowers and leaves should be used within 2 to 3 days. Roots, bark, and berries will last a few weeks. 

 

 

Adding Herbs to Meals & Beverages

 

While standard culinary measurements don't nearly add up to what would be considered a total dosage, the herbs will still provide your immune system with additional support. For example, you can add lemon balm to chicken, fish, pesto, roasted potatoes, salad dressing, punch, cookies, and cake. 

 

 

Herbs That Can Potentially Harm the Kidneys & Liver

 

Aloe vera, black cohosh, cascara, comfrey, ephedra, horsetail, licorice, nettle, turmeric, and wormwood are herbs that can be harmful to the kidneys and liver when taken long-term.

 

 

Suggested Reading 

 

 

 

Suggested Classes

 

If you'd like to study herbs (and gain a certificate for your efforts), I suggest The Herbal Academy or Lost Skills Academy. Another excellent resource is Learning Herbs. I'm not an affiliate, but I've taken excellent classes from all three. 

Antiviral Herb & Essential Oil Research Studies

A study conducted at Weber State University (1997) found that the five common ingredients in modern-day Thieves oil have a 99.96% success rate against airborne bacteria. Within 10 minutes of infusing into spaces where bacteria had been exposed, findings showed an 82% reduction in bacteria (Micrococcus luteus) in water, air, dust, and soil, a 44% reduction in staph (Staphylococcus aureus), and a 96% reduction in sepsis (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). 

 

Essential Oils to Prevent the Spread of Flu (Tisserand Institute), https://tisserandinstitute.org/essential-oils-flu/

 

Antimicrobial Properties of Plant Essential Oils Against Human Pathogens and Their Mode of Action: An Updated Review, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5206475/

 

Effect of a Diffused Essential Oil Blend on Bacterial Bioaerosols (Bioaerosols include fungi, bacteria, viruses, and pollen), https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10412905.1998.9700958​

 

Antibacterial activity evaluation of selected essential oils in liquid and vapor phase on respiratory tract pathogens, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6064118/

 

Antibacterial activity of the essential oils from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609378/

 

Antimicrobial Activity of Six Essential Oils Against a Group of Human Pathogens: A Comparative Study, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6471180/

 

Eucalyptus as an anti-inflammatory agent: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5590072/

 

Lemon balm (Melissa), peppermint, basil, perilla, prunella, and winter savory essential oils showed potent anti-HIV-1 activity. From: Yamasaki, K., Nakano, M., Kawahata, T., MORI, H., OTAKE, T., UEDA, N., … & MURATA, H. (1998). Anti-HIV-1 activity of herbs in Labiatae. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 21(8), 829-833.

 

Topical application of cinnamaldehyde (an active ingredient in cinnamon) promotes faster healing of skin wounds infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( a gram-negative bacterium that causes severe acute and chronic infections), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6515316/

 

The Inhibitory Effect of Essential Oils on Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Replication In Vitro, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1348-0421.2003.tb03431.x

 

A randomized, controlled trial of tea tree topical preparations versus a standard topical regimen for the clearance of MRSA colonization, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15066738

 

Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents—Myth or Real Alternative?, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6612361/

 

​In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Protective Properties of Virgin Coconut Oil, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6335493/

 

Cinnamon bark fighting free radicals: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3854496

 

Potential Health Benefits of Olive Oil, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877547/,  and Oleuropein in Olive and its Pharmacological Effects

 

A review on plant importance, biotechnological aspects, and cultivation challenges of the jojoba plant, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5571488/

 

Beeswax: A Mini-Review of Its Antimicrobial Activity and Its Application in Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27633295​

 

Melissa officinalis extract inhibits attachment of herpes simplex virus in vitro, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22377592/

 

Attachment and penetration of acyclovir-resistant Herpes Simplex Virus are inhibited by Melissa officinalis extract, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262232407_Attachment_and_Penetration_of_Acyclovir-resistant_Herpes_Simplex_Virus_are_Inhibited_by_Melissa_officinalis_Extract.

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​Note: The terms "Antiviral" and "Virucidal" have two very different meanings. An antiviral reduces viral replication, preventing viruses from taking over healthy cells. A virucide annihilates or deactivates viruses. Furthermore, not all antiviral and virucidal properties in plant-based medicines will reduce replication or kill all microorganisms. Instead, they may be virus-specific or act on similar viruses.