Aloes Agarwood– Used in Jesus’ burial preparations with myrrh. (John 19:39, Numbers 24:6)

Cultural Use: Imported from Arabia or India, used in embalming and purification.

Spiritual Meaning: Renewal, preservation, and divine fragrance. Represents life after suffering — it was used for Christ’s burial alongside myrrh.

Physical Use: Soothes burns, skin irritation, and digestive inflammation. Also used in cleansing and cooling ointments.


Illustration of a plant with multiple green leaves, labeled as 'Agarwood' with a piece of resin or wood at the base, on a beige background.

Anise – Mentioned in tithing practices, alongside mint and cumin. (Matthew 23:23)

Cultural Use: Anise was grown in the Levant and valued for its seeds’ sweet aroma and digestive effects.

Spiritual Meaning: Clarity, discernment, and spiritual sweetness. It symbolizes the purification of speech and intention — offering fragrance pleasing to God.

Physical Use: Used as a carminative and digestive aid, easing bloating, nausea, and colic. Also brewed in teas for coughs and throat discomfort.

Illustration of anise plant with leaves, seeds, and flowering top, labeled 'ANISE' at the top.

Balm (Balsam) – Used as a healing spice carried by Ishmaelites. (Genesis 37:25 ,Jeremiah 8:22)

Cultural Use: A rare resin from trees east of the Jordan, traded by caravans for its medicinal power.

Spiritual Meaning: God’s restoration and emotional healing. “Is there no balm in Gilead?” evokes the divine remedy for a wounded soul.

Physical Use: Used as a healing salve for wounds, bruises, and inflammation. The resin had antibacterial properties and was often mixed with olive oil.

Illustration of a mint plant with green leaves and small flowers, labeled 'BALM' at the top.

Barley - Ruth 1-3, Judges 7:13 

Cultural Use: The first grain harvested in Israel; symbolic of humility and provision.

Spiritual Meaning: Simplicity, sustenance, and new beginnings. Barley offerings marked the start of harvest and God’s provision.

Physical Use: Used as a digestive tonic, easing constipation and stomach upset. Barley water was drunk to cool fever and strengthen the body

Illustration of a barley plant with wheat heads and leaves, above the word "BARLEY" on a yellow background.

Calmus (sweet cane) - Used in holy anointing oil (Exodus 30:23; Jeremiah 6:20, Song of Solomon 4:14)

Cultural Use: A fragrant reed imported from India, used in the sacred anointing oil and temple incense. Known for its sweet aroma and rarity.

Spiritual Meaning: Represents joyful worship and uprightness before God. Its upright reed shape symbolizes moral integrity and devotion.

Physical Use: The root oil was used to calm the nerves, open airways, and soothe digestive upset. Often blended with cinnamon and myrrh in holy oils.

Illustration of a calamus plant with tall spike and long leaves, labeled 'CALAMUS' at the top.

Cassia – Included in trade and sacred anointing oil. (Ezekiel 27:19, Exodus 30:24, Psalm 45:8)

Cultural Use: Cassia bark, imported from Arabia and India, was part of the sacred anointing oil.

Spiritual Meaning: Consecration, holiness, and divine fragrance. It represents sanctified worship — a reminder that healing begins with alignment to God’s will.

Physical Use:A warming stimulant, improving blood flow and digestion. Often combined with myrrh or cinnamon for muscle pain and cold relief.

An illustration of a sprig of cassia with leaves and small flowers, and two cinnamon sticks below. The word 'CASSIA' appears above the illustration.

Cedar wood -  Leviticus 14:4–6, 1 Kings 5:6

Cultural Use: Cedar wood was used in purification rites, temple building, and incense.

Spiritual Meaning: Purity, protection, and strength. Its fragrance signified holiness and resistance to decay — symbolizing spiritual durability.

Physical Use: Cedar oil was used for disinfection, pest repelling, and respiratory clearing. The wood’s resin treated skin conditions and was burned for purification of spaces.

Illustration of a cedarwood tree with the word 'CEDARWOOD' at the top and 'Cedrus' at the bottom, with two cedarwood leaves and a cedarwood log underneath the tree.

Cinnamon – Used in holy anointing oil. (Exodus 30:23 Proverbs 7:17 Revelation 18:13)

Cultural Use: Highly prized spice used in holy anointing oil and perfumes for temples and palaces.

Spiritual Meaning: Passion, vitality, and spiritual warmth. Associated with divine fire and revival — it stirs both the body and spirit.

Physical Use: Acts as an antimicrobial and circulatory stimulant, aiding metabolism, menstrual flow, and cold prevention. Often used in warm baths or oils.

A yellow package with a drawing of a cinnamon branch with leaves, a cinnamon stick, the word 'CINNAMON' at the top, and the scientific name 'Cinnamomum verum' at the bottom.

Coriander - Compared to manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:31, Numbers 11:7)

Cultural Use: Familiar spice in ancient Israel, resembling the manna God provided in the desert. Used in cooking and seasoning.

Spiritual Meaning: Symbol of divine provision and simplicity — a reminder that God’s blessings can appear in humble, everyday forms.

Physical Use: Known to aid digestion, reduce bloating, and purify the blood. Crushed seeds were steeped into teas for cooling the body.

Yellow packaging with the word 'Coriander' in large letters, an illustration of a coriander plant with leaves and flowers, and a small pile of coriander seeds at the bottom, with the scientific name 'Coriandrum sativum' written below.

Cumin – Used in agriculture and daily cooking. (Isaiah 28:25 Matthew 23:23)

Cultural Use: Common kitchen herbs and tithes given to the temple.

Spiritual Meaning: Attention to small details of faith and gratitude. Jesus referenced them to teach about sincerity over ritual.

Physical Use: These herbs acted as digestive aids, anti-parasitic, and detoxifying agents, easing stomach cramps and bloating.

A packet with a yellowish background features the word 'CUMIN' at the top, an illustration of a cumin plant with leaves and flowers in the center, and the scientific name 'Cuminum cyminum' below.

Figs – Applied medicinally by Isaiah. (Isaiah 38:21 2Kings 20:7 Micah 4:4)

Cultural Use: A staple fruit in Israel’s diet and medicine.

Spiritual Meaning: Healing, nourishment, and fruitfulness. Used symbolically for peace (“every man under his vine and fig tree”).

Physical Use: Figs and fig poultices were used to treat boils and ulcers. Dried figs aided digestion and energy.

A botanical illustration of a fig tree with leaves and fruit, labeled 'FIG' at the top and 'Ficus carica' at the bottom.

Flax (Linen Plant) – Source of linen cloth. (Exodus 9:31; Joshua 2:6; Proverbs 31:13

Cultural Use: Grown for linen textiles, used in priestly garments and domestic weaving.

Spiritual Meaning: Purity, righteousness, and diligence. Represents the work of holy hands — the weaving of faith into daily life.

Physical Use: Flax seeds support digestion, skin health, and hormone balance. Linen fibers were valued for their cleanliness and cooling properties.

Package label for flax linen plant, featuring a line drawing of a flax plant with flowers and leaves.

Frankincense – One of the gifts presented to baby Jesus. (Matthew 2:11, Exodus 30:34 Isaiah 60:6)

Cultural Use: A precious resin imported from Arabia, used in temple incense and offerings.

Spiritual Meaning: Prayer, sanctification, and presence before God. Smoke of frankincense represented prayers ascending to heaven.

Physical Use: Used as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, easing arthritis, gum disease, and chest congestion. Calms the nervous system when burned or inhaled

Book cover for 'Frankincense' featuring an illustration of a frankincense tree with leaves and resin on the ground, in gold tones.

Galbanum - Fragrant gum in holy incense. (Exodus 30:34)

Cultural Use: Collected from desert plants in Persia and Syria, blended with frankincense and myrrh for priestly incense.

Spiritual Meaning: Symbol of repentance and truth — even though its scent was bitter alone, when mixed with others it became beautiful, showing that all parts of life can glorify God.

Physical Use: Used as an antiseptic balm and muscle relaxant. Its scent repels insects and purifies the air.

Illustration of a galbanum plant with leaves and flowers, along with the word 'Galbanum' at the top.

Garlic – Recalled by Israelites as part of their Egyptian diet. (Numbers 11:5)

Cultural Use: Mentioned by Israelites who missed Egypt’s foods, garlic was a household remedy across the ancient Near East.

Spiritual Meaning: Protection, strength, and resilience. Symbolically repels decay and negative influence — used in both diet and defense against disease.

Physical Use: A natural antibiotic, immune booster, and blood cleanser. Crushed or infused in oil, it treats infections, colds, and digestive issues.

Illustration of an onion with leaves and flowers, the word 'GARLIC' above it, and decorative leaves on either side.

Honey - Proverbs 24:13, 1 Samuel 14:27

Cultural Use: Wild honey was a prized food and medicine in Israel; the Promised Land was called “a land flowing with milk and honey.”

Spiritual Meaning: Sweetness of wisdom and divine favor. Honey represented nourishment from the Word of God and the fruit of obedience.

Physical Use: Used as a natural antibiotic and wound healer, soothing sore throats, burns, and infections. Also aids digestion and energy recovery.

Drawing of a honeycomb with honey dripping from it, flanked by olive branches and the word 'HONEY' at the top

Hyssop – Used for ritual purification. (Exodus 12:22, Psalm 51:7 John 19:29) 

Cultural Use: Hyssop grew wild on walls and was gathered during purification rituals. It was used by priests to sprinkle water or blood for cleansing from sin or disease.

Spiritual Meaning: Purification, spiritual renewal, and release of guilt. David prayed, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean.” It symbolizes confession and inner washing.

Physical Use: Used as an antiseptic and respiratory herb, clearing mucus and chest infections. Infused in hot water, it supports lungs, digestion, and menstrual flow.

Illustration of a hyssop plant with leaves and flowers, with the word 'HYSSOP' at the top.

Mandrake - A love plant in scripture (Genesis 30:14-16, Song of Solomon 7:13)

Cultural Use: Considered an aphrodisiac and fertility herb in the ancient Near East. Its root, shaped like a human figure, was believed to enhance conception and attraction.

Spiritual Meaning: Desire, fertility, and answered prayers. Symbolizes longing fulfilled and divine timing in matters of love and fruitfulness.

Physical Use: Used in very small doses for calming nerves and as a sedative. The root’s scent was thought to inspire affection and relaxation.

Illustration of a mandrake plant with a human-like root, leaves, and flowers, with the word 'MANDRAKE' at the top.

Mint – Used in ritual offerings. (Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42)

 Cultural Use: Common herb for tithing and household refreshment; its scent was used in purifying homes.

Spiritual Meaning: Hospitality, renewal, and purity. Represents the refreshing of the soul and home through kindness and cleanliness.

Physical Use: Digestive and cooling herb, easing nausea, headaches, and sinus congestion. Steeped mint leaves were used for stomach upset and clarity.


A botanical illustration of a mint plant with green leaves and a flowering spike, labeled 'MINT' at the top.

Mustard – Used to teach about faith. (Luke 17:6 Matthew 13:31-32  Mark 4:31-32)

Cultural Use: A common seed used in cooking and medicinal poultices.

Spiritual Meaning: Faith and expansion. The mustard seed symbolizes small beginnings that grow into great blessings — faith that heals and multiplies.

Physical Use: Used as a circulatory stimulant and detoxifier. Mustard poultices eased chest congestion and arthritis pain. Mustard seeds supported digestion.


A botanical illustration of a mustard plant with the word 'MUSTARD' at the top and 'Brassica nigra' below the plant, set against a beige background.
Illustration of a plant labeled "Myrtle" with the scientific name "Myrtus communis" below, featuring a single flowering branch with leaves and a flower, set against a beige background.

Myrtle - Used in feasts and purification (Nehemiah 8:15, Isaiah 41:19, Zechariah 1:8)

Cultural Use: Evergreen shrub with fragrant leaves, used in Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) and purification rituals.

Spiritual Meaning: Renewal, peace, and covenant joy. Symbolizes the restoration of Israel and the enduring beauty of faith.

Physical Use: Myrtle oil clears the lungs and skin, purifies the air, and promotes emotional balance.

Myrrh – Used in both offerings and anointing. (Genesis 43:11, Exodus 30:23, Esther 2:12, Song of Solomon 5:5)

Cultural Use: Used in the holy anointing oil and by women for purification before marriage.

Spiritual Meaning: Preparation, purification, and endurance through suffering. Associated with Queen Esther’s 6-month beautification process before meeting the king.

Physical Use: Myrrh is a powerful antimicrobial and wound healer. Used in oils or salves to treat infections and skin inflammation. Also used in fumigation and spiritual cleansing.2 Song of Solomon 5:5, Matthew 2:11)

Drawing of a plant with green leaves, labeled MYRRH, with rocks underneath, and the scientific name Commiphora myrrha written below.

Olive + Olive Oil: Leviticus 24:2, 1 Kings 17:12–16, James 5:14

Cultural Use: The olive tree was sacred in Israel — a symbol of peace, anointing, and nourishment.

Spiritual Meaning: Anointing, consecration, endurance. The oil signified divine presence and empowerment; priests, kings, and prophets were anointed with it.

Physical Use: Olive oil was a base for balms and ointments, treating dry skin, wounds, and inflammation. Taken internally, it supports digestion and heart health.

Drawing of an olive branch with leaves and an olive fruit, a small pitcher below, and the word "OLIVE" at the top, with "Olea europaea" beneath.

Onycha - Ingredients in sacred incense. (Exodus 30:34)

Cultural Use: Derived from a shell or resin imported from the Red Sea region, it gave incense a deep, musky tone in temple worship.

Spiritual Meaning: Represents depth in prayer and connection to the mysteries of God. Symbolizes grounded spirituality and sacred reverence.

Physical Use: The resinous extract was burned to calm the mind, cleanse the air, and promote relaxation during rituals.

Package of ONYCHA aromatic operculum with a sketch of a shell, small rocks, a vase, and leaves.

Rue -Known for cleansing and purification (Luke 11:42)

Cultural Use: Common household herb in the ancient Mediterranean, valued for ritual cleansing and protection.

Spiritual Meaning: Humility and sincerity in worship. Jesus referenced rue to teach discernment — not to overlook justice and love while keeping outward observances.

Physical Use: Used to aid digestion, relieve cramps, and ward off infection. In baths, it was used for cleansing negative energy and fatigue.

Illustration of a plant with the word 'RUE' at the top and 'Ruta graveolens' at the bottom, with decorative leaves on either side.

Reed/Papyrus - Used in Moses basket and temple crafts (Exodus 2:3, Isaiah 19; 6-7)

Cultural Use: Grown along the Nile, reeds and papyrus were used for baskets, writing materials, and aromatic mats.

Spiritual Meaning: Flexibility, humility, and faith under pressure. Represents endurance through testing — bending but not breaking.

Physical Use: The pith of reeds could be boiled for soothing inflammation and used as packing for wounds.

Illustration of a reed plant with long, narrow leaves and a feathery flower head, labeled 'REED' and 'Phragmites australis'.

Saffron – Listed among the finest spices in poetic scripture. (Song of Solomon 4:14).

Cultural Use: A luxury spice grown in ancient Canaan and traded from Persia; valued for its golden color and perfume.

Spiritual Meaning: Joy, beauty, and sacred femininity. Represents divine love and the radiance of inner light — often tied to bridal purification rituals.

Physical Use: Mood-lifting and anti-inflammatory. Used for menstrual balance, skin glow, and easing anxiety. Steeped in oil, it enhanced beauty and fertility baths.

Illustration of a saffron plant with three flowering stalks and leaves, on a yellow background, with the word 'SAFFRON' at the top.

Spikenard -  Symbol of devotion and sacrificial love (Song of Songs 1:12; 4:13-14; Mark 14:3; John 12:3)

Cultural Use: A rare perfume oil imported from the Himalayas, stored in alabaster jars and used for sacred anointing and burial rites.

Spiritual Meaning: Represents pure worship,devotion,  humility, and sacrthe offering of one’s best to God—Mary’s act of pouring it on Jesus’ feet symbolized full surrender and love.

Physical Use: A calming, grounding oil that soothes the heart and nerves, relieves inflammation, and promotes restful sleep.

Illustration of a plant with leaves and a flower spike, surrounded by smaller leaves and rocks at its base, on a yellow background with the word "SPIKENARD" at the top and "Nardostachys jatamansi" at the bottom.

Terebinth (Oak / Pistacia Tree) – Sacred trees of appearance and covenant. (Genesis 35:4; Isaiah 6:13)

Cultural Use: Tall trees used as landmarks and for shade; associated with patriarchal altars and sacred sites.

Spiritual Meaning: Strength, endurance, and rooted faith. Represents those who stand firm in covenant with God.

A botanical illustration of a Pistacia tree with leaves and seeds, with the title "Terebinth" and the subtitle "Pistacia tree."

Wormwood – Symbol of bitterness and judgment in prophecy. (Deuteronomy 29:18, Proverbs 5:4, Lamentations 3:15

Cultural Use: Known for its strong bitterness, wormwood was a purging herb used for cleansing both body and spirit.

Spiritual Meaning: Repentance, purification, and release of bitterness. Symbolizes the removal of sin’s poison and emotional heaviness.

Physical Use: A potent detoxifier and anti-parasitic, supporting liver health and digestion. Taken in small doses as a cleansing tonic.

Book cover titled 'WORMWOOD' with an illustration of a plant labeled 'Artemisia'.