Israel 2006-2007-2008 Medicinal Herbs & Spices ( Definitives )

Edible and aromatic plants have been used as folk medicines, herbs to enhance food, cosmetics, and for ritual purposes from the earliest history of man.  The use of medicinal plants, herbs and spices developed in all parts of the world based on indigenous local plants which served as the underpinning for folk medicine and the distinctive cuisine of various cultures.  The desire for authentic spices led to the development of trade and supply routes between distant lands, for example the Spice Route which linked the Far and Near East to Europe.  Today, folk medicine, which is based on plants, is an integral component of alternative medicine as well as a basis for new developments in mainstream medicine.

The use of herbs and medicinal plants in Eretz Israel is mentioned frequently in the Bible and the Talmud, playing an important role in rituals and in daily life.  Indigenous herbs have regained popularity in Israel in recent years.  Alongside increased use of these herbs, the cultivation of them has developed into an important export branch.

Peppermint (Mentha peperita) – 17 Dec 2006

Part of the Labiatae family, peppermint has over 200 varieties.  It is a perennial, with round as well as elongated leaves.  Its flower spike is reddish purple.  Peppermint originates in Europe and around the Mediterranean Sea.  It is widespread in moist environments, for example, riverbanks.

Uses:  Spices, essences and aromatic oils in the food industry.  In folk medicine, as a remedy for intestinal problems, as an antiseptic, and for respiratory relief.

 

Thyme-leaved savory (Micromeria fruitcosa) – 17 Dec 2006

A small aromatic plant from the Labiatae family with grayish blue leaves.  It is especially widespread in Israel, Syria and Lebanon, and grows between rocks in the Mediterranean area.

Uses:  The leaves, which have a menthol flavor, are used as an excellent tea essence.  In folk medicine, as a remedy for stomachache, antiseptic for cuts, cough suppressant, mouthwash, and relief of cold symptoms.

 

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) – 17 Dec 2006

The plant was named for the manna that descended on the Hebrews in the desert, as written: "Now the manna was like coriander [gad] seed" (Numbers 11: 7), and "like coriander [gad] seed, it was white, and it tasted like a cake fried in honey" (Exodus 16:31).  Gad is thought to be the plant that is known in culinary use as coriander.  It originated in southern Europe and the Middle East, but is cultivated widely throughout the temperate zones.

Uses:  As other plants in the umbelliferae family, the leaves and seeds of this plant are used as an herb, popular in many cuisines throughout the world.

Bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) - 11May2007

Bay leaves grow on the laurel tree, which in ancient Roman times was a symbol of victory, with the leaves fashioned into wreathes to crown heroes and victors.  The tree belongs to the Lauraceae family.  Its aromatic leaves are stiff and have a dark green color.  The tree grows wild in northern Israel.

Uses:  As a spice in meat dishes, vegetables, soups, pickling, foods and dried figs.  

Wild thyme (Coridothymus capitatus) - 11May2007

A member of the Labiatae family, it grows wild in Israel.  It is distinct from thyme, which is not indigenous but is cultivated extensively.  A perennial, wild thyme has small leaves and a compact shape.

Uses:  Besides its use as a spice, its aromatic oil is used in folk medicine as an antiseptic, to treat tics, and as a restorative drug.  Yemenite Jews recommend sucking its leaves to relieve toothache.

Tree Wormwood (Artemisia arborescens) - 17Sep2008
Popularly known in Israel as sheba, this plant was apparently brought to Eretz Israel by the Crusaders, and is widespread around the sites of that period. It is a tall plant with upright stems and dissected leaves of a silvery blue color.  Its blossoms have a yellow receptacle.
Uses: An important tea essence in the cuisine originating in North Africa. Medical properties popularly attributed to it are as a tranquilizer and as an antiseptic for dermatological use.

 
Three-lobed sage (Salvia fruticosa) - 17Sep2008
This wild plant, a member of the Labiatae family, grows wild in Israel.  It has hairy leaves with three lobes.  Extensive use and over-picking has resulted in designating it as a protected species.
Uses:  Popular in folk medicine in all the Mediterranean countries from ancient times, it is used especially as a medicinal tea extract to improve digestion and relieve cold symptoms.