Most Bitter, Soul-Inflicting Wormwood

Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills
לַעֲנָה – Wormwood – Artemisia Absinthium

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Most Bitter, Soul-Inflicting Wormwood

Finally a familiar plant which is mentioned repeatedly in the Torah! Altogether wormwood is mentioned seven times in the Tanach – once in the Chumash, in Parashat Kitavo, three times in the Prophets and three times in the Writings. None of these instances are complementary, but rather use the bitterness of the wormwood as a metaphor for sin and punishment. We had a wormwood bush more than once in our garden but each time it became infested with bugs and straggly, eventually passing on to the compost pile. I remember making an anti-aphid spray from wormwood tea, popularly called שִׁיבָּה/sheebah after the Moroccan tea made from it. This Tisha b’Av (the fast day of the 9^th of Av), I noticed wormwood mentioned twice in Eicha (Lamentations) and thought, “Oh, too bad I haven’t researched and written about wormwood in preparation for Tisha b’Av.” Later, I was happy to discover that wormwood also appears in Parashat Kitavo:

ספר דברים פרק כט פסוק יז פֶּן יֵשׁ בָּכֶם אִישׁ אוֹ אִשָּׁה אוֹ מִשְׁפָּחָה אוֹ שֵׁבֶט אֲשֶׁר לְבָבוֹ פֹנֶה הַיּוֹם מֵעִם הָשֵׁם אֱלֹהֵינוּ לָלֶכֶת לַעֲבֹד אֶת אֱלֹהֵי הַגּוֹיִם הָהֵם פֶּן יֵשׁ בָּכֶם שֹׁרֶשׁ פֹּרֶה רֹאשׁ וְלַעֲנָה:

“Perhaps there is among you a man, woman, family, or tribe, whose heart turns away this day from Hashem our G-d, to go to worship the gods of those nations. Perhaps there is among you a root that bears poison-weed and wormwood” (Devarim 29:17).

Ramban explains that both wormwood and poison-weed are either bitter or deadly; one is called רֹאשׁ/rosh – ‘head,’ because it is bitterer than anything else, and head of all bitter herbs. The second is called לַעֲנָה/la’ana, from the language of being ‘humbled’ (Shemot 10:3), for he who eats it will suffer and be humbled in his soul. לַעֲנָה/la’ana – ‘wormwood’ also derives from the words לְעַנֹּת נָפֶשׁ/la’anot nefesh – “to afflict the soul,” as taking this herb causes great affliction (Rabbeinu Bachaya, Devarim 29:17). I have not been able to identify רֹאשׁ/rosh – ‘poison-weed’ which is sometimes translated, ‘gall.’ Rashi explains that it is “a root that brings forth herbs as bitter as wormwood plants, which are exceedingly bitter” (Rashi, Devarim 29:17). Poison is called רֹאשׁ/rosh – ‘head’ because it is the head of all bitter herbs, and because poison is found in the head of a snake. The Torah compares idol-worship to poison-weed and wormwood. Wormwood, indeed, was used in idol-worshipping ceremonies among the Mexicans, who celebrated their great festival of the goddess of salt by a ceremonial dance of women, who wore garlands of wormwood on their heads. Moreover, wormwood idol-worshipping ‘spiritualists’ believe that wormwood summons spirits and facilitates communication with the dead – an activity which The Torah clearly prohibits (Devarim 18:10-11).

Mind Altering, Absinthe Toxin

The continuation of our Torah verse prompts us to eradicate the bitter within our midst, which causes “utter ruin of moist and dry alike.”

ספר דברים פרק כט פסוק יח וְהָיָה בְּשָׁמְעוֹ אֶת דִּבְרֵי הָאָלָה הַזֹּאת וְהִתְבָּרֵךְ בִּלְבָבוֹ לֵאמֹר שָׁלוֹם יִהְיֶה לִּי כִּי בִּשְׁרִרוּת לִבִּי אֵלֵךְ לְמַעַן סְפוֹת הָרָוָה אֶת הַצְּמֵאָה:

“It will come to pass, when he hears the words of this curse that he will bless himself in his heart, saying, ‘I will have peace, even if I walk in the stubbornness of my heart,’ that  the moist be swept away with the dry” (Devarim 29:18).

Rashi explains that this verse refers to a person who initially sinned unintentionally, but now begins to sin intentionally as well. At first, Hashem was willing to overlook his unintentional sins, yet, his current intentional sins stir up Hashem’s anger to include his unintentional sins as well in the punishment of all his sins. The word, הַצְּמֵאָה/hatzemea – ‘thirsty’ refers to intentional sins that a person commits knowingly and out of lust, whereas, הָרָוָה/harava – ‘drunk’ refers to unintentional sins, committed as if in a drunken state, unknowingly. In traditional herbal medicine, wormwood indeed is associated with ‘a drunken state.’ The 17^th century master herbalist, Culpeper, was intrigued by this bitter-tasting plant. His depiction of wormwood is described as a “stream-of-consciousness,” which reads “like the ramblings of a drunk.” In 19th century France, wormwood was used to flavor the popular drink ‘absinthe’ – a bright green, mind altering drink popular with the Avant-garde. It was considered a ‘designer drink’ of choice among the artists, writers and  musicians who succumbed to the allure of the green fairy that drove many of them to the edge and beyond the threshold between genius and madness. Due to its high thujone content, absinthe got its adherents more than just a little tipsy. Thujone is a nerve poison and absinthe soon became illegal. Wormwood remains an elusive temptation among modern psychonauts, looking for cheap and exotic (albeit dangerous) thrills.  However, most people discover that absinthe has no mind altering properties.

Consciousness Expansion and False Prophesy

Seeking the thrills of consciousness expansion may possibly characterize the false prophets whom the prophet Yirmeyahu describes as wormwood consumers:

ספר ירמיה פרק כג פסוק טו לָכֵן כֹּה אָמַר הָשֵׁם צְבָאוֹת עַל הַנְּבִאִים הִנְנִי מַאֲכִיל אוֹתָם לַעֲנָה וְהִשְׁקִתִים מֵי רֹאשׁ כִּי מֵאֵת נְבִיאֵי יְרוּשָׁלַם יָצְאָה חֲנֻפָּה לְכָל הָאָרֶץ:

“Therefore, so said Hashem of Hosts concerning the prophets: Behold I will feed them wormwood and give them poisonous water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusalem has falseness emanated to the whole land” (Yirmeyahu 23:15).

One of the features of people under the influence of various substances is an illusionary sensation of discovering prophetic-like perceptions. What may seem like unbelievable insights, while experiencing a psychedelic drug-induced ‘high,’ turns out to be nothing but a blown-up, out of proportion delusion. This “bitter grass” as wormwood is called (Rashi, Yirmeyahu 9:14), is associated with “lusting after bitter foods and poisonous, destructive beliefs (Malbim ibid.). Likewise, when justice is twisted, it is compared to the bitterness of wormwood:

ספר עמוס פרק ה פסוק ז הַהֹפְכִים לְלַעֲנָה מִשְׁפָּט וּצְדָקָה לָאָרֶץ הִנִּיחוּ:

“Those who turn justice to wormwood, and who leave righteousness on the ground” (Amos 5:7).

Transformative Bitterness

Amos continues and uses wormwood as a metaphor for transforming the fruits of righteousness to bitter injustice (Ibid. 6:12). Yet, the concept of transformation can also work the other way around – from bitter to better. The holiday of Pesach celebrating the liberation of the Children of Israel is intrinsically linked with the saddest day in the Jewish calendar when we mourn for the destruction of the Temple and our ultimate exile:

איכה פרק ג פסוק טו הִשְׂבִּיעַנִי בַמְּרוֹרִים הִרְוַנִי לַעֲנָה:

“He has sated me with bitterness; He has made me drunk with wormwood” (Eichah 3:15).

Being “sated with bitterness” refers to the first night of Pesach as it states, “they shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs” (Bamidbar 9:11). “He has sated me with bitter herbs on the first night of Pesach in the same way that “He made me drunk with wormwood” on the night of Tisha b’Av. Behold the first night of Pesach is joined with the night of Tisha b’Av (Torah Temima ibid). Whichever day of the week the first day of Pesach falls is always the same as that of Tisha b’Av. The wormwood mentioned in Eichah connected with the bitterness of the mourning on Tisha b’Av is the converse of the bitter herbs of liberation that we consume on Pesach. Thus, even the bitterness of wormwood can be transformed to the purification of Pesach. In herbalism, bitterness has eliminating and cleansing properties. Actually, the reason for the mitzvah to eat bitter herbs on Pesach is to commemorate the hardship of the bondage which hastened the time of our Exodus (Torah Temima ibid.). “The congregation of Israel said before the Almighty, ‘Master of the Universe, remember the rebellion with which I rebelled against you, and the affliction with which you sated me, wormwood and poison-weed. May the latter make up for the former!’” (Torah Temima, Eichah 3:19). Thus bitter wormwood is not only evil but can have both unfavorable and favorable consequences, as King Shlomo declares, “But her end is as bitter as wormwood, as sharp as a double-edged sword (Mishlei 5:4). Just as we bless over the good (Babylonian Talmud 48b), so do we bless over the bitter for the bad is actually good in disguise as the fast will be transformed “to joy and happiness” (Zechariah 8:19). It is specifically the bitterness of the fast day that will bring about its ultimate joy and happiness (Shelah HaKodesh, Tractate Ta’anit 69).

Medicinal Properties of Wormwood

Wormwood indeed has an ancient history as a powerful healing herb. Used appropriately, in the right amounts, it can be very beneficial. Wormwood is one of the most popular plants in Chinese traditional preparations and are frequently used for the treatment of diseases such as malaria, hepatitis, cancer, inflammation and infections by fungi, bacteria and viruses. The leaves resist putrefaction, and have therefore been a principal ingredient in antiseptic poultices. Use only low doses internally as higher doses can be toxic when taken in excess.

Digestive Stimulant

Due to its exceeding bitterness wormwood is a digestive stimulant activating metabolism like no other herb. It helps to regulate the balance of stomach juices and stimulates the flow of bile. By increasing bile production, it helps with the absorption of nutrients and can reverse anemia. Wormwood is also useful for gas and bloating.  It has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects and can be used for the treatment of temporary loss of appetite. Wormwood, moreover, treats dyspeptic and gastrointestinal disorders including Crohn’s disease.

Cancer Killer

Researchers in a 2012 study tested samples of breast cancer cells and normal breast cells treated with a water-soluble form of artemisinin, an extract of wormwood. The normal cells showed little change, but within 16 hours, almost all of the cancer cells were dead and only a few normal cells were killed.

Blood Tonic

Wormwood cleanses the liver and kidneys and is regarded as a tonic for the blood and circulation. 

Beats Malaria

Artemisinin extracted from wormwood is a most powerful antimalarial drug. It’s known for quickly reducing the number of parasites in the blood of patients with malaria.

Has Antimicrobial and Antifungal Abilities

The ancients recommended wormwood as a preventative anti-infectious agent that could be used to ward off highly infectious diseases. In vitro studies have shown that the essential oils of wormwood have antimicrobial activity. Not only can wormwood kill bacteria, but it’s also been shown to kill fungi.  

Expels Worms and Parasites

As the name suggests, it can be beneficial in the elimination of parasites as it ruthlessly kills and expels intestinal worms, especially pinworms and roundworms. Wormwood, black walnut and clove are commonly used together to break the parasite’s life cycle and kill off a parasitic infection. However, large doses of wormwood are toxic to the kidneys. Do not use during pregnancy.

Insect Repellant

Wormwood is used as an insect repellent, strewing herb. It produces compounds that suppress plant growth and gardeners sometimes use wormwood infusion to keep weeds down. However, don’t use this around baby plants that you want to encourage, but only near well-established plants. This concoction also discourages bugs and slugs. Wormwood twigs and also be laid among clothes and furs to keep away moths and insects.

Hands On

Wormwood can be used either fresh or dried. All the aerial portions (stem, leaves and flowers) of the plant have medicinal uses. Wormwood should only be taken in small doses as directed and for no longer than four weeks at a time.

Wormwood Tea for Digestive Health

1. Place ½-1 teaspoon of crushed dried wormwood per cup of water in a teapot.

2. Heat water in a kettle. Water temperature for this tea should be boiling (100ºC).

3. Pour the boiling water into the teapot and let your tea steep for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Blend with caraway, peppermint, honey, lemon juice (optionally).

5. Strain your tea into a cup or mug. This tea has a bitter flavor that may be hard to get accustomed to, so try sweetening it with brown sugar or honey, and add a squeeze of lemon juice to make it more palatable.

If you are drinking this tea as a digestive aid, take about 1 to 2 cups per day. For painful menstruation, the best time to drink this tea is a week before your period comes. Drink about 2 cups a day to soothe those pains. You can drink 1-3 cups a day, 2-4 weeks at the most. Due to wormwood’s possible side effects start with a lower daily dosage and stop drinking this tea as soon as your situation improves. Each person is different and may react differently to this tea.

Chili and Wormwood Spray

1. Blend one cup of chilies and one cup of wormwood with one cup of water.

2. Add five cups of water and bring to the boil.

3. Allow this to stand for one hour.

4. Strain and bottle in a spray bottle.

This mixture can be sprayed on plants and garden beds to kill aphids, bean fly and white fly. It also repels possums, rabbits, snails and slugs.

Black Seed Sprinkled on Bread since Talmudic Times

Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills 
קֶצַח – Black Seed – Nigella Sativa
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Black Seed Sprinkled on Bread since Talmudic Times

My Shabbat guests – a new couple in Bat Ayin – brought delicious, ‘homebaked’ sour-dough rolls sprinkled with black seeds and sesame seeds, yum! If you haven’t seen Nigella sativa seeds they are round resembling sesame seeds, but completely black. It is interesting that just as we use black seed with sesame seed as a crust for various baked goods or in the dough today, exactly so were they used in Talmudic times. They used N. sativa similarly to sesame seed for sprinkling on bread or matza: “Come and hear, if [the matza] was seasoned with black seeds, sesame seeds or other kinds of spices, it is kosher [to eat on Pesach]. It is still matza but is called seasoned matza” (Babylonia Talmud, Menachot 23b). Black seed was a common agricultural crop in Israel from the times of the prophets as well as in Talmudic times. Five kinds of black seed grow wild in Israel today, in addition to the cultivated black seed garden flowers. Unfortunately no black seed plant chose my garden as its home, but I plan to choose it as my garden flower! I have never ever seen a black seed flower for real, but its beauty, testified by these photos, made me decide that I’m going to find a way to get some for my garden.

Black Seed versus Black Cumin

Albeit commonly mistaken for ‘black cumin’ (bunium bulbocastanum), nigella sativa from which the sought after oil is made, is actually not related to cumin at all. Whereas black cumin is an annual plant from the Ranunculaceae family, black seed is a plant species in the Apiaceae family. Plenty of products now erroneously label themselves as black cumin, yet the two should not be confused (Shea Terra Organics, September 5, 2016). Ra’avd’s commentary that cumin is a bit longer than black seed, supports the fact that these two plants are different. Perhaps the confusion arose due to the powerful scent of both these plants. Black seed has been cultivated and used for medicine and to flavor food since biblical times. Modern research has revealed many antioxidant compounds in black seed that have numerous health benefits. The black seed plant is native to the Mediterranean, Africa and southwestern Asia. It has been grown since antiquity for its aromatic and flavorful seeds that can be used as a spice or as an herbal medicine. The seeds have an aroma similar to fennel with a pungent flavor somewhat similar to nutmeg, though the plant is not related to either. The seeds are commonly roasted and ground as a spice and are widely used in India, the Middle East, and parts of North Africa to season curries, rice, breads, and sweet confections. Black seed is also traditionally used by Yemenites, howbeit sparingly, as a flavoring spice in baking Shabbat bread known as ‘Koubana.’ The Yemenites eat Koubana instead of ‘Kugel’ as part of their traditional Sabbath meal.

Black Seed in the Torah

It’s too bad that black seed is no longer used as an agricultural crop in Israel as previously. Rashi explains that black seed is a kind of food – a seed grown in Arab countries, during his time. We find it mentioned twice in the book of Yesha’yahu, three times in the Mishna, and twice in the Talmud.

ישעיהו פרק כח פסוק כה הֲלוֹא אִם שִׁוָּה פָנֶיהָ וְהֵפִיץ קֶצַח וְכַמֹּן יִזְרֹק וְשָׂם חִטָּה שׂוֹרָה וּשְׂעֹרָה נִסְמָן וְכֻסֶּמֶת גְּבֻלָתו:

“When he has prepared a smooth surface, he then scatters the black seed, and casts the cumin, and puts in wheat by rows, and barley in the marked spot, and spelt along its border” (Yesha’yahu 28:25).

This passage describes the various ways of sowing different agricultural crops in Israel. Both black seed and cumin need to be sown in finely crushed soil. (Radak ibid.). Whereas sowing cumin involves throwing the seeds in the field, black seeds, which are lighter, don’t need to be thrown down hard, but only to be scattered. These two crops are also a parable for giving rebuke: In the beginning, we scatter sweet words like black seed, and only afterward do we throw the cumin which has a sharper taste (Alshich). Malbim interprets our verse as a parable for the exile of the Jewish people. Just as every crop needs ploughing, so does the general community of Israel suffer equally during exile. The kind of sowing that refers to Torah learning and prophecy relates to the individual levels of each Jew. Those who are prepared for wisdom only need a mere allusion – like the scattering of the black seed. However, the masses are compared to wheat and barley with each having it’s specific row or marked spot, since they need to have the Torah clearly explained to them in detail and order. Further on, the prophet compares various ways of harvesting different crops:

ספר ישעיה פרק כח פסוק כז כִּי לֹא בֶחָרוּץ יוּדַשׁ קֶצַח וְאוֹפַן עֲגָלָה עַל כַּמֹּן יוּסָּב כִּי בַמַּטֶּה יֵחָבֶט קֶצַח וְכַמֹּן בַּשָּׁבֶט

For not with a grooved [implement] is black cumin threshed, [neither] does a wagon wheel turn around on cumin, but black cumin is beaten with a staff and cumin with a rod (Yesha’yahu 28:27).

Since black seeds are so tiny, they cannot be subjected to threshing which may break and damage them (Radak ibid.). Rashi notices that the black seeds are easy to separate from their pods, therefore they do not need to be threshed, beating them lightly with a rod is sufficient. With this passage the prophet hints that if only Israel would be quick to accept rebuke, there would be no need for harsh decrees.

Waiting for Mashich to Explain Black Seed Mentioned in the Talmud

Black seed is mentioned in the Mishna as a plant whose status as a food was disputed by Beit Hillel and Beit Shamai. This dispute affects the laws of impurity and purity concerning black seed. “Beit Shamai considers black seed pure, whereas Beit Hillel considers it impure” (Mishna Eduyot 5:3). It also affects whether or not black seed needs to be tithed (Mishna Uktzin 3:6). Rambam explains that since Beit Shamai doesn’t consider black seed a kind of food, therefore it neither becomes impure nor does it need to be tithed, whereas Beit Hillel considers it a food and therefore it both receives impurity and must be tithed. Black seed is also mentioned in Mishna, Tuval Yom 1:5. Rav Ovadia Bartenura considers black seed a food customarily sprinkled on bread in order to avoid heart burn as stated in Talmud, Berachot:

תלמוד בבלי מסכת ברכות דף מ/א אמר רבי חמא ברבי חנינא הרגיל בקצח אינו בא לידי כאב לב מיתיבי רבן שמעון בן גמליאל אומר קצח אחד מששים סמני המות הוא והישן למזרח גרנו דמו בראשו לא קשיא הא בריחו הא בטעמו אימיה דרבי ירמיה אפיא ליה ריפתא ומדבקא ליה ומקלפא ליה:

“Rabbi Chama ben Chanina said: One who eats black seed regularly will not suffer from heartburn (literally, pain in the heart). The following was cited in objection to this: Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel says, black seed is one of the sixty poisons of death. If one sleeps on the east side of the place where it is stored, he is responsible for his own death (literally, his blood will be on his own head), [because the west wind will carry the odor to him and poison him]. There is no contradiction: The latter statement speaks of its smell, the former of its taste. The mother of R. Jeremiah used to bake bread for him and stick [black seed] on it [so that it should absorb the taste], and then scrape it off [to remove the smell] (Babylonian Talmud, Berachot 40a).

The mother of Rabbi Yermiyah baked him a loaf of bread, and sprinkled the black seed on it just long enough to impart its flavor but not its injurious smell. The reason why Beit Shamai didn’t consider black seed as a food, is due to its harmful smell, and it possibly being one of the sixty deadly poisons. On the other hand, according to Beit Hillel, black seed was indeed considered a food since eating it is good for the heart, as “Rabbi Chanina said, one who eats black seed regularly will not suffer ailments of the heart.” Likewise Tiferet Yisrael explains that black seed is considered food as it has healing properties and is used in bread. Beit Hillel holds that the health benefits of eating it override the harmful effects of its smell. Conversely, according to Beit Shamai, its harmful effects override its healing properties. I’m having a hard time coming to terms with the Talmudic statements regarding the harmful effect of black seed. I have never heard that its taste or its smell ever affected anyone adversely. Since no one has ever suffered ill effects by eating or smelling N. sativa seed, perhaps the black seed in Talmudic times were much more potent, or perhaps there is a secret here which will be revealed when Mashiach arrives.

Medicinal Properties of Black Seed

Black seed has received a renaissance in recent research, especially black seed oil which is considered to have amazing health benefits. My friend uses it successfully to relieve itchy skin hives. According to Dr. Axe, there is clinical evidence that the synergy of black seed oil’s phytochemicals, thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone have potent antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Studies also demonstrate N. sativa’s tumor suppression, as well as its antimicrobial and anti-parasitic, properties. Scientific literature acclaims black seed oil’s ability to kill antibiotic-resistant ‘superbugs,’ boost liver health, treat high cholesterol and blood pressure, heal and prevent various kinds of cancer, diabetes, obesity, hair loss, skin disorders like acne and eczema as well as infections like MRSA. Black seed and its oil is widely used in traditional Islamic medicine and Ayurveda to treat asthma and bronchitis, diabetes, hypertension, fever, inflammation, bronchitis, dizziness, rheumatism, skin disorders, and gastrointestinal disturbances. It is also used as a liver tonic, digestive, antidiarrhoeal, emmenagogue, and to control parasitic infections and intestinal worms as well as boost the immune system (Goreja, 2003).  The seeds have been used to stimulate lactation and to alleviate menstrual and postpartum problems. In an article titled, 16 More Reasons Black Seed is ‘The Remedy For Everything But Death,’ Sayer Ji documents black seed oil’s ability to prevent Alzheimer’s associated neurotoxicity, brain pathology associated with Parkinson’s disease, its ability to treat kidney and radiation damage and protect against damage from heart attack. It is interesting that both the interpretations of the Talmudic statement that – eating black seed regularly prevents pain in the heart – correlates with the recently discovered health benefits of N. sativa. If ‘pain in the heart’ refers to heartburn it relates to the ability of black seed to relieve gastrointestinal disturbances aka digestive troubles which cause heartburn. If it refers to heart disease, black seed indeed has been proven to have Cardio protective influence including protecting against damage from heart attack. 

Hands On

Nigella sativa seeds have been used for years as a spice and food preservative. Black seed has been added as a spice to a variety of Persian foods such as yogurt, pickles, sauces and salads (Hajhashemi et al. 2004; Venkatachallam et al. 2010). The seeds are used extensively as a spice for flavoring purposes, especially bakery products and cheese. Seeds are of importance as a carminative; often they are used as a condiment in bread and other dishes (Lautenbacher 1997; Eschborn 1997; Burits and Bucar 2000; Ramadan 2007). Try experimenting with black seed, adding them into various salads and casseroles. 

Spicy Lentil Snacks with Black Seeds

Makes about 30 golf ball sized balls, each about 45 calories. You can eat them as-is, or with 5% fat goat cheese, or cashew and sundried tomato spread to keep them vegan.

2 Cups red lentils or dal

½ Cup cooked bulgur wheat or brown rice

1 Onion, chopped

2 Chopped garlic cloves

¼ Cup olive oil

1 Teaspoon cumin seeds

1 Teaspoon ground coriander

1 Teaspoon hawaij (Yemenite spice mixture) or garam masala (Indian spice mixture)

1 Teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, or to taste

Sea-salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Black seeds and sesame seeds

1. Rinse the lentils, and put in a pan with enough water to come up to about 2cm /1 inch above the lentils. Add 1 teaspoon sea-salt. Cook the lentils until they are tender and mushy, about 15-20 minutes. Drain off any excess water.

2. Sautee chopped onions, garlic and spices in the olive oil. Let it just barely simmer over a low heat until the mixture is a golden brown, and the onions are softened. Add the bulgur or brown rice near the end.

3. Mix everything together and let cool until you can handle it. At this point, the mixture should resemble a thick, almost dry paste that you can gather up with your fingers and form into balls. 

4. If it’s too moist, cook the mixture over a very low heat until some moisture evaporates. If it’s too dry and falls apart, add a little water until it forms a paste.

5. Heat up an oven to 180°C / 360°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicon baking liner.

6. Prepare a plate with mixed black seeds and sesame seeds. Form the lentil mixture into small balls. Dip lightly into a bowl of water, then roll in the seed mixture.

7. Place the balls on the lined baking sheet, and bake for about 20 minutes or until the surface is a bit crispy.

Soothing, Relaxing, Mood-lifting Lavender

Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills 

(אֲזוֹבְיוֹן רְפוּאִי (לָבֶנְדֶר – Lavender – Lavandula Angustifolia

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Soothing, Relaxing, Mood-lifting Lavender

On the right side of the walkway to our home, three lavender plants emanate their sweet fragrance as I walk by. Every Motzei Shabbat my husband picks a spike or two, which we use together with lemon geranium and myrtle for havdalah. Afterward, I put the fragrant herbs in a vase, which graces the guest bathroom sink. Lavender makes me reminisce about my dear grandmother ob”m. Her gorgeous garden was replete with fragrant flowers, and I recall how she once told me to plant many lavender plants to enjoy their beautiful fragrance when you walked by. It is a hardy perennial that survives harsh Gush Etzion winters.  Lavender seems to bring back memories in general, although the conclusions of scientific studies regarding lavender’s effect on short-term memory are contradictory. When it comes to lavender’s calming effect, everyone agrees that lavender is calming and soothing. Lavender relaxes your mind and body. Lavender essential oil is often used to promote rest, bring on sleep and a feeling of happiness. If you suffer from insomnia, try sprinkling a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow before going to sleep. I always look forward to the final relaxation at the end of our weekly Meditative Movement (Yoga) class, when our teacher places an eye-pillow saturated with lavender essential oils on our eyes and forehead. As I breathe in the relaxing fragrance, after a long day of hard work, I may drift off a bit during the guided meditation.

Is Lavender Mentioned in the Torah?

Lavender is native to the Mediterranean, where the winters are cool and moist and the summers are hot and dry. Therefore, it is hard to believe that this lovely aromatic plant would not be mentioned in the Torah. Perhaps, the Biblical נֵרְדְּ/nerd could be referring to lavender? This herb is one of the 11 aromatics of the Ketoret (Temple incense), (Babylonian Talmud, Kritut 6a). According to Arizal, נֵרְדְּ/nerd corresponds to the sefirah of Tiferet – beauty (Sha’ar Hakavanot, Drushei Tefilat Hashachar 3). It exudes a beautiful fragrance, fit for a king, as we learn from Song of Songs:

ספר שיר השירים פרק א פסוק יב עַד שֶׁהַמֶּלֶךְ בִּמְסִבּוֹ נִרְדִּי נָתַן רֵיחוֹ:

“While the king sat at his table, my spikenard sent forth its fragrance” (Song of Songs 1:12).

ספר שיר השירים פרק ד פסוק יג שְׁלָחַיִךְ פַּרְדֵּס רִמּוֹנִים עִם פְּרִי מְגָדִים כְּפָרִים עִם נְרָדִים:

(יד) נֵרְדְּ וְכַרְכֹּם קָנֶה וְקִנָּמוֹן עִם כָּל עֲצֵי לְבוֹנָה מֹר וַאֲהָלוֹת עִם כָּל רָאשֵׁי בְשָׂמִים:

“Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates, with precious fruits; henna with spikenard plants. (14) Spikenard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices (Song of Songs 4:13-14).

The Spiky Nard Confusion

The Torah commentaries or translations do not identify נֵרְדְּ/nerd with lavender, but rather with spikenard. There are various species of lavender, and spike lavender (Lavandula Latifolia) may be confused with spikenard. It is a small, aromatic herb or shrub; belonging to the Lamiaceae plant family and is closely related to true lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia). However, spikenard (Nardostachys Jatamansi) is a flowering plant of the Valerian family that grows in the Himalayas of Nepal, China and India. It was the more valuable of the two because it had to be imported from a great distance. It is distinguished by its many hairy spikes shooting out from one root. Spikenard is used as an aromatic ingredient in perfumes due to its sweet and earthy scent. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is famous for its cognitive and neurological benefits. Although lavender and spikenard are two completely unrelated herbs, they both have a calming effect that facilitate sound sleep. Interestingly, the Hebrew word ‘nerd’ from the root נ-ר-ד/nun-reish-dalet also means to fall asleep. The lavender shrub is named from the Latin ‘lavare,’ to wash because the ancient Romans used lavender in their bath water as a perfume as well as for its therapeutic properties. The Greeks called lavender ‘nardus,’ referring to a city in Syria called ‘Naarda,’ where lavender was often sold. Many simply called the plant ‘nard.’ This explains why some people confused the Biblical נֵרְדְּ/nerd with lavender.

The Lavender Cleanse Connection

Lavender has been used for over 2,500 years, starting with the ancient Egyptians who used it in their mummification process and as a perfume. It was also popular among Arabs, Romans and Greeks. In the North of England, during the middle ages, washerwomen were called ‘Lavenders’ due to the custom of scenting newly washed linen with lavender, to keep them moth and insect-free. Adding a few drops on a cotton cloth in the dryer will help repel insects and prevent moths. You can also make an all-purpose cleaner with a few drops of lavender essential oil, white vinegar and baking soda. For personal purification, soak in a lavender bath (with five to seven drops of lavender oil) for twenty to thirty minutes. A few drops of lavender with witch hazel is a great facial cleanser. You may also use lavender to help ‘wash’ away negative energies. Turner, in his work, A New Herball from the mid-1500s, explains that the name ‘lavender’ originated from the word ‘lavare’ because it would cleanse the head and mind. Perhaps he was referring to lavender’s ability to alleviate migraine headaches, or for treating mental disease. In either case, I recommend using a drop of lavender in a carrier oil for a headache and to add lavender to your massage oil for a calming, healing experience. I was inspired to read about a hospice that bathes its dying patients with lavender-scented water. It relaxes the patient as well as their family! 

Lavender for Mental Health

Lavender has an outstanding balancing and healing effect on the nervous system. Since so many illnesses are stress related, lavender is helpful both in preventative health care and for treating tension-related illnesses. The relaxing scent of lavender makes it a great aromatherapy for people suffering from depression. Research shows that the essential oil of lavender may be useful for treating anxiety, depression, insomnia, and restlessness. Lavender oil reduces emotional tension and encourages feelings of tranquility and peace. It allows us to remain calm during times of stress. Researchers found that lavender scent might help anxious dental patients.  A few drops of lavender relaxes and calms body, mind and spirit.

Promotes Meditation & Spiritual Connection

Lavender oil provides spiritual healing. The gentleness of lavender encourages compassion while helping to soothe deep sadness. Lavender conjures feelings of balance and emotional wellbeing. It releases energy blocks and helps reach a deeper spiritual connection through meditative work. Incorporating lavender into meditative practice heightens intuition and spiritual understanding. Rubbing a few drops of lavender oil into the arches of the feet can clear the energetic field while, massaging a few drops of lavender oil on the outer ear balances the energetic field. Lavender resonates with the sefira of keter (crown) relating to our connection with Hashem. When anointing the top of the forehead using a downward motion, it helps bring the spirit into the body. Placing 8-10 drops of lavender oil into a diffuser and allowing the aroma to fill the room helps clear the mind of distractions, while exhaling negative thoughts and breathing in the fragrant scent.

Heals the Skin

Lavender essential oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help heal minor burns, bug bites, wounds, bee stings, rashes, acne, and skin irritations or infections. A study published in the journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine  suggests that lavender accelerates wound healing. It may even be effective in treating fungal infections.  Put a drop of lavender on a bug bite, cut, burn, or scratch. Add a drop of lavender to your Band-Aid when you cut yourself for a speedy healing boost. Lavender is a superb herb to add to any homemade skin products due to its skin nourishing properties and pleasant scent. Use a few drops of lavender in any blend – from body lotion to face cream.

Hands On

Lavender is an all-purpose healer. I use it in my shampoo, natural deodorant and homemade face cream. Lavender also has culinary uses. The French are known for their lavender syrup, made from an extract of lavender. In the United States, both French lavender syrup and dried lavender buds make lavender scones and marshmallows. You can make a calming cup of tea from lavender flowers – just add hot water and let steep for 5 minutes. Lavender oil is gentle enough to use with children. Diffusing lavender when the kids are getting crazy is amazing. Rubbing it on the wrists, temples and/or feet can help calm mind and body to prepare for sleep. You may want to try cleaning your bathrooms with lavender and lemon oil. This calming scent kills all the nastiness. Here is a recipe for natural toilet bowl cleaner provided by my sister, Chava Kruger.

Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner

1 Cup distilled water

1 Cup baking soda

1 Cup liquid castile soap

¼ Cup distilled white vinegar

½ teaspoon tea tree essential oil

½ teaspoon lavender essential oil

1. Mix the last 5 ingredients together.

2. Add the water and shake all ingredients well.

3. Pour into a spray bottle

Frozen Lavender Blossoms

A beautiful and tasty addition to iced tea, lemonade, punch or other favorite cold beverages.

Pick enough sprigs of fresh lavender florets to fill your ice cube tray with at least one floret per cube.

1.Gently rinse fresh lavender florets.

2. Snip off the stem and leaves (reserve for another use).

3. Place at least one whole floret in each cube of your ice cube tray.

4. Cover with water.

5. Freeze until solid.

6. Remove from tray and store in a plastic bag or container.

Calamint: Inconspicuous, Sorrow Soothing, Sweet Smelling Herb

Herbal Remedies from the Judean Hills
כַּלָמִינְתָּה אֲפוֹרָה – Lesser Calamint – Calamintha Incana
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Inconspicuous, Sorrow Soothing, Sweet Smelling Herb

When foraging for hyssop with my students, it is easy to mistake calamintha for hyssop. These two plants look almost identical in the spring, before the tiny pinkish, light purple or mauve flowers clearly distinguish calamintha from hyssop. Calamintha, more commonly known as calamint or gray calamint – a direct translation from the Hebrew – is smaller, low-climbing, with square stems and bears pairs of opposite leaves in the shape of small hearts. I would say that calamintha is more humble than hyssop. It droops inconspicuously, yet gracefully before spreading out. It needs very little room to grow, as it finds its way to spread out between rocks of the terrace and crevices and between steps and walls. In better conditions than my garden, it may be an erect, bushy plant reaching up to 30 cm (a foot) high. The main way to distinguish calamintha from hyssop is through its scent. The whole herb has a sweet and aromatic fragrance, and makes a pleasant tea. It grows by the wayside, in hedges, especially in dry places and may be cultivated as a hardy perennial. I was planning to uproot calamintha from my flower bed on the side of our driveway, since it seemed to have crowded out the presence of more desirable, vividly, colorful flowers. Yet, when I went to take some calamintha photos, I discovered how beautiful its delicate flowers actually are, if you only look closely. Calamintha’s flowering season is quite long: from the month of Tamuz (June/July) until Chanukah. Moreover, Calamintha soothes sorrows, helps in recovery from emotional pain, increases joy and restores a bright outlook on life. Therefore, I decided to add some better soil and compost rather than uprooting my soothing companion, who chose my garden as its home.

One of the Disputed Plants Qualifying for Bitter Herbs on Pesach

Calamintha belonging to the family Lamiaceae, is native to the northern temperate regions of Europe, Asia and America. It thrives in the Middle East including in Israel, where it favors the Galilee, the Judean Wilderness, as well as the mountains of Judea and Samaria. In the Talmudic discussion about the plants that qualify for bitter herbs on the Seder night, ethno-botanist and folklore researcher, Nissim Krispil identified Calamintha as one of the bitter herbs in debate:

תלמוד בבלי מסכת סוכה דף יג/א ואמר רב חסדא אמר רבינא בר שילא הני מרריתא דאגמא אדם יוצא בהן ידי חובתו בפסח מיתיביה אזוב ולא אזוב יון ולא אזוב כוחלי ולא אזוב מדברי ולא אזוב רומי ולא אזוב שיש לו שם לווי אמר אביי כל שנשתנה שמו קודם מתן תורה ובאתה תורה והקפידה עליה בידוע שיש לו שם לווי והני לא נשתנה שמייהו קודם מתן תורה כלל:

Rav Chisda stated in the name of Rabina ben Shilo, A person fulfills his obligation on Pesach with bitter herbs of the marsh. It was objected: Hyssop but not Greek hyssop, or stibium-hyssop, or wild hyssop, or Roman hyssop or any kind of hyssop which has a special name. Abaye answered: Whatever had different names prior to the Giving of the Torah, the Torah makes specific mention of the general name to exclude the species with special names. However, the former [bitter herbs] did not have different names before the Giving of the Law at all. [All its varieties, therefore, are eligible]. (Babylonian Talmud, Sukkah 13a)

The word אזוב יון/ezov yavan – translated as ‘Greek Hyssop’ may also be written in one word as אזוביון/ezovion meaning ‘lesser hyssop.’ Due to the similarity between hyssop and calamintha, with the latter being smaller, it makes sense to identify אזוביון/ezovion with calamintha incana. In Arabic as well, calamintha is called ‘small hyssop’ (Nissim Krispil, Yalkut Hatzemachim).

Medicinal Properties of Calaminta

Calamint has been consumed as a medicinal herb since medieval times. The Israeli Arabs traditionally use it for eating and for healing. Tea from dried calamint leaves treats the digestive system and cures intestinal worms. Due to its expectorant properties, it is very beneficial for the respiratory system. Being aromatic, it also acts as a nerve tonic. Calamint leaves have a high content of menthol, making them effective for treating bruises and cuts. Most important of all, calamint strengthens the uterus, relieves menstrual cramps and greatly alleviates female ailments and difficulties in childbirth.

Remedy for Respiratory Problems

Calamint heals respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, asthma, chest congestion and cough. Inhaling calamint vapor is the best way to treat respiratory ailments. Using it as a rub also alleviates bronchial problems.

Treats Colds and Fever

As a diaphoretic – increasing perspiration – calamint may be used to treat colds and fevers.

Soothes the Stomach

Calamint strengthens the stomach, relieves indigestion, flatulence, colic and strong stomach pains. Culpepper recommends calamint for relieving pain in the stomach and bowels, convulsions and cramps from cholera.

Kills Intestinal Worms

Culpepper recommends taking calamint with salt and honey for killing intestinal worms.

May Cure Snake Bites

The name of the genus, calamintha, is derived from the Greek ‘Kalos’ – ‘excellent,’ because of the ancient belief in its power to drive away serpents and the dreaded basilisk – the fabled king of the serpents, whose very glance was fatal. Diyoskorides writes: “One root of calamintha in wine helps against snake bites.”

Heals Gall and Spleen

Calamint is also helpful in all disorders of the gall and spleen, and cures yellow jaundice (Culpepper).

Heals Nervous Disorders

Drinking calamint tea treats depression, insomnia and other nervous disorders. Consuming calamint seeds may also be helpful to cure depression: “Calamint cureth the infirmities of the hart, taketh away sorrowfulnesse which commeth of melancholie, and maketh a man merrie and glad” (Gerard). Conserve made of the young fresh tops is useful in hysterical complaints.

Stimulates Mental Alertness 

Calamint is very effective on afflictions of the brain, and can also make you more alert (Culpepper).

Heals the Skin and External Injuries

Calamint has been used extensively for skin ailments. Its leaves have a high menthol content, making them an effective remedy for bruises and cuts. “Calamint relieves those who have leprosy, taken inwardly, drinking whey after it, or the green herb outwardly applied, and that it taketh away black and blue marks in the face, and maketh black scars become well coloured, if the green herb (not the dry) be boiled in wine and laid to the place or the place washed therewith”  (Culpepper).

Female Ailments

Calamint is a woman’s friend. Drinking it in tea provides substantial relief of menstrual pains, and supports the uterus. Massaging with calmint oil helps women who suffer from female ailments such as period problems. Calamint aids the birthing woman and significantly alleviates labor pains. A woman who has difficult labor should chew calamint leaves steeped in olive oil.

Hands On

The leaves are the most useful part of calamint. The whole herb has a sweet, aromatic scent and makes a pleasant, cordial tea. For maximum effect, use infusion from the dried leaves collected at the peak of summer, when they are in their best condition. Crushed calamint leaves can also be rubbed on muscle cramps for providing subsequent relief. Traditionally, calamint has been used as a flavoring additive for wild game and other meats and to add a new taste to various foods.

Calamint Tea

1. Pick calamint stalks with leaves.

2. Simmer 2 handfuls of green stalks and leaves in a liter of water for 3 minutes.

3. Strain with a fine strainer or a cotton cloth to ensure a bug-free tea.

4. Drink 4-5 cups a day.

Calamint Vapor

1. Boil 4 heaping handfuls of green stalks and leaves in a liter of water.

2. When the vapor rises from the pot, creates a ‘tent’ with a towel above the head in order to draw the vapor.

3. This treatment lasts for up to 5 min.

Calamint Simple Syrup

4-5 Calamint sprigs

1 cup honey or granulated Brown Sugar

1 cup Water

1. Add the water and sweetener to a medium sauce pot and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar (about 2 minutes).

2. Add the calamint, stir, and remove from the heat.

3. Allow the calamint to steep in the syrup for 2 hours as it cools to room temperature on the counter top.

4. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up 6 weeks. Yields about 1 cup.