Renewing the Ancient Hebrew Medicine, with Judean Desert Herbs

1.         The Fundamentals of Ancient Hebrew Medicine

The ancient Hebrew medicine was practiced in the Land of Israel at least until the second century B.C., as attested by contemporary historians who described the export of ointments from the Judean Desert region. Its approach included:

1. the maceration of plants in oil (installations for such a process were recently discovered in Ein-Bokek, near the Dead Sea);
2. massaging people with oils, as described in the Bible;
3. the use of local herbs ("Though shall purify me with Hyssop and I shall be purified"- Psalms, Chapter 51);
4. emphasis on total change of an existing condition, as exemplified by symbol of snake on bar (current symbol of pharmacies), which Moses received: stick converted to snake and back. Immediately upon receiving this symbol, he performed an act of healing on himself: converting healthy hand to hand with leprosy, and healing it again. This total transformation was typically performed with hormones-rich plants.
5. importance of liver and kidneys for detox: "liver" in Hebrew means also "heavy, respectful"; "kidneys" in Hebrew mean also "totality".

A detailed discussion of this ancient medicine shall be published in a separate book.

2.         The Judean Desert Frontier

The Judean Desert is situated between the Judean Hills, with an elevation of up to 1000 m above sea level, and a rainy, Mediterranean climate, and the Dead Sea, which is the lowest place on earth- more than 400 m below sea level, with constantly warm and dry conditions. These two climatic extremes are separated by a narrow strip, ca. 30 kms (14 miles) wide, which includes the Judean Desert. This creates a rare encounter between two herbal populations, and a strong climatic gradient, resulting in high stress levels in plants. One result of this stress is, apparently, a relatively high level of certain phytosteroids that are involved in plants' adaptation to stress. It appears that such phytosteroids are useful for various therapeutic purposes:

1. replacing Cortisone, for treating auto-immune skin diseases such as psoriasis;
2. providing a corticosteroid treatment for rheumatic problems and inflammations.

Moreover, the Southern Hebron Hills are typified by high altitude hills. With very low humidity, on the desert frontier. A wide variety of plants is found on those hills, including dozens of Sage species. The local conditions allow aromatic oils in plants to accumulate with minimal hydration due to humidity; this results in rich aromas, beneficial for ant-bacterial and anti-fungal applications.

Indigenous herbs include:

1. Origanum dayi – grows exclusively in this area and in the Trans-Jordan hills. Rich in essential oil (up to 2% of its weight). Possesses anti-bacterial properties, yet is mild on the skin.
2. Varthemia iphionoides – grows on limestone-rich soils, flourishes during late summer. Contains an essential oil with strong tissue-regenerating properties.
3. Achilea fragrantissima – a species with fragrant essential oil, that helps in skin healing.
4. Haplophylum tuberculatum – a species that is less toxic than rue, and with similar therapeutic effects.
5. Micromeria fruticosa – grows particularly in the Judean hills, and is strongly calming
6. Vebascum sinaiticum – a strongly astringent plant
7. Origanum syriacum – grows in the Judean hills. Includes two several chemotypes, with different percentages of Thymol and Carvacrol in their essential oils. Strongly anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.
8. Corydothymus capitatus (Spanish Thyme) – a member of the thyme family, strongly anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.
9. Hypericum triquetrifolium – resembles Saint John's Wort in its contents and therapeutic effects.
10. Leontice leontopetalum – an herbs with bulbs that are rich in saponins
11. Inula viscosa – common in the Judean hills. Strongly anti-fungal.
12. Tanaceutum santanoloides – a relative of Feverfew. Strong anti-parasyte activity.