As with other Biblical plants, the botanical source of hyssop is shrouded in debate. The Bible mentions hyssop many times (Leviticus 14:1–7). A brush made of hyssop branches was used to mark the houses of the Jews with lamb’s blood to protect them from the impending...
Cassia and cinnamon of these, which is the true cinnamon, or are they two names for a single spice? Both find mentioned in the Bible. The spices have been popular since pre-Biblical times. Both are called in trade cinnamon. Cinnamon originates from several species,...
Labdanum, which the Arabs call ladanum, is procured in a stranger fashion. Found in the most odorous place, it is the sweetest-scented of all substances. It is gathered from the beards of he-goats, which are found sticking like gum, having come from the bushes on...
Photo: Wibowo Djatmiko Stacte holy incense, known in Hebrew as nataf, is one of the four ingredients in Holy Incense referred to in Exodus 35:34. As with most Biblical and other religious references to herbs and plants, the botany of the plant from which the spice,...
Black seeds are a popular spice across the globe whose Biblical origins are unclear. Reviews of papers and ancient literature suggest Bunium bulbocastanum and Nigella sativa. B. bulbocastanum is the botanical name for black cumin. This species is native to northern...
