20 Healing Plants Mentioned in the Bible and Their Traditional Uses Today

A complete guide to plants mentioned in the Bible, their Scripture references, traditional uses, and spiritual symbolism.

Many people are surprised to learn how many healing plants are mentioned in the Bible. From frankincense and myrrh to hyssop and olive, Scripture is filled with herbs, trees, and resins that were valued for both spiritual symbolism and practical daily use.

Today, modern research continues to explore the traditional uses of many biblical plants for digestion, inflammation, skin support, and overall wellness. While the Bible is not a medical textbook, it offers fascinating insight into the natural remedies and botanicals that were part of ancient life.

In this guide, we’ll explore 20 plants mentioned in the Bible, the verses where they appear, and how they are traditionally used today.

Complete List of 20 Healing Plants in the Bible

Plant Name	Use	Scripture
Aloe	skin soothing	John 19:39
Frankincense	cleansing & worship	Exodus 30:34; Matthew 2:11
Myrrh	anointing and burial	Exodus 30:23; Matthew 2:11
Olive	Cooking & anointing	Genesis 8:11; James 5:14
Hyssop	cleansing & purification	Exodus 12:22
Fig	used in poultices in biblical times	2 Kings 20:7
Pomegranate	blessing and fruitfulness	Exodus 28:33-34
Cedar	strength & purification	Leviticus 14:4
Mustard	faith & growth	Matthew 13:31-32
Mint	tithing reference	Matthew 23:23
Rue	tithing practices	Luke 11:42
Corianer	Compared to manna in the wilderness	Exodus 16:31
Cumin	Agricultural plant mentioned by Isaiah	Isaiah 28:25-27
Garlic	Food remembered by Israelites	Numbers 11:5
Onion	Food remembered in the wilderness	Numbers 11:5
Balm of Gilead	Precious healing resin	Jeremiah 8:22
Cassia	Ingredient in holy anointing oil	Exodus 30:24
Cinnamon	Ingredient in holy anointing oil	Exodus 30:23
Saffron	Fragrant spice in Song of Solomon	Song of Solomon 4:14
Vine (Grapevine)	Symbol of abiding and fruitfulness	John 15:5

 

Below you’ll find a deeper look at each plant, including its biblical context and its traditional or research-supported uses today.

🌿 Resins and Sacred Oils of Scripture

These precious substances were often reserved for royalty and holy anointing, but their physical benefits are accessible to everyone today.

Frankincense 

Myrrh

Balm of Gilead

Cassia

Cinnamon

 

🍇 Fruits and Trees Mentioned in the Bible

From the olive branch of peace to the fruitful vine, these staples of the Mediterranean diet are the backbone of longevity.

Olive (Genesis 8:11; James 5:14):
Traditionally associated with peace and anointing, olive oil was also used in daily cooking and healing practice. Rich in polyphenols that protect the heart and reduce oxidative stress.

The Fig (2 Kings 20:7): Famously used as a poultice for boils in the Bible, figs contain enzymes with significant antimicrobial effects.

The Pomegranate (Exodus 28:33): One of the most antioxidant-rich fruits on earth, known for fighting inflammation and lowering blood pressure.

The Vine (John 15:5): Grapes and their seeds provide resveratrol, a compound linked to heart health and longevity.

 

🌿 Culinary Herbs and Daily Remedies

The "bitter herbs" and seasonings mentioned in the Bible do more than just add flavor; they are powerhouses for digestion and heart health.

Cinnamon & Cassia: Both mentioned in Exodus, these spices are now famous for improving insulin sensitivity and regulating blood sugar.

Garlic & Onion: While the Israelites craved these in the desert (Numbers 11:5), we now know they are essential for cardiovascular health and immune support.

Mint & Cumin: Jesus mentioned these in Matthew 23:23. Today, they are often used for soothing IBS and digestive distress.

Saffron: Mentioned in the Song of Solomon, modern studies suggest this "sunshine spice" has been studied for its potential antidepressant effect and support of cognitive health.

💧 Cleansing and Topical Healing

Hyssop: Historically used for ritual cleansing (Psalm 51:7), it possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties, often used for chest congestion and bronchitis.

Aloe: Used in the burial spices of Jesus (John 19:39), it remains the go-to remedy for speeding wound healing and soothing inflammation.

How to Use This Knowledge Today

Integrating these plants into your life doesn't require a degree in botany. You can start by:

Diffusing Frankincense or Cedarwood essential oils for a calming, prayerful environment.

Cooking with Coriander, Cumin, and Turmeric to support your gut health.

Using Aloe-based skincare for natural healing.

🌿 The Spiritual Symbolism of Biblical Plants

Throughout Scripture, plants were not only practical but symbolic:

Olive Oil symbolized anointing and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Vine (John 15:5) symbolized abiding in Christ.

Hyssop (Psalm 51:7) represented cleansing and purification

Frankincense & Myrrh (Matthew 2:11) were gifts of worship and sacrifice

Bringing the Biblical Garden Into Your Home

Exploring the plants of the Bible invites us to slow down and appreciate how God designed the natural world with purpose. From the olive branch of peace to the cleansing symbolism of hyssop, these plants remind us that creation itself reflects care, provision, and restoration.

Whether you choose to cook with biblical herbs, study their history, or simply reflect on their symbolism, you can deepen both your knowledge and your faith through the garden of Scripture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plants in the Bible

Are biblical herbs still used today?
Yes. Many herbs mentioned in the Bible, such as olive, garlic, cinnamon, mint, and aloe, are still used today in cooking, skincare, and traditional wellness practices.

Did people in the Bible use plants for medicine? Yes. Ancient cultures relied on herbs, oils, and plant-based preparations for daily care, cleansing, and traditional healing practices.

What is the most healing plant mentioned in Scripture?
The Bible does not name one “most healing” plant, but olive oil, hyssop, frankincense, and Balm of Gilead are commonly associated with cleansing and restoration.

Is Balm of Gilead a real plant?
It refers to a valuable resin believed to come from trees in the Commiphora family, traditionally used for soothing wounds and skin conditions.

What are the most frequently mentioned plants in the Bible?
Olive, vine, fig, cedar, and hyssop appear often throughout Scripture in both practical and symbolic contexts.

 

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new herbal or dietary