Herbs, Spices, Fibers
Aloe
Aloes are mentioned several times in the scripture. Botanists believe the species involved were Aloe vera, also called Aloe barbadensis, and Aloe succotrina. Some botanists believe that Aloe succotrina served as the model for the menorah. The oil from Aloes was used to anoint the bodies of the dead, in religious ceremonies, and as a perfume for shrouds. Ancient Egyptians used Aloe oil to embalm the dead. It was also used as medicine and is still being sold for its healthful properties today. This plant should be planted out each spring and overwintered indoors in pots. [Note: Botanists now consider Aloe vera and A. barbadensis to be the same species.]
Castor Bean
Jonah talks about a gourd vine which grew up and shielded Jonah from the sun and then disappeared overnight. Although some botanists believe this was a form of wild gourd, the Hebrew word used by the author was the word used for the castor bean plant, Ricinis communis. The castor bean plant reaches tree-like proportions with umbrella like leaves. A common herbal remedy, castor oil, is pressed from the seeds. The origin of the castor bean plant is unknown but archaeologists have found castor beans in ancient Egyptian tombs. Botanists believe it originated somewhere in tropical Africa. This is a quick growing plant that makes a dramatic focus point in the garden.
Chicory
Chicory, Cichorium intybus, was one of the bitter herbs of Numbers 9:11. It is native to Syria where it is eaten chopped in salads, ground as a beverage, or boiled as greens. It was very common throughout Egypt as a wild plant and most likely used by the Egyptians in the same way the Syrians did.
Cotton
Cotton, Gossypium, is mentioned in Esther 1:5-6. The Hebrew word is karpas. It was also called vine wool. Four species were cultivated for the hairs on the seed which is used to weave cloth. If started inside early, it may be possible to grow this plant in the Northern zones. Children are fascinated by the seed pods containing the hundreds of "cotton" threads.
Coriander
Coriander, Coriandrum sativum, grew wild in Egypt. It was used as a funeral offering in Egypt and as a preservative by Romans. The Egyptians ate the leaves in salads. Israelites described the manna God provided them to feed them in the wilderness as looking like coriander seed (Exodus 16:31). Coriander seed is used for seasoning and as herbal medicine.
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