Jewish/Kabbalistic Herbalism
The Torah and Talmud contain extensive references to sacred plants used in Temple worship, purification rituals, and healing. The Ketoret (sacred incense) burned in the Temple was a precise formula connecting earth to heaven, while the plants of the Land of Israel held deep spiritual significance in Jewish mysticism.
Temple Herbs and Incense
Sacred plants used in the Tabernacle and Temple worship, as prescribed in Torah.
Hyssop (Ezov - Origanum syriacum)
Biblical Use: Purification Passover Cleansing
References: Exodus 12:22, Leviticus 14, Numbers 19, Psalm 51:7
"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." - Psalm 51:7
Used in the Passover, purification of lepers, and red heifer ceremony.
Frankincense (Levonah)
Biblical Use: Ketoret Showbread Offerings
References: Exodus 30:34, Leviticus 2:1, 24:7
Key ingredient in the sacred incense (Ketoret). Pure frankincense placed on the Showbread.
Cedar (Erez)
Biblical Use: Temple Purification Sacred Wood
References: 1 Kings 5-7, Leviticus 14, Numbers 19
Cedar of Lebanon built Solomon's Temple. Used with hyssop in purification rites.
Myrrh (Mor)
Biblical Use: Anointing Oil Ketoret Perfume
References: Exodus 30:23, Esther 2:12, Song of Solomon
Primary ingredient in the holy anointing oil. Used to prepare Esther for the king.
Biblical Plants
Plants mentioned in the Hebrew Bible with spiritual and medicinal significance.
Mandrake (Dudaim - Mandragora officinarum)
Biblical Use: Fertility Love
References: Genesis 30:14-16, Song of Solomon 7:13
"Give me some of your son's mandrakes." - Rachel to Leah (Genesis 30:14)
Associated with fertility in the story of Rachel and Leah. Believed to aid conception.
HIGHLY TOXIC - Do not ingest
Spikenard (Nerd)
Biblical Use: Anointing Perfume
References: Song of Solomon 1:12, 4:13-14
Precious perfume imported from the Himalayas. Associated with the beloved in Song of Solomon.
Aloe (Ahalim/Ahalot)
Biblical Use: Burial Perfume
References: Numbers 24:6, Psalm 45:8, Proverbs 7:17
Not modern Aloe vera but fragrant aloeswood (Aquilaria). Used in burial preparations.
The Ketoret - Sacred Temple Incense
The Torah prescribes a specific incense formula for Temple use (Exodus 30:34-38):
- Stacte (Nataf): Possibly storax or myrrh drops
- Onycha (Shecheleth): Possibly sea snail operculum
- Galbanum (Chelbenah): Aromatic resin with sharp scent
- Frankincense (Levonah): Pure frankincense resin
The Talmud adds seven more ingredients to the formula. Making this incense for personal use was forbidden.
Kabbalistic Plant Correspondences
In Jewish mysticism, plants are associated with the Sephirot (divine emanations):
- Keter (Crown): Frankincense - Divine connection, highest prayer
- Chokmah (Wisdom): Myrrh - Deep wisdom, understanding
- Binah (Understanding): Aloe - Contemplation, insight
- Tiferet (Beauty): Rose - Harmony, balance, divine beauty
- Yesod (Foundation): Mandrake - Fertility, vital force
- Malkhut (Kingdom): Hyssop - Earthly purification, the physical world