Judean Desert Herbs for joints and muscles treatment

General Background

1. The Fundamentals of Ancient Hebrew MedicineT

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:

the maceration of plants in oil (installations for such a process were recently discovered in Ein-Bokek, near the Dead Sea);
massaging people with oils, as described in the Bible;
the use of local herbs ("Though shall purify me with Hyssop and I shall be purified"- Psalms, Chapter 51);
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.
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.

Judean Desert Herbs

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.	Varsemia 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.	Artemisia herba alba Grows in extreme desert conditions, from the Sahara to the Arabian deserts. Helps for treating skin affections..

5.	Artemisia judaica Grows in the southern Negev desert. Helps treat skin problems.

6.	Corydothymus capitatus (Spanish Thyme) Strongly antibacterial and anti fungal

7.	Cupressus sempervirens A tree, the oil of which helps contract hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and sagging skin

8.	Fennel Helps treat stress, skin and respiratory allergies

9.	Haplophylum tuberculatum A species that is less toxic than rue, and with similar therapeutic effects.

10.	Hypericum triquetrifolium Resembles Saint John's Wort in its contents and therapeutic effects.