In the very beginning – biblical beginnings – God created light, sky, dry land, seas, plants, trees, the sun, moon, stars, sea and flying creatures, land animals, and finally, humans. Herbs and spices were created even before Adam and Eve could enjoy them. According to Genesis 1:29, God gave the pair every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that had fruit with seed in it. “They will be yours for food,” states the Bible.
The spice trade was initially conducted by camel caravans over land routes most notably along the Silk Road via Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. The Silk Road is neither an actual road nor a single route. The term instead refers to a network of routes used by traders for more than 1,500 years, from when the Han dynasty of China opened trade in 130 B.C.E. until 1453 C.E., when the Ottoman Empire closed off trade with the West. It was an important trade route connecting Asia with the Mediterranean, North Africa and Europe. This Incense Route was the way to trade all kinds of articles, including Arabian frankincense and myrrh. Gold, rare woods and feathers came from Africa whilst precious stones, pearls, silk and spices arrived from India and further east. The Spice and Incense Route—those words conjure images of long camel caravans ferrying trade goods across the Negev desert to Jerusalem and points beyond. The Incense Trade Route was, in the main, controlled by the Arabs, who transported goods by camel caravans and for almost 700 years, it was a hazardous but very profitable trade. Spices such as cinnamon, cassia, cardamon, ginger, pepper, nutmeg, star anise, clove, and turmeric were known and used in Bible times and traded in the Eastern World.
We first discover the ancient beginnings of the spice route in the biblical story of Joseph when his brothers sold him to a caravan of Ishmaelite traders on their way to Egypt (Gen. 37:25). The camel caravan, laden with spices, balm and myrrh, came from Gilead, a region in northern Israel famed for its medicines.
On this exotic desert road connecting the Orient with the Roman Empire, the precious commodities of frankincense and myrrh were transported over vast distances. The Queen of Sheba also paved the way for a spice route from Africa on her way to visit King Solomon in Jerusalem, bringing with her a great retinue and untold wealth in spices, gold and precious stones (1 Kings 10:2).
The Bible reflects an intimate knowledge of herbs and spices, which perfumed the Temple in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 2:4), sweetened the home (Song of Songs 7:13) and seasoned meals during the Exodus (Numbers 11:5–6). Repeated references to herbs and spices indicate that the people of the Bible knew how these plants tasted, smelled, and looked; where they grew and what medicinal value they provided. In ancient times, herbs—the edible leaves, blossoms and soft stems of annuals and perennials—were used primarily as medicine. – The search for information on ancient medicine leads naturally from the papyri of Egypt to Hebrew literature. Though the Bible contains little on the medical practices of ancient Israel, it is a mine of information on social and personal hygiene. The Jews were indeed pioneers in matters of public health.
The Christian Bible mentions magi who came from the East to do homage to Yeshua (Jesus) in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1). Magi were priests in Zoroastrianism and the earlier religions of western Persia. They were told to bring gold, frankincense and myrrh, – valuable items monetarily – fine and expensive gifts. But more than that, these gifts had a ritual significance in the ancient world. Gold has always been an enduring symbol of incorruptible love, while frankincense and myrrh were ingredients in sacred incenses and anointing oil.
Frankincense for instance, is produced from trees of the genus Boswellia. It has an impressive pedigree and has been traded on the Arabian Peninsula for around 6,000 year. The aromatic resin is used in incense and perfumes; it produces a sweet, earthy, and woody aroma. Today, with a popular focus on well-being and alternative therapies, essential oils and aromatherapy have given frankincense a rebirth in the West. Some of these ancient herbal remedies are being re-discovered and making a comeback in alternative medicine.
Standing with Israel 