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Should Your Survival Plans Include Growing This Biblical Herb?
Survival Institute
Survival Institute

Should Your Survival Plans Include Growing This Biblical Herb?

by
May 7, 2018

While it’s true that many Christians are preppers, by no means is every prepper a believer. Still, you may want to ask the question: “Is there useful information in the Bible for people who are not Christians?”

It turns out that the answer to that question is yes.

Now, to be clear, we’re not having a discussion about spiritual principles or promoting good character (both of which many non-believers would advocate). We’re talking about information here with practical daily uses.

One such bit of useful information is about a plant that is not widely known outside of those who have studied the Old Testament in the Bible but which has some fantastic benefits for physical health. The plant is called hyssop and has been used for thousands of years as an antiseptic. Metaphorically, the Bible alludes to this in Psalm 51 when it says, “Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean.” However, the Bible also alludes to this practical antiseptic use in Numbers 19:18.

But it wasn’t just the Hebrews in the Old Testament who used hyssop for antiseptic purposes. Dr. Josh Axe writes that “the Romans even used hyssop because they believed it helped protect them against plagues.”

For some people, this use as an antiseptic would be enough reason to have hyssop with them when they bug out, but there are a variety of other health uses for the plant. Again, Dr. Axe writes,

Today, hyssop is used for digestive and intestinal problems, including liver and gallbladder conditions, intestinal pain, and loss of appetite. It’s also used for respiratory problems in various ways, such as eliminating coughs, helping to prevent the common cold and respiratory infections, soothing sore throats, and as one of the natural remedies for asthma.

If all of these benefits weren’t enough, hyssop has also been shown to help ease cramping and muscle aches due to its ability to relax muscles, and hyssop is also a natural diuretic, so it can help to ease swelling. And it helps to boost the immune system and helps skin health.

If you want to grow hyssop at your bug out location, Dr. Axe offers these directions:

Typically, hyssop seeds are sown in the springtime; they can be propagated from the roots or cuttings in autumn and spring. When planting, make sure the seedling is 15–20 inches apart so they have enough space to grow. Hyssop does best with well-drained soil and full sun, and when it becomes too big, it needs to be clipped. The plant attracts butterflies, hoverflies and bees, which encourages pollination naturally.

If you plan to pick or cut the leaves for drying, do it on a sunny day to ensure that you get the highest concentration of active ingredients. Let the leaves air-dry in a sunny place with plenty of air and circulation; it takes about six days before they’re completely dry. For storage, keep the dried herbs in an airtight container.

Before drying the plant, you can make your own essential oil. Cut the leaves and flowers of a mature hyssop plant early in the morning. Rinse them and let them dry completely, then chop them up into fine pieces. When you crush the chopped pieces, the oil begins to come out of the herb slowly. All you need is a few drops mixed with a carrier oil to take advantage of hyssop’s wound-healing and vaporizing capabilities.

All-in-all, hyssop is clearly one of the most versatile and useful plants to have around whether modern medical treatments are available or not, so this may be one plant that you want to start growing now.

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