Herbs form an important part of many relegions, belief systems and folklore. This includes the Judean-Christian bibles, Native American Shamans, Rastifarian, Hindu and New Age belief systems. Some relegions make use of the psychotropic use of drugs; a contentious issue.

 

The Judean Christian tradition:

 

Frankincense (Olibanum): has been used for religious rites for two millennia. It is a gummy resin found in small thorn trees (Boswellia Thurifera), growing in Africa, and the Middle East. The sap from the trees oozes out forming small white drops, which harden in air and turn yellow. They are burned for the aroma in Catholic and Orthodox churches.

 

Myrrh:  is an ancient remedy for treating infections. It was used in the Egyptians and Judean society for incense, cosmetics, perfumes, medicine and if that didn’t work; embalming.

 

After Christianity took hold in Dark Ages europe; many plants were given Christian names:

 

St. Johns Wart

Balm of Gilliad

Holly

 

Holly, Ivy and mistltoe (together with Frankincense and Myrrh) are examples of Pagan and Jewish traditions adopted by the early church to help encourage the adoption of Christianity (similar to making Christmas - Christ Mass - coincide with the winter solstice).