Wildflowers, Herbs & Trees of Jerusalem, Israel

2023-10-13T07:08:00.000-07:00

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BLESSED SUPER FOOD EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

2017-11-12T03:41:00.000-08:00

“But I am like a green olive tree in the house of G-d: I trust in the mercy of G-d for ever and ever.” (Psalm 52:8)

Olive Trees on Mount Scopus Jerusalem

Olive trees and their precious oil are one of the 7 species of the land of Israel mentioned in the Bible. The oil was not only used for culinary purposes but was also used to oil the 7 branched menorah (candelabra) in the Temple in Jerusalem and to anoint the kings of Israel who were chosen by G-d to rule.

The olive tree olea europaea survived the flood in the time of Noah and the dove came back to the ark carrying an olive branch so that Noah knew that the flood waters had gone down. Olive trees have a very long lifespan. There are olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem that are thousands of years old.

Super-food Extra Virgin Olive Oil for your Health

Olive Oil for Beauty

Olive Tree in Jerusalem's White Valley Emek Halavan

If you regularly consume extra virgin olive oil, you will have healthy skin and beautiful hair. In fact wig makers claim the best hair comes from women living in countries where they consume a lot of olive oil. Olive oil is a major ingredient in soaps. shampoos and hair conditioners. The best shampoos for healthy hair usually contain olive oil and myrtle myrtus communis oil.

Protects the Heart and Blood Vessels

Olive oil is a most healing substance that protects against coronary heart disease by strengthening blood vessels and preventing arteriosclerosis. Mediterranean countries like Italy and Greece where olive oil makes up a major part of the diet have low rates of heart disease even in cases where blood cholesterol levels are not good.

If you are a smoker though the benefits of consuming extra virgin olive oil may be snuffed out by cigarettes.

Protects Against Stomach Ulcers, Gall Bladder Disease and Colorectal Cancer

Olive oil also helps to protect against stomach ulcers and the formation of gall stones. Studies have shown it can also protect against colorectal cancer. Olive oil also helps to prevent and treat constipation.

If you want to stay healthy then use only extra virgin olive oil instead of butter or margarine on bead and on vegetables and for all your cooking purposes. Olive oil can also be used for frying but should be kept at a low temperature. You can start your day by dipping bread in olive oil. Crushed garlic or za’atar (a type of hyssop that grows wild in Israel) can be added to the oil.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties Similar to Ibuprofen

Massaging extra-virgin olive oil into the joints has been shown to relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis. It contains an anti-inflammatory substance oleocanthal, that works in the same way as Ibuprofen, but without Ibuprofen's dangerous side effects.

Hanukah

Hanukah in the Jewish Quarter Jerusalem

Hanukah is an 8 day Jewish festival that takes place every year on the 25^th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, which usually falls in late November or December. Hanukah means dedication and in this case referred to a miracle that occurred when the Temple in Jerusalem was purified and re-dedicated after the Jewish Maccabees drove out the army of the wicked Greek king Antiochus. Only enough of the precious olive oil for one day’s use was found, but miraculously it continued to burn for 8 days.

Hanukah is celebrated by lighting candles in the festive 8-branched menorah or by burning olive oil in special glass oil lamps. Traditionally, fried foods like pancakes or doughnuts are eaten. However, you can enjoy this traditional Hanukah treat without the extra calories and without cholesterol with the recipe below.

No Egg Vegan Potato Pancakes Latkes (parve)

Here is a great no egg vegan recipe I developed which is not only good for people with allergies to eggs or on low cholesterol diets, but the taste is actually improved by eliminating eggs.

Grate 2 very large or 4 small potatoes and one onion.

Do not drain off the potato juice.

Add ¼ cup flour (preferably spelt or whole wheat) and mix well. If there is still surplus potato juice, add more flour and mix until all the potato juice is absorbed. The potato juice acts as a binder and thus no eggs are necessary.

Add salt and/or pepper to taste. (optional)

Mix well. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan and drop potato batter by large tablespoons. Cook until brown and turn with a spatula.

If you live In Israel and have olive trees, you can harvest them in the fall and take the olives to a place where they can be pressed to obtain oil. Olives from one whole tree may only produce one or two bottles of the rich oil on a first cold press.

ROSH HASHANAH, JEWISH NEW YEAR

2017-09-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

Sounding of the Shofar

Photo credit Zachi Evenor צחי אבנור

Rosh Hashanah the Jewish New Year is the time when G-d passes judgment on us when the shofar (ram’s horn) is sounded. It is very awesome because we know when the shofar blows we are being judged – who will live and who will die, who will be punished and who will be blessed. G-d also passes judgment over the nations when the shofar is sounded so this high holy day also holds significance for non-Jews.

There is thus ongoing yearly judgment by G-d. The shofar also sounds when the Yom Kippur fast (the day of atonement) ends.

Simanim - Symbolic Foods

We celebrate Rosh Hashanah with a festive meal by eating certain foods that represent our hope for a good judgment from G-d, for a peaceful, happy and sweet New Year.

We begin with the blessing over the date (tamar) that there will be an end to our enemies who hate us and wish evil on us.

The next fruit is the pomegranate (rimon in Hebrew) which is filled with many seeds and represents our desire that our good deeds will be just as numerous.

The next blessing is over the apple dipped in honey representing our prayer for a sweet New Year.

The subsequent blessing is over the gourd which can also be a squash or pumpkin and represents our prayer that harsh judgments made against us will be torn up.

Then comes the blessing over *black eyed peas, white beans or carrots that our merits will increase so that we will find favor with G-d.

The blessing over leeks (luf in Hebrew) follows and we pray that our enemies will be cut off.

The next blessing is over beets, chard or mangold (selek in Hebrew) and represents our prayer that our enemies will be driven out.

The last blessing is over the head of a fish or a ram and represents our desire to be a head (rosh in Hebrew) and not a tail (zanav).

*Cooking Tip. Fresh black eyed peas do not have to be shelled before cooking. After checking that they don't have any brown spots or holes that should be cut away, wash them and put them in a pot with enough water to cover them ,plus half a lemon or lemon juice to help soften them. When they are ready shelling will be much easier.

See also Health Benefits of Pomegranates & the Origin of the Star of David (Magen David)

JERUSALEM AND TISHE B'AV - THE 9TH OF AV

2015-07-07T10:10:00.004-07:00

by Josephine Levin

"If I forget thee O Jerusalem let my right hand wither,

let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth,

If I do not put Jerusalem above my greatest joy!" (Psalm 137)

View of the Valley of Yehoshphat from the Jerusalem Promenade Tayelet - Photo by Josephine Levin

Summer days are hot and dry but nights bring relief as cool air descends on Jerusalem.

The fields and mountain sides are dry and brown.

The Fig Tree Ripens

This is a time of ripening for many fruits such as figs, Ficus carica called teanim in Hebrew. The fig tree is one of the seven species of the land of Israel and is used as a symbol of the Messianic times to come:

"And He shall judge between many peoples and reprove mighty nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nations shall not lift up the sword against nation; neither shall they learn war anymore.

And they shall dwell each man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the L-rd of Hosts has spoken." (Micah 4.4)

Figs are very nutritious fruits and have healing properties. They are a rich source of potassium and fiber and are commonly used as a laxative. Fig leaves contain a substance that can lower blood insulin levels.The white milk sap of fig leaves has been used in folk medicine to treat warts.

Fig Tree Ficus carica - Photo by Josephine Levin

Summer is also the snake season and one has to be careful walking about at night in many places especially around shrubs, bushes and tall grass. Certain poisonous snakes are found in trees and one must teach children not to climb on them.

Tishe B'Av - the 9th of Av

The months of Tammuz and Av (July/August) are overshadowed by memories of past tragedies – the destruction of both the First and Second Jewish temples in Jerusalem on Tishe B'Av, the 9th of Av. Terrible things have happened to the Jewish people on Tishe B'Av. The First Crusade began on Tishe B'Av as well as World War I. On the 9th of Av in 1941 Himmler received permission from Hitler to begin the final solution of the Jewish people and so began the Holocaust where a third of the Jewish people, about 6 million Jews including over a million infants and children were savagely murdered. Jews were also expelled from England and Spain on Tishe B'AV and many more tragedies took place on this day.

This is the time to pause and reflect and work on self improvement – this is the time to get rid of bad character traits. For observant Jews there is a 3 week period of semi-mourning from the 17th day of Tammuz until the 9th of Av. The mourning intensifies on the 9 days before the 9th of Av and Jews refrain from listening to music, eating meat (except on the holy Shabbat), and more). On Tishe B'Av observant Jews fast. It is customary to include lentils at the meal before the fast. Lamentations, Eicha are read in the synagogues and at the Western Wall of the Second Temple - the kotel ma'aravi.

Capers in Bloom

The caper, capparis spinoza is in bloom during the month of Tammuz and the caper has been associated with the Jewish people for its ability to survive - no matter how much it is cut down it always grows back. The caper called tzalaf in Hebrew is an amazingly tough thorny plant that can even grow out of cracks - it needs no care. Capers grow on the Western Wall.

Caper in bloom -

Capers growing out of cracks in stone

HEALTH BENEFITS OF GRAPES AND GRAPE SEEDS - SEVEN SPECIES ISRAEL

2013-08-29T23:29:00.000-07:00

For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things (Zechariah 8:12)

Grapes, Vitis vinifera are an amazing fruit of the vine and one of the Biblically cited seven species of the land of Israel. Health properties are found in every part of the grapevine–the leaves, grapes, and seeds. Studies have shown that grapes and grape seeds can help prevent cancer, vascular problems, Alzheimer's, heart disease and more. Red wine and grape juice have been found to have anti-oxidant properties which help to prevent coronary heart disease.The Judaean Hills surrounding Jerusalem produce some of Israel's finest grapes and wines.

Anti-cancer Properties in Grape Skins

Researchers at the University of Virginia discovered that resveratrol, a substance found in the skin of grapes can starve cancer cells by a process called apoptosis that causes the cancer cells to self‑destruct. These results were published in the Journal of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO, 2004).

Red Globe & Large Purple Grapes

Grapevine leaves were found to have antioxidant properties (J. Agric. Food Chem., 2006). Grapevine leaves are a popular component of Middle Eastern and southern European cuisine. They are usually stuffed with rice, cracked wheat or meat. Grapevine leaves are very nutritious.

Stuffed Grapevine Leaves

Grape Seeds Attack Colon Cancer Cells

One of the biggest breakthroughs in grape seed research from the University of Colorado published in January, 2013, showed that grape seed extract specifically attacks colon cancer cells and amazingly, the more advanced the colon cancer is the more effective are the grape seeds, and best of all the grape seed extract does not target or harm normal cells in any way. Unlike chemotherapy, advanced colon cancer does not require larger dosages of grape seed extract. Researchers believe that grape seed extract leads to death of cancer cells called apoptosis (Nordqvist, C. (2013, January 21).

Grape Seeds

Grape Seeds and Alzheimers

According to researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the antioxidant polyphenols in grape seeds were shown to be effective in preventing development of or slowing down the progress of Alzheimer's disease in mice (JAD, 2011).

Proanthocyanidins

The PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2004, cites studies that show that proanthocyanidins in grape seeds are:

· effective in preventing atherosclerosis,

· have anti-tumor promoting activity,

· help to improve circulation and reduce edema in vascular problems like varicose veins,

· have positive effects against disorders of the retina of the eye including diabetic retinopathy,

· help fight breakdown of collagen,

· promote hair growth,

· help treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

· effective in treatment of chronic or relapsing pancreatitis

Caution: Large amounts of proanthocyanidins have been found to decrease methionine, and this in turn can lead to cyanide poisoning (Cornell University, 2013). A sudden drop in blood pressure can be for many reasons, but it could also be a warning symptom of cyanide poisoning. Monitor your blood pressure, and if it drops too low seek medical attention and stop taking grape seeds and other seeds that have proanthocyanidins like pomegranate seeds.

Everything in Moderation

Since our Creator made the seeds bitter, most people will not normally overdose on them and will spit them out in fact. However, manufacturers of supplements and health food products have ways of masking this bitter taste so be careful. Eating too many grape seeds at one time can give you a dry mouth, nausea, headache or dizziness. There are not yet any studies to show what dosages are safe especially over a long period of time.

Also, people taking blood thinners, blood pressure lowering meds, NSAIDs and anti-cancer medications could experience dangerous interactions if they also take grape seed extract, so consult your doctor before beginning any treatment with grape seeds.

Lower Blood Pressure

A recent study showed that grape seeds can slightly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which is why people on blood pressure lowering meds should not also take grape seed extract.

How much is Safe

No real studies have been undertaken to show safety levels over a long period of time. Until more is known you should not take grape seed extract in large amounts or for a long time.

If you experience any change in your health stop taking grape seeds and consult your doctor.

Since little is known about safety levels, grape seeds and grape seed extract are not recommended for children, pregnant or breast feeding women.

Whole grapes are a potential choking hazard in small children, so the seeds should be removed, and grapes should be cut in small pieces or juiced.

Eat Them Fresh

A study has shown that healthy properties in grapes and grape seeds decline in storage (J. Agric. & Food Chemistry, 2006), so think twice before you buy an expensive commercially made grape seed supplement. You will benefit more from eating fresh grapes and chewing only a couple of seeds a day.

Seedless Most Popular

In spite of all of these scientific discoveries about the healthy and healing properties in grape seeds it is getting harder and harder to find seeds in grapes. The public clamors for seedless grapes and even more for seedless raisins. The result is that fruits containing seeds are in danger of becoming extinct, as more and more fruits are hybridized or genetically engineered to be sterile and not to produce seeds. Even grapes that still produce seeds do not have a seed in every grape or raisin. Certain fruits like grapes and pomegranates that contain soft or chewable seeds are meant to be eaten with a few of the seeds. However, people want to eat only the sweet fruits and not be hampered by chewing into seeds like grape seeds that are slightly bitter. Grape seeds vary in size and consistency. Some grape seeds are easily chewable while others are harder and more bitter. Seeds of Black Muscat grapes are easily chewed and not as bitter as some of the other grape varieties.

Seedless Raisins

Consult your Doctor

In conclusion one who wants to be healthy should opt to buy grapes or raisins that contain seeds and chew about 3-4 individual grape seeds a day along with the grapes. Not enough research has been done to show at which level there can be toxicity from consuming grape seeds or grape seed extract, so take a balanced approach in how much you consume.

Anyone who has been diagnosed with a serious disease like cancer should be under the care of a qualified physician, whether you take the conventional, alternative or integrative route of treatment. You should not try to treat yourself, as you might also need surgery, for instance.

References:

Cornell University, Department of Agriculture and Life Sciences, (Updated

August 12, 2013), “Tannins: fascinating but sometimes dangerous molecules,” retrieved from: http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/toxicagents/tannin.html

J. Agric. Food Chem., 2006, 54 (2), pp 319–327

DOI: 10.1021/jf051807j

Publication Date (Web): December 17, 2005

Retrieved from http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf051807j

Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (JAD). (2011, July 15).

Retrieved from http://www.j-alz.com/press/2011/20110715.html

Journal of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO). (2004).

Retrieved from http://www.nature.com/emboj/journal/v23/n12/full/7600244a.html

Natural Standard, the Authority on Integrated Medicine. (2011, August).

Retrieved from http://naturalstandard.com/news/news201108020.asp

Nordqvist, C. (2013, January 21). "Grape Seed Extract Effective in

Colorectal Cancer Treatment." Medical News Today. Retrieved from
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/255182.php.

PDR for Herbal Medicines, 3rd Ed., (2004), Thompson:NJ

About the author:

Josephine Levin is a free lance writer and editor and has been studying Herbal Medicine for more than 40 years.

ROSES OF JERUSALEM

2013-06-19T05:50:00.002-07:00

"I am a rose of Sharon" (Song of Songs 2:1)

Fragrant Red Rose -

Roses are found everywhere in Israel and Jerusalem. Jerusalem in fact is blessed with beautiful public rose gardens, notably the Wahl Rose Garden near the Knesset. What is amazing is how heat resistant some of these roses are and how so many of them are in full bloom even in the hot summer.

Yellow Rose -

There are many recipes for using roses as a good source of food like in teas, rose petal or rose hip jam or jelly, rose water, candied rose petals, rose petal cake, rose vinegar etc. Just make sure the roses you are gathering have not been sprayed with pesticides. The best way to make sure roses that are to be used in food are not sprayed is to GROW YOUR OWN. Roses can be grown very easily in containers and are suitable for balcony and roof top gardens, even if you do not have outdoor space for growing.

Other than that gather roses for eating from friends and neighbors who do not spray their plants. Most public parks use a lot of herbicides and pesticides so never gather anything to eat from a public park or garden.

White Rose -

Healing Properties of Roses

Roses also have many medicinal uses in herbal and homeopathic medicine. For instance rose petal and sage tea with honey is one of the best treatments for sore throats. However, if you are seriously ill you should consult your doctor.

Rose hips are an excellent source of wild food and one of the
richest sources of Vitamin C. They remain on the rose bushes all winter.
Two medium sized rose hips have as much Vitamin C as an orange. They
are most nutritious eaten raw or barely cooked. They can be made
into rose hip jam, jelly or syrup or used in rose hip tea.

Variagated Rose -

Roses are also useful for their wonderful scent in aromatherapy, sachets, perfumes, pot pouris, and more.

LAG B'OMER THE 33rd DAY OF COUNTING THE OMER OF BARLEY

2013-04-28T08:23:00.001-07:00

There is a Biblical commandment for Jews to count the Omer for 49 days from the second night of Passover Pesach until the festival of Shavuot (Weeks or Pentecost) which celebrates the giving of the Law, Matan Torah on Mount Sinai.

You shall count for yourselves from the day after the Shabbat, from the day when you bring the Omer of the waving - seven Shabbats, they shall be complete. Until the day after the seventh sabbath you shall count, 50 days... Leviticus 23:15-16

You shall count for yourselves seven weeks, from when the sickle is first put to the standing crop shall you begin counting seven weeks. Then you will observe the Festival of Shavu'ot for the L-RD, your G-d -Deuteronomy 16:9-10

The Omer was a measurement of barley. Barley was harvested and threshed at Passover and dedicated in the Temple at Jerusalem. It was mainly used for animal food. Wheat used to bake bread for the people was harvested later and was made into the shew bread that was dedicated in the Temple at Jerusalem at Shavuot.

Interestingly, wild barley in Israel drops its arrow like seeds from its sheath around the time of Lag B’Omer. Barley is recognized by its long hairs and thus was called seura (hair) in Hebrew. There is an old tradition for school children and their teachers in Israel to go out in the woods on Lag B’Omer with toy bows and arrows.

The counting of the Omer was a joyous time, but during the time of the Second Temple period this happy occasion was changed to a period of semi-mourning whereby religious Jews do not shave, cut their hair or listen to dance music because of a plague that killed thousands of students of Rabbi Akiva during this Omer period. The plague stopped on the 33rd day of counting the Omer and bonfires were lit on mountain tops to signal that the plague had ended.

Today in Israel on Lag B’Omer the laws of semi‑mourning are lifted and weddings are held. Bonfires are lit all over the country. Many people stay up all night around the fires, roast potatoes and marshmellows and generally have a good time.

In modern Israel the Palmach was established on Lag B’Omer in 1941,

the order from the government to establish the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was

issued on Lag B’Omer in 1948 and Lag B’Omer is the day that the government

salutes the IDF reserves.

COUNTING THE OMER - BARLEY

2012-05-24T01:25:00.001-07:00

“But I have said unto you, you shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the LORD your

G-d, which have separated you from other people.” (Leviticus 23:25)

The night after the first Passover Seder begins the seven weeks (49 days) of the counting of the omer. This counting continues until the Jewish holiday of Shavuot (called Weeks in English, Pentecost in Greek).

Counting the Omer - Barley

The omer was a measurement of barley called seura in Hebrew, and barley is the first gain to ripen in the land of Israel. The barley ripens around Passover. Barley is one of the 7 species of plants and trees of the land of Israel cited in the Bible.

Wild Barley - Photo by Josephine Levin

The first 33 days of the counting of the omer are a time of semi-mourning where no weddings are performed, and religious Jews do not shave or cut their hair in remembrance of a terrible plague that took the lives of thousands of students of Rabbi Akiva. The 33 day period of semi-mourning ends with the holiday of Lag B’Omer when many weddings are celebrated.

Two happy holidays fall into this omer period. One is Israel Independence Day called Yom Hatzmaut in Hebrew and the other is Jerusalem Day (the day Jerusalem was unified after the Six Day War of 1967).

BITTER HERBS THAT ARE DANGEROUS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

2012-04-04T08:22:00.003-07:00

by Josephine Levin

“The bitter herb wherefore do we eat it? Because the Egyptians embittered the lives of our ancestors in Egypt: as is said: and they embittered their lives with cruel bondage, in mortar and brick, and in all manner of labor in the field” (Passover Hagadah)

Parsley & Celery - Photo by Josephine Levin

It is customary to eat bitter herbs at the Passover Seder. Some of the bitter herbs we eat can be dangerous to pregnant women, especially in the early months of pregnancy.

Parsley Petroselineum crispum (petrozilea in Hebrew) is listed as a potential abortion causing herb. The Physician’s Desk Reference of Herbal Medicine (PDR) lists parsley on the list of herbs prohibited to pregnant women. High doses of parsley “increase the contractility of the smooth muscle of the intestine, bladder, and especially the uterus, and therefore may be abortifacient; “(PDR Herbal Medicine, 3^rd Ed. 2004, Thomson).

Celery Apium graveolens (carpas in Hebrew) should also not be used during pregnancy according to the PDR of Herbal Medicine.

Horseradish Armoracia rusticana is listed by Susun S. Weed in the Wise Woman Herbal Childbearing Year, 1985, as one of the common garden herbs that can lead to a miscarriage. Other herbs Weed says to avoid, especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy, are: savory, marjoram, celery seed, and more.

According to Herb Contraindications by Francis Brinker, N.D., horseradish can potentially cause an abortion if taken in large amounts.

The PDR also says horseradish is not to be eaten by people suffering from stomach or intestinal ulcers or from kidney disease.

Problem on Seder night is that women take parsley, celery and horseradish almost at the same time and this can increase the chance for a miscarriage. A woman who has a history of miscarriages should really not eat these at all, but only lettuce which is a bitter herb that does not pose danger to pregnant women.

Cinnamon and ginger often used to flavor matza balls and Pesach cakes should be avoided. Ginger root has sometimes been recommended for nausea, but it induces bleeding and should be avoided throughout pregnancy. A safer remedy for nausea during pregnancy used by Moroccan Jewish women is to scratch the peel of a lemon and smell it. One sure remedy that always works for nausea of pregnancy is to lie down. Women only usually vomit after getting up!

The PDR of Herbal Medicine has a very long list of herbs that are not to be used by pregnant women. The list is too large to list here but some of the more common ones are:

Alfalfa, Aloe vera, Anise seed, Barley, pearl barley & Scotch barley, Basil, Bilberry, Bladderwrack, Blessed thistle, Borage, Castor oil, Catnip, Cinnamon, Coffee, Cola, Comfrey, Elecampane, English chamomile, Fenugreek, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Green tea, Hops, Horehound, Horsemint, Hyssop, Ipecac, Juniper, Lemongrass, Licorice, Cannabis, Morning glory, Motherwort, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Pennyroyal, Papaya, Peppermint, Poppyseed, Red clover, Rosemary, Rue, Safflower, Saffron, Sage, Saw palmetto, Senna, Short buchu, Spikenard, Stinging nettle, Tansy, Tea, Turmeric, Uva-ursi, Vervain, Watercress, Wild carrot, Wormwood, Yarrow.

The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines suggests that pregnant women avoid Caraway seeds, Ginger, Thyme, Tarragon, Oregano, and more.

Raspberry leaf tea should only be used when a woman is at term, as it promotes and speeds up labor. Women have reported miscarriages after taking raspberry leaf tea in early pregnancy.

When there are disagreements in the literature about what is safe or not, always heed those that caution. Not enough research has been done on many herbs to know just how they affect a pregnant woman or an unborn child. The rule should be “when in doubt don’t.”

Herbs and spices are powerful medicines and some are dangerous when used in combination with other herbs or when taken with conventional medicines.

No pregnant woman should ever use any kind of herb or herbal preparation without consulting a qualified health care provider.

In conclusion the safest bitter herb for a pregnant woman to eat for the maror for the Passover seder is lettuce.

Have a happy and health Passover!

THE WESTERN WALL OF THE SECOND TEMPLE, JERUSALEM

2012-03-03T23:41:00.001-08:00

By Josephine Levin


Women's Section Western Wall Jerusalem

The Western Wall from a 19th century painting

The Western Wall of the Second Temple in Jerusalem also known as the Kotel (Kosel) Ma'aravi is today the holiest place on earth for the Jewish people. This wall is all that is left of the Second Temple destroyed by the Romans more than 2000 years ago. Miraculously this wall has survived centuries of wars, earthquakes, invasions which can only be ascribed to the hand of Almighty G-d.

"For I shall create Jerusalem as a joy,

And her people as a delight;

And I will rejoice in Jerusalem

And delight in her people.

Never again shall be heard there

the sound of weeping and wailing." (Isaiah 65:19)

Western Wall Plaza, Jerusalem, Israel

Here is a fascinating article about the stones, fauna and flora of the Western Wall by Varda Littmann::

THE STONES, THE FAUNA AND FLORA OF THE KOSEL/KOTEL MA'ARAVI - WESTERN WALL OF THE SECOND TEMPLE, JERUSALEM
by Varda Littmann

When we come to the Kosel (Western Wall of the Second Temple) we may be so engrossed in our tefillos (prayers) that we do not notice the numerous birds flying close by and the plants growing out of the stones of the Wall. The Kosel—spiritual home to millions — is built of stones that serve as the physical home for various animals and plants.

The rows of stones that are on the level of the Kosel Plaza have what is called a “Herodian signature,” i.e., frames of delicate “margins” and smooth “bosses.” They were built by Herod, the Roman appointedking of Judea, circa (1st century B.C.E.), and extend down for about another 20 feet below the present ground level. The further up that the Wall goes, the smaller the stones become. This is because different layers were added throughout the centuries. Each row of stones is slightly set back from the row beneath it. This method achieves the illusion of a perfectly straight wall. Had the stones been exactly aligned, the Wall would have appeared to be leaning forward.

Different stones of the Wall (even in the same row and of the same time period) have fared the weather beatings of thousands of years. Along the Kosel walls there are many timeworn nooks and crannies, which seem as if they were especially carved out to receive the notes and letters of millions. These indentations are attributed to the fact that even though limestone was used, the builders used both mizzi meleke (the stone of kings) and mizzi hilu (sweet rock) when they set the wall. meleke is soft and easy to chisel, yet hardens when exposed to the atmosphere and becomes highly durable. The thin-layered mizze hilu is easily quarried and worked. The workers also did not set the stones in the same grain direction. When the wall was first built, no difference in materials could be discerned, but over the course of time, as weather conditions played their role, the dissimilarity became apparent.

Dove in the cleft of the rock on the Western Wall, Jerusalem - Photo by Rmonah Traub All Rghts Reserved

There are many cracks and clefts in the Kosel stones that are used by birds as a nesting spot. Among the birds that come are jackdaws, swallows, house sparrows and the common swift. Pigeons and doves also abound. It is said that birds have a sixth sense for holiness, and visitors to the Kosel Hama'aravi will notice the profusion of birds that inhabit the area.

Doves on Barclay's Gate on the Women's Side of the Western Wall - Photo by Rimonah Traub

Small lizards are also seen darting among the stones.

The rocks of the Western Wall support at least six distinct plants. Henbane is the most common plant found growing in the wall. Its Hebrew name is shikaron, a form of the word “drunkenness.” The name is thought to derive from the poisonous, intoxicating substance contained within the plant. The Egyptians smoked henbane to obtain relief from toothache, while the first hospitals in Eretz Yisrael utilized it as an anesthetic. Today, alkaloids derived from henbane are used in anti-spasm medications and painkillers.

Podonosma orientalis called matsits suri in Hebrew is a typical rock plant and the second most common plant in the Wall. It is able to penetrate stone with its roots in order to extract water. The Sicilian snapdragon, called la ari sitsili, in Hebrew is often found on the higher sections of the Wall. This plant often roots in cracks between the stones of a wall and on fences. The Kosel is also host to the Horsetail knotgrass, called shvatvat anaf in Hebrew, which is mentioned in the Talmud (Shabbos 14) as an antidote for snakebite. Phagnalon, called in Hebrew tzamarnit haslayim, is a small plant that can also be found scattered along the Wall.

The most spectacular plant at the Wall is the thorny caper, or tzalaf. The tzalaf is a very hardy plant. As often as it is uprooted, it always grows back. Therefore Chazal say, “Three are persevering: Yisrael among the nations, ... the goat among the cattle, and the caper among the trees.” Capers grow and persevere in many diverse regions and climates. They are found on hillsides and in valleys, on flat land, along the seashore and in the desert. They can take root in barren, dry rock and draw forth nourishment and moisture. The tzalaf
grows in rock crags and in the stone of walls and fences.

Thorny Capers growing on the Western Wall - Photo by Rimonah Traub

The ability of this plant to revitalize itself after fire is most amazing. Nothing can compare to the speed at which the underground roots can produce fresh, green, leaf-bearing branches from the charred remains. The caper most certainly earns its reputation as the most “persevering among trees.” So, too, Yisrael — with similar and even greater feats of survival — is
the most “persevering among the nations.”

Seeing the persevering tzalaf growing out of the wall of the Kosel (in itself a phenomenon that defies all the rules of the natural world) brings home the unbelievable nes (miracle) of the survival of Am Yisrael (People of Israel), against all odds.

...................................

Varda Littmann lives in Jerusalem and has a column in Hamodia and in the English Update. Her blog Let us Tour Eretz Yisroel can be viewed at the following link: http://littmann613.blogspot.com/

Photographer Rimonah Traub's beautiful photos can be viewed on her blog:

Lens on a Fertile Land - Israel Photography

http://israelcamerafocus.blogspot.com/

The Tishe B'Av Fast - Summer in Jerusalem

2011-08-02T11:13:00.001-07:00

by Josephine Levin

"If I forget thee O Jerusalem let my right hand wither,

let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth,

If I do not put Jerusalem above my greatest joy!" (Psalm 137)

View of the Valley of Yehoshphat from the Jerusalem Promenade Tayelet - Photo by Josephine Levin

Summer days are hot and dry but nights bring relief as cool air descends on Jerusalem.

The fields and mountain sides are dry and brown.

The Fig Tree Ripens

This is a time of ripening for many fruits such as figs.

This is also the snake season and one has to be careful walking about at night in many places especially around shrubs, bushes and tall grass. Certain poisonous snakes are found in trees and one must teach children not to climb on them. Many children get bitten by poisonous snakes while climbing trees.

Fig Tree Ficus carica - Photo by Josephine Levin

Pine trees on Mount Scopus - Photo by Josephine Levin

Tishe B'Av - the 9th of Av

Capers in Bloom

The caper, capparis spinoza is in bloom during the month of Tammuz and the caper has been associated with the Jewish people for its ability to survive - no matter how much it is cut down it always grows back. The caper called tzalaf in Hebrew is an amazingly tough plant that can even grow out of cracks - it needs no care. Capers grow on the Western Wall of the Second Temple - the kotel ma'aravi.

Caper in bloom -

Capers growing out of cracks in stone

SPRING & PASSOVER IN JERUSALEM

2011-04-17T05:27:00.003-07:00

by Josephine Levin

"The flowers appear on the land and the time of singing has come." (Song of Songs 2:12)

This is the most beautiful time of year in Jerusalem. Wildflowers in full bloom dot all the hillsides. The Judas trees are in full deep pink or white blossoms. The Judas tree Cercis siliquastrum called klil hachoresh in Hebrew got its name for being a tree of the Judean mountains. The leaves are in the shape of a heart and close at night and open in the morning.

Another tree that is in full bloom now is an Acacia tree that originated in Australia called the Acacia augustofolia . The Torah says the altar of the Temple should be built of acacia wood shita, but most likely this referred to the Acacia trees of the desert like the Acacia alba. This tree has bright yellow flowers that are like little round fluffy balls.

The Spanish Broom Spartium junceum called the achirotem hachoresh in Hebrew is a shrub that is also in full yellow bloom. This particular rotem is common to Jerusalem. The blossoms have the most wonderful strong smell that pervade the whole area. The rotem has no leaves at all. It has pea-like flowers on long green stems. Eventually the flowers form pods that look like pea pods. Caution: the achirotem is poisonous and children should not be allowed to handle the pods or any parts of the bush.

The Anemone coronaria calaniot in Hebrew are beautiful red anemones that cover many of the hillsides in Jerusalem. Truly a breathtaking sight.

Another beautiful spring flower is the wild gladiola Gladiolas italicus called sipan hatbua in Hebrew.

EARLY SPRING IN JERUSALEM

2011-03-13T05:22:00.000-07:00

by Josie

"My beloved has gone down to his garden of spices." (Song of Songs 6:2)

In Jerusalem we are blessed with flowers in bloom all year round. Traditionally the sap begins to flow in the trees and the almond blossoms around the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Sh'vat Tu B'Shvat─the New Year of the Trees, which falls in January or February.

The earliest of the bulb flowers to bloom are the wild narcissus Narcissus tazetta. Amazingly daffodils planted in home gardens bloom at exactly the same time.

"Like a lily among the thorns is my beloved among the daughters" (Song of Songs 2:2)

The next bulb plants to bloom are the wild grape hyacinths Muscari neglectum and the striking red anemones Anemone coronaria . These also bloom at exactly the same time as hyacinths and anemones planted in home gardens.

"My beloved is mine and I am his who grazes among the lilies."

(Song of Songs 2:16)

Wild Anemone Anemone coronaria - Photo by Josephine Levin 2011

Rosemary Rosemarinus officinalis and some species of lavender and roses are other shrubs in full bloom in winter and the early spring January/February.

Rosemary Rosemarinus officinalis - photo by Josephine Levin

Yellow Rose - Photo by Josie Levin

Sweet Bay Laurus nobilis - Photo by Josephine Levin

Evergreen herbs like leaves from the sweet bay trees Laurus communis, myrtle bushes Myrtus communis, lavender Lavendula indenta/vera and rosemary can be gathered all year round. During the winter berries are found on the myrtle trees.

Myrtle Myrtus communis - Photo by Josephine Levin

Even in the years when snow falls in Jerusalem one can see flowers peeking out from under the snow.

Flowers in the Snow Jerusalem - photo by Josephine Levin

ALMONDS FOR HEALTH & BEAUTY

2011-03-01T22:54:00.000-08:00

by Josie Levin

Wild almond trees in full bloom - photos by Josephine Levin

Almonds Amygdalus communis

Moses went into the tabernacle of communion with the LORD G-D, and behold, the rod of Aaron, of the house of Levi, had sprouted and put forth buds, had produced blossoms and yielded ripe almonds.

(Numbers B'Midbar 17:8)

Almonds are very healthy nuts to eat and also contain a very good quality oil used mainly for cosmetic and beauty purposes especially for the skin. There are 2 main varieties- sweet almonds and wild bitter almonds. Bitter almonds must be eaten only in small amounts and with caution as the Amygdalin in them contains cyanide which is poisonous. This same substance is also found in apricot, prune, plum and several other fruit seeds. It is usually safe for an adult to eat up to 3 bitter almonds a day, but small children should not be fed bitter almonds at all. Different bitter varieties have different amounts of Amygdalin and some of the wild varieties contain a lot of it so be careful. Bitter almonds as well as apricot seeds are believed to have cancer preventing properties. However, people have died by overdosing themselves so most herbalists do not recommend using them medicinally.

Sweet almonds can be eaten freely, however. Some varieties of almonds are hard shelled and some are soft shelled. I prefer the hard shelled ones because they do not easily get infested with bugs, mold, etc. but most shoppers prefer soft shelled ones they can open without a nutcracker. Hard shelled ones do not usually need to be sprayed with insecticides, but the soft shelled ones invariably get infested with bugs and molds and thus are often heavily sprayed with pesticides.

Almonds Ripening on the Tree -

Almonds are one of the easiest trees to grow from seeds
.I once planted an almond seed from a beautiful bitter almond
tree that had very deep pink blooms, but the tree that grew from the seed
produces blooms that are almost white and the seeds which are hard shelled
are actually sweet and not bitter.

If you want to try growing an almond tree from seeds plant two un-shelled almonds in a flowerpot. They will usually both germinate but one seed may be more dominant. You can allow both of them to grow together if you want and plant them together in one hole. When your little potted tree is two years old you can plant it in your garden if you live in a climate zone conducive to growing almonds. I live on a mountain top in Jerusalem that is literally full of almond trees that are now in full bloom of various shades ranging from light pink, to deep pink to almost white. The sight of them is breathtaking and the smell of almond blossoms is wonderful.

Almonds also grow readily from cuttings.

The almond blooms before other fruit trees and in Israel heralds the beginning of spring. In

Israel

where the almonds grow wild they usually bloom at the holiday of Tu B'Sh'vat (the15th day of the Hebrew month of Sh'vat) which is the New Year of the trees. The almond is called shaked in Hebrew referring to its haste to bloom. Small Israeli school children sing a song about the blooming almond trees.

Almond trees are generally very hardy and can take drastic pruning and bounce right back. Trees that are cut right down to the ground will send up new shoots. Their main enemies are borer worms and carpenter ants and can in fact kill them.

Make your own Almond Meal:

Grind shelled almonds in a grain or coffee grinder. This makes an oily meal. These ground almonds can be added to the halva recipe used in making bread, muffins, cookies, added to breakfast cereals like cooked oatmeal, made into marzipan, and more.

GROW YOUR OWN ALOE VERA GEL

2011-02-21T12:44:00.000-08:00

by Josie Levin

"All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia" (Psalm 45.8)

Here's a great way to save money and have an unending supply of Aloe
Vera gel, which is so healing and wonderful for all kinds of skin
problems, burns, scrapes, etc.

Buy an aloe vera plant and plant it in your garden, in a pot on a
balcony or on a window sill. Any time you need some aloe vera gel
just break off small tip of leaf and squeeze like you do tooth paste
and out will come lots of wonderful aloe vera gel.

Don't waste money buying commercially prepared tubes of aloe vera
gel. For price of one or two tubes you can buy a plant, which will provide an
unending supply of aloe vera gel.

There are many different kinds of aloes, many of which resemble aloe
vera, so make sure you're buying the right one

Also aloe vera plants produce "babies", which can be removed from
the parent plant and spread around your house and garden as well as
given to friends and neighbors.

Aloe Vera - photo by Josephine Levin

MAKE YOUR OWN ESSENTIAL HERBAL OILS

2011-02-21T11:22:00.000-08:00

by Josie

Essential herbal and flower oils are very expensive. You can gather herbs and flowers like lavender blossoms or rose petals and make your own essential oil.

You can also gather many other kinds of herbs and flowers.

Caution: Some flowers have wonderful smells, but are deadly poisonous like Nerium oleander, so be careful. If you are in doubt about the safety of a plant, then do not use it.

You will need:

Large glass jar

Rose petals or lavender flowers and/or lavender leaves

Olive oil

Place a metal spoon in the jar and sterilize the jar by pouring boiling water into it for a few minutes. The metal spoon will keep the jar from cracking. Also pour boiling water over the lid. Spill the water out and let the jar air dry.

Fill the jar with chopped rose petals, or lavender flowers or leaves. Heat the oil until it is hot, but not smoking. Pour the hot oil over the rose petals or lavender flowers. Let it cool and then screw the lid on the jar. Let this sit for a month.

Open it and strain the oil.

MAKE YOUR OWN PERFUMED OILS AND COLOGNES

2011-02-21T06:40:00.000-08:00

by Josie

"Sweet is the fragrance of your perfumes; your very self is a precious perfume" (Song of Songs 1:3)

Fragrant Red Roses - Photo by Josie Levin

Here is a great way to save money. Some of us cannot resist buying
expensive perfumes and really we can make our own. Also, when you
make it yourself you know exactly what is in it. No chemicals, additives, etc.

Perfumed Oils

10 cc. (10 ml) pure olive oil
12-14 drops pure essential oil of lavender, rose, vanilla, cinnamon, jasmine
frankincense, myrrh or various combinations.

Mix together and leave it sit for 3-5 days. Shake before using.
If it is not a strong enough scent then add more drops of the
essential oil. If it is too strong, then simply ad more olive oil.

The following essential oils are skin irritants and should be used
with CAUTION, and never applied before sunbathing:

Bergamot, Nutmeg, Melissa (Lemon Balm), Lemon Verbena (Louisa) , Orange, Verbena, Lemongrass, Lemon, Ginger, Peppermint, Citronella

Citronella is dangerous to use around infants and in closed places as the fumes can cause neurological problems in sensitive people. Citronella should not be used on infants, children or pets. Citronella is often used as a mosquito or insect repellant, but a safer mosquito repellant is Eucalyptus oil which can be used on the skin, but never near the eyes or mouth. Remember in sensitive people almost any herb or essential oil can cause allergic reactions on the skin.

Also remember to keep all pure essential herbal
oils out of reach of small children and make sure they are in bottles
with childproof safety caps. No essential herbal oils should ever
be taken internally unless prescribed by a doctor. Essential oils
are far stronger than the fresh or dried herb. For instance cooking
with small amounts of fresh or dried rosemary is perfectly safe, but rosemary oil
can be fatal if swallowed.

For this reason you should also keep all commercial perfumes you may
have out of reach of small children. The alcohols in commercial
colognes and perfumes are also poisonous. When was the last time
you noticed a warning on your favorite perfume to keep it out of reach
of small children? Also, they do not list their ingredients – big
secret, but who knows what you are putting on your skin and if it is
really safe?

Colognes

10 cc. pure distilled water or water that's been pre-boiled and cooled
16-20 drops essential oil of lavender, rose, cinnamon, vanilla, jasmine or combinations you like that is safe.

5 cc. (5 ml) alcohol

Mix together and leave for a week.. Shake before using.

Mix together and leave for few days. Shake well before use.

Spanish or French Lavender Lavendula dentata - Photo by Josephine Levin

English Lavender Lavendula vera - Photo by Josephine Levin

Wildflowers, Herbs & Trees of Jerusalem, Israel

BLESSED SUPER FOOD EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Super-food Extra Virgin Olive Oil for your Health

Olive Oil for Beauty

Protects the Heart and Blood Vessels

Protects Against Stomach Ulcers, Gall Bladder Disease and Colorectal Cancer

Anti-Inflammatory Properties Similar to Ibuprofen

Hanukah

ROSH HASHANAH, JEWISH NEW YEAR

JERUSALEM AND TISHE B'AV - THE 9TH OF AV

The Fig Tree Ripens

Tishe B'Av - the 9th of Av

Capers in Bloom

HEALTH BENEFITS OF GRAPES AND GRAPE SEEDS - SEVEN SPECIES ISRAEL

Anti-cancer Properties in Grape Skins

Photo by Josephine Levin © 2013

Grape Seeds Attack Colon Cancer Cells

Grape Seeds and Alzheimers

Proanthocyanidins

Everything in Moderation

Lower Blood Pressure

How much is Safe

Eat Them Fresh

Seedless Most Popular

Consult your Doctor

References:

ROSES OF JERUSALEM

LAG B'OMER THE 33rd DAY OF COUNTING THE OMER OF BARLEY

COUNTING THE OMER - BARLEY

Counting the Omer - Barley

BITTER HERBS THAT ARE DANGEROUS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

THE WESTERN WALL OF THE SECOND TEMPLE, JERUSALEM

The Tishe B'Av Fast - Summer in Jerusalem

The Fig Tree Ripens

Tishe B'Av - the 9th of Av

Capers in Bloom

SPRING & PASSOVER IN JERUSALEM

EARLY SPRING IN JERUSALEM

ALMONDS FOR HEALTH & BEAUTY

GROW YOUR OWN ALOE VERA GEL

MAKE YOUR OWN ESSENTIAL HERBAL OILS

MAKE YOUR OWN PERFUMED OILS AND COLOGNES