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And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.  2 Kings 20: 7 Traditional medicines: A gift from God. A TEARFUND Bible Study From the very beginning, we read in Genesis 1:29 how God placed plants in our lives. He gave us seed-bearing plants and trees that bear fruit for our use as food. And so in every place; wet or dry, land or sea, appropriate plants grow (Isaiah 41:19). What does this mean in our daily lives and to life on earth?A body, which is well nourished, is also usually a healthy body. When we eat a balanced diet (Ezekiel 4:9) the food we eat can be seen as preventive healthcare. In addition, God gives us the use of plants and herbs for curative care, both physical (2 Kings 20:7; Psalm 51:7) and emotional (Psalm 45:8; Genesis 43:11). Reflect on how people have used plants, seeds and herbs. What are the consequences of such use?Jesus’ ministry included both spiritual healing (Matthew 9:2) and physical healing. He used divine power (Luke 5:17), faith (Luke 7: 6-10; Luke 18:42), touch (Matthew 8:2-3) and even prepared products such as the mud and saliva used for healing in John 9:6-7. There were also rituals associated with cleansing and healing both in the Old and the New Testament (Leviticus 14:49-57; John 17:12-19; Mark 8:22-25). Consider the different healing methods that are available today and the rituals associated with them. Which would you, as a Christian, agree with and why? Read Philippians 1:9-10 and James 1:5 As we consider the use of traditional medicines, let us make choices through careful study and observation, asking God for wisdom to see clearly what treatments are best, pure and blameless. Dr Eva Ombaka is a pharmacist and the Co-ordinator of the Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network. She is based in Nairobi, Kenya. Her e-mail is [email protected] Reference: https://learn.tearfund.org/en/resources/footsteps/footsteps-41-50/footsteps-48/bible-study#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20God%20gives%20us,%3B%20Genesis%2043%3A11). More references: Revisiting medicinal plants in the bible and holy land Only five species are mentioned explicitly as medicinal plants in the Bible: Fig (Ficus carica), Nard (Nardostachys jatamansi), Hyssop (Origanum syriacum), ‘Balm of Gilead’ (Commiphora sp.), and Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum). Plants mentioned in the Bible and known as medicinal in Egypt and Mesopotamia include: Myrtle (Myrtus commnis), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), Pomegranate (Punica granatum), Garlic (Allium sativa), Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) and Cedar (Cedrus libani). The proposed biblical medicinal plants (45 in total) are all known as such in the ancient civilizations of the region. All have been in continuous medicinal use in the Middle East down the generations and are used in the Holy Land today. Most have at least one additional use as food, in rituals, for perfume and cosmetics, and as incense. Some could now be studied further to determine their chemical composition and medical activity with a view to isolating compounds for possible drug development. Want to grow medicinal plants? https://wle/herbs/hgen/medicinal-herb-plants.htmww.gardeningknowhow.com/edib

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 Today share what you have learned about trees with someone else. This might be chatting to them, or sharing on social media. Talk especially to children, to get them excited to learn about trees and to commit to growing and looking after them. Each one Teach one!

They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. Isaiah 65:21 Today take a walk to the Church with some other members who are interested in or already take part in greening/gardening at the church. Here are some questions to think about. What is your source of water? Could you improve it – perhaps look at a water tank or grey water? What is already growing? How healthy does it look, does it need more water, fertilizer, TLC? Are there any invasives that should be taken out? Or water guzzling aliens that could be replaced? What additional space could be used for trees, plants or vegetables?What resources do you need (people power/ equipment/compost/seedlings) draft a budgetCould you put in a compost pile? Start small and take one idea at a time. Take the ideas to your priest or parish council , get a team together and do one action -then you can build from there Here is a lovely idea you might want to consider: Create a wildlife ‘hotel” Fill a frame with hollow canes (e.g. sections of bamboo, elder or hogweed, bricks with holes, pinecones, straw, etc.) Pack together lots of different sized holes which bees and other invertebrates will use. Provide a wide shallow dish in a shady place for water which birds can use. Create a wood pile using different sized prunings or sections of felled trees. Add to it whenever you can. https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/churchcare/advice-and-guidance-church-buildings/biodiversity#na

And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD Ezekiel 34:27 Try to experiment this Lent! Lose the junk food and try out some recipes made from local products. Indigenous cuisine is food based on products obtained from native species of a specific area. There are traditional recipes but also some modern recipes to try! Africa’s staple diet – Mealie meal: Did you know this is not indigenous to Africa? Mielie meal, comes from the Portuguese milho. It was originally brought to Africa from the Americas by the Portuguese. Sorghum on the other hand is indigenous to the continent’s savannas and there is archaeological evidence in the Sahara of the use of sorghum dating back 8,000 years. Sorghum is as nutritious as maize and has high drought tolerance. This makes it a resilient option for farmers to plant under changing climatic conditions. Ask your Granny! Talk to the older generation and ask about vegetables, especially greens that they eat traditionally. many of these can be harvested for free as they grow. Share your findings with others and start a conversation on social media! Reference:https://theconversation.com/amazing-ting-south-africa-must-reinvigorate-sorghum-as-a-key-food-before-its-lost-185552#:~:text=It%20is%20indigenous%20to%20the,sorghum%20dating%20back%208%2C000%20years.