Lucia Bettler and Herbs of the Bible

Lucia Ferrara Bettler is the owner of Lucia’s Garden, in Houston, Texas. I would love to live near her shop, as she works with many healers with different specialties, and hosts many workshops and events. She is past president of the International Herb Association.

Lucia had taken a Bible Tour of the countries shown in the map on the screen above her in the pictures, and shared with us many things. I had studied herbs of the bible before, but still very much enjoyed her thoughts and shares. She talked about how herbs were very much a part of Biblical cultures. They were used in the practices of religious ceremony, food and medicine. For instance, Hyssop was used for purification rites from the first Passover, to ritual purifications. Bitter herbs were talked about and she explained the bitterness is not directly associated with our notion of bitter, but rather referring to the strong flavor of the herbs. Herbs such as Parsley, rue, dandelion, chives, chicory and others. She talked about the foods mentioned in the bible: fish, beans, honey, melons, milk, yogurt and nuts.

This is one of the recipes she shared.

Honey Cakes

1 cup honey

1/2 cup melted butter , or almond oil

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

3 eggs

4 cups whole wheat flour

Cream together the butter (or oil) and honey. Add the milk and eggs and stir. Sift flour, cinnamon and salt and add slowly to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Pour into two oiled 9 inch cake pans and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 35 minutes

I really enjoy having her handout of the presentation and am certain to refer to it again. Another great presenter I feel lucky to have heard!

Herbal and Honey Hugs to all who visit Comfrey Cottages xx