Psalms 104:14 HE causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man….
[King James translation]
Herbs
There are a number of herbs mentioned in the Bible. Hyssop, garlic, frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon and mint are just a few. For example in the wilderness, the people complained to Moses about the foods that they missed, including the leeks, onion and garlic. See, Number 11:5.
Psalms 104:14 states that GOD causes herbs to grow for the service of humankind.
Tea
In “Healthy Benefits of Green Tea,” by Paula Spence Scott reviewed by Dr. David Kiefer, Spence quotes Christopher Ochner, PhD, a research scientist in nutrition at Mount Sinai Hospital, as saying that green tea is “the healthiest thing I can think of to drink.” See, www.webmd.com. One of the reasons why scientists rave about green tea is because of the antioxidants in tea. One scientist noted that tea’s antioxidants, called polyphenols, “may be 100 times as effective as vitamin C and 25 times as effective as vitamin E.” See, “A Healthy Brew: Time for Tea,” by Dr. Gary D. Vogin, quoting, John Weisburger, Ph.D, a senior researcher with the Institute of Cancer Prevention in Valhalla, NY. See, www.webmd.com.
Herbal teas may often contain no polyphenols, so herbal tea drinkers should be careful to select those teas that do contain polyphenols. Polyphenols in tea include catechins, theaflavins, tannis and flavonoids. Almost all teas made from Camellia sinensis contain polyphenols. These include white tea, green tea, black tea and oolong tea.
Catechins are antioxidants that fight and may even prevent cell damage. Green tea tends to be rich in catechins. Spence notes that green tea should not be added to boiling water, since boiling water can destroy catechins. Just add green tea to hot water (e.g. 160-170 degree water). Unlike green tea, black tea usually requires hotter or boiling water.
Other scientists have also found that the power antioxidants in tea may also reduce the risk of heart disease. In one study, women aged 55 or older, who drank a cup or two of black tea a day, were 54% less likely to have severe atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attack or stroke, than those who did not. According to the October 11, 1999 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, the more tea they drank, the lower their risk. Researchers speculate that the tea antioxidants help to prevent “bad” (LDL, low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol from promoting plaque buildup, thus helping the arteries supply nourishing blood to the heart and the body.
Another benefit of tea is its relaxing effect. According to Spence, sipping tea helps one slow down and relax. One natural chemical in green tea, theanine, has a calming effect. Id.
SERVICE
Palms 104:14 speaks of herbs serving humanity. The Bible has a lot to say about service. These are just a few scriptures:
1 Peter 4:9-11 ESV
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of GOD's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of GOD; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that GOD supplies—in order that in everything GOD may be glorified through JESUS CHRIST. To HIM belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10 ESV
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of GOD's varied grace:
Galatians 5:13 ESV
For you were called to freedom, brothers [and sisters]. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Matthew 20:26-28 ESV
It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give HIS life as a ransom for many.”
Isaiah 58:10 ESV
If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.
Romans 12:11 ESV
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the LORD.
Mark 10:45 ESV
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give HIS life as a ransom for many.”
Just as you might try out a number of different teas, today meditate on different Bible verses about service. See what effect GOD’s WORD has on your body and spirit. Just as tea must “steep” (i.e., soaked in a liquid in order to soften, cleanse, or extract an element) let your mind and spirit “steep” in GOD’s word.
Today, relax, enjoy, sip, steep and BE BLESSED.
