Healing in Their Leaves

by Dina Sleiman

But the river itself, on both banks, will grow fruit trees of all kinds. Their leaves won't wither, the fruit won't fail. Every month they'll bear fresh fruit because the river from the Sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.

- Ezekiel 47:12

This week as we look forward to Easter and the cross, we are reminded of the steep price Christ paid for us. And as I consider this price, this cost, I ask, what did he purchase for me? Salvation. Eternity in heaven. Reconciliation with the Father. Most assuredly. Some say this is all we should expect. That it’s somehow selfish or arrogant to believe for anything more. What else could possibly matter? But I for one, suspect Christ did purchase even more than that on the cross, and I don’t want to in any way belittle Christ’s sacrifice by turning down part of that gift. Here are a few verses from Isaiah 53 to illustrate this point.

4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

I believe that Christ came to redeem us, to heal us, and to make us whole in spirit, soul, and body. I have experienced supernatural healing, both in my own body and in others for whom I have prayed. I believe healing can come in many different forms, though, or through a combination of factors: 1) laying on of hands, 2) the prayer of faith, 3) forgiving an offense, 4) breaking a generational curse, 5) battling an attack from the enemy, 6) repenting of a sin, 7) words of wisdom, 8) doctors and medicines, 9) lifestyle changes, 10) nutrition, 11) natural remedies. I imagine there are more.

One of the most effective and lasting ways that healing has come to me has been through better nutrition and tapping into the healing resources found in creation. God provided much healing through nature in plants and foods. These are the building blocks of our bodies, and we must honor our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. I have nothing against doctors and medicines. Many of the medicines available today are synthetic stabilized versions of herbal remedies used throughout the ages. But perhaps because I am a lover of history and of nature, I am fascinated with herbs and the healing power God has poured into their leaves. Sometimes I wonder, if we truly lived in right relationship and proper communion with God and nature, would he simply lead us to the sources of healing that we need?

For several years I suffered from sound sensitivity. It truly hampered my lifestyle. After going to the doctor and trying a variety of medications with awful side effects, I discovered through the internet that a magnesium deficiency can cause sound sensitivity. As an answer to much prayer, God provided my healing through the simple source of seaweed based colloidal minerals. In fact, eating plenty of salad and dried beans could possibly supply the magnesium I need.

Of course there are entire books dedicated to the subject of herbs, but here are a few of my favorite natural remedies that I often use.

Lavender – tea or essential oil - removes nervous tension, relieves pain, enhances blood circulation

Chamomile – tea or tablets – calms nerves, promotes sleep, reduces anxiety and muscle twitches, good for stomach issues

Cranberry – juice without sugar – excellent for clearing urinary tract infections

Ginger – tablets - aids digestion, helps stomach ailments, reduces naseau, reduces inflammation

Red Rice Yeast – stabilized tablets – reduces cholesterol

Aloe Vera – gel from leaves – soothes burns and insect bites

Garlic – oil – for infections such as sinus and ear

Echinachea – liquid or pills – for colds and fevers

Eucalyptus – essential oil –  mix with skin lotion and apply to sinus areas for instant relief from pain and congestion

Homeopathic Rice Packs – hot for relaxation, cold for injuries and swelling

Last year my children and I made homeopathic rice packs we called “Happy Packs” for all of our friends and family. You can find directions for making rice packs at this link http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Rice-Sock . They work well heated in the microwave for relaxation and soothing muscle tension. But, our favorite way to use them is as a comforting ice pack for all those childhood boo boos. We added the contents of two bags of calming sleepytime herbal tea to each of ours and drew happy faces on the front with permanent markers. We thought it was a great way to say “I love you."

Love and healing, they go hand in hand, don't they. Our loving father longs for our well-being. When we ask him for bread, he does not give us a stone. We are his precious children, and he sends us only good gifts. The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but God comes to give life in abundance. So this year for Easter let’s embrace the full redmeption bought for us at the cross in spirit, soul, and body. And let’s remember the simple healing God poured into creation from the foundation of the earth. As you look at the beautiful springtime blossoms around you, take a moment to remember that God has provided healing in the leaves.

Do you have a favorite herbal or natural remedy? Have you ever experienced God’s supernatural healing? Can we pray for healing in any area of your life today?