Chamomile. Valerian. Hops. Monarda.
These are a few herbs that promote rest and relaxation when taken internally in the form of a tea or even in capsule form. In my opinion, they are restful and relaxing in visual form, too!
Flowers have a calming effect just by growing there and being pretty. It is serendipitous that they also can work medicinally for that purpose as well.
Monarda, otherwise known as Bee Balm or Bergamot, is used medicinally for more than just its calming effect. Also known as Oswego Tea, this pretty flower and its leaves have been used to alleviate coughs and for skin problems.
There is a balm in Gilead. It is more effective than any herbal or pharmaceutical remedy.
Our souls have a yearning for the rest that God promises. God “has also set eternity in their heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Jeremiah lamented what he saw as a delay in God’s rest for his people.
“‘Harvest is past, summer is ended,
And we are not saved.’
For the brokenness of the daughter of my people I am broken;
I mourn, dismay has taken hold of me.
Is there no balm in Gilead?
Is there no physician there?
Why then has not the health of the daughter of my people been restored?” (Jeremiah 8:20-22, NASB).
The balm that the prophet refers to here was likely a healing salve or ointment, rather than one botanical remedy. Israel longed for healing, but kept turning away from the God who could give it.
If we long for rest and for healing, we must turn to Jesus. We can’t do it on our own.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Yes, there is a balm in Gilead, and God gives it to us freely.
We can take spiritual healing in this life, and also in the life to come.
“Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:1-2).
Monarda may be nice, but true and permanent healing comes from the Great Physician (Luke 5:31).