The Hidden Healing Powers of the Four Species

I'm still inspired by the special holiday of Sukkot, which brings with it numerous health benefits for both mind and body. The immense joy we experience during these significant days can sustain us throughout the year, providing us with energy and spirit to serve Hashem with joy and health. Of course, we shouldn't forget the unique properties of the Four Species. Each one offers beneficial qualities that strengthen and heal our bodies.

The Etrog – Similar to the Heart

The etrog is a celebrated citrus fruit, both beautiful and superior. Its peel and flesh strengthen the heart. According to Rambam, its seeds counteract animal toxins and alleviate kidney pains, similar to lemons and their seeds. The peel helps relieve internal bodily pains, while the juice boosts liver strength. Etrog jam is very effective for depression.

Etrog oil is beneficial for earaches. To prepare, chop the etrog into small pieces and place them in a jar, cover with olive oil for six weeks, and you have etrog oil. For earaches, drop 3 drops into each ear.

The etrog is also a good source of calcium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.

The Myrtle

Myrtle leaves help combat diarrhea and are especially effective for headaches when combined with lemon verbena. Applying a decoction of myrtle leaves on teeth and gums strengthens them.

Try making myrtle tea: place a teaspoon of myrtle leaves into a cup of boiling water, let sit for 20 minutes, then drink. This is good against intestinal worms, best drunk on an empty stomach in the morning. It also aids in treating intestinal inflammations.

For asthma issues, it's recommended to inhale steam from boiled myrtle leaves. For scalp dandruff, wash your hair with myrtle water, leave for an hour, then rinse.

Myrtle is considered an aromatic plant, and for infants in their first year of life, applying myrtle oil on their skin is beneficial. It also treats irritated skin in babies. Furthermore, it aids in strengthening muscles and healing bone fractures. Soak the myrtle leaves in olive oil for two weeks in the sun, in a sealed glass container. It’s known that the Egyptians used this oil for embalming.

The Willow

A decoction of willow leaves is beneficial for eczema on hands and feet—apply to the irritated area. Willow leaf tea cleanses the body and eradicates intestinal worms. For fertility issues, boil leaves fallen from the Hoshanah Rabbah festivities, brew, and drink.

The Lulav – The Palm

In the Talmud, Berakhot 51a mentions that fibers growing around the palm are collected, boiled in water, and then used for those bitten by snakes, offering relief, recovery, and healing.

Palm flower powder stops nosebleeds and can also be applied to purulent wounds.

For home events with Rebbetzin Rachel Batzri, call 073-2221240 or 052-9551588