Farina (jireesh/jireesha ) is ground hard non-durum wheat, whitish in color and similar in texture to grits (crushed corn). It is consumed as a cooked cereal pudding in the West. In Iraq, it is called jireesh , and it is mainly used in making the shell for kubbat jireesh , and mixed with bulgur as a binding ingredient in making the shell for kubbat burghul . If you do not have access to Middle Eastern stores, substitute Cream of Wheat. Unlike bulgur, jireesh is not parboiled.
The Assyrian Herbal : An Ancient Book of MedicineThe Assyrian Herbal is a hand-stenciled publication, dealing with 660 Assyrian cuneiform tablets, which discuss plant-based drugs used to cure the ailments known at the time. It was published in book form, entitled A Dictionary of Assyrian Botany
Evidently, herbs and plant extracts were used to such an extent that herbs became synonymous with medicine. Campbell Thompson translated these cuneiform tablets into English in 1924. The text includes about 250 species of plants, occurring around 4600 times; 120 types of mineral, occurring 650 times; and around 180 other unidentified plant species, to which must be added alcohol, fats, oil, honey, wax, and milk. By going through such a rare text, one gets glimpses of what was available at the time in the Mesopotamian ‘grocery stores.’ Most of the identified plants still grow in the region, and to this day many of the herbs mentioned in the book are valued for their medicinal properties.
Interesting Tidbits from the Book
Fennel was used as a stomach comforter.
Sumac was used to excite the appetite before meals.
Chamomile was used as a stomach medicine.
Green juice of liquorice was used for ‘feet that cannot walk,’ applied to swellings, and the roots were used to make a drink for jaundice. Liquorice powder was sprinkled on ulcers of the mouth.
Thyme was used as a drug for the lungs, to be chewed and drunk for tightness of breathing.
It was taken alone or in oil and beer for coughs and for the intestines. Oil of thyme was used for sprains and for decayed teeth. Its smell was said to have the power to revive an epileptic.
Pomegranate rind was used to ‘bind the stomach.’ It was also ground up and mixed with water and used as a dye.
A cake of compressed figs was used as an application to a boil. Fig juice was used to wash the stomach.
Bitter almonds were recognized as a powerful poison. Confectionery was flavored with ‘spirit of almond’ or ‘almond flavor.’ One of the medicinal values of almond oil was laxative.
It was advised that prunes, plums, cherries, and quinces were to be eaten alone or with honey and butter. The reason for this was not supplied.
Lentils cooked as soup were recommended as a ‘vegetable for lungs,’ and given as a remedy for colds.
Turmeric was used in an ointment for eyes, mouth, hands, and feet, and was also used to treat insect bites. As a drink, it was recommended to treat jaundice, and it was burnt and the smoke inhaled for ears and nose.
Binj (henbane) was used as a drug for depression. The Assyrian botanists also knew the narcotic properties of poppies.Cardamom was prescribed for hollow teeth. Cavities were filled with gum Arabic.
Garlic was chewed and its smoke inhaled for tight and painful breathing.
