The Abbey at Bingen
Hildegard of Bingen’s natural health remedies, rooted in her holistic philosophy that connects body, mind, and spirit, emphasize the use of herbs, diet, and lifestyle balance to achieve “viriditas” (life force) and inner order. Her two primary medical texts, Physica and Causae et Curae, detail hundreds of natural cures, with scientific studies suggesting many of her 437 herbal claims for 175 plants are statistically significant and medically relevant. Key components of her remedial approach include:
Core Herbs: She frequently prescribed Bertram for digestion and blood quality, Galangal for heart health and circulation, Fennel for respiratory ailments and sadness, and Spelt as a foundational grain for vitality and cheerful spirit. Specific Remedies: Modern adaptations of her works include Parsley Elixir for heart weakness, Rose Hip Tea for bronchitis, Stinging Nettle Compresses for vein disorders, and Flaxseed Compresses for skin burns. Holistic Principles: She advocated for preventative health, fasting, the mind-body connection, and the use of aromatherapy (e.g., lily scent for joyful ideas), viewing health as a harmonious interplay with nature rather than merely the absence of disease. Dietary Foundations: Hildegard highlighted Spelt, edible chestnuts, and Fennel as essential daily foods, often combining them with herbs like Bertram and Galangal to build strong immune systems and ensure proper nutrient absorption. While her work is celebrated as pioneering naturopathy and holistic medicine, modern practitioners often adapt these ancient recipes, noting that some ingredients (like Tansy) require caution due to potential toxicity.
Core Medical Texts and Philosophy
Hildegard of Bingen documented her medical knowledge in two primary works: Physica (also known as The Book of Simple Medicine) and Causae et Curae (Causes and Cures). While Physica catalogs the medicinal properties of plants, animals, and stones, Causae et Curae explores the human body’s connection to the cosmos, detailing the causes and treatments of diseases. Her medical theory relies on a unique adaptation of the four humors (blood, phlegm, black bile, yellow bile), viewing disease as an imbalance caused by the “Fall of Man” and health as the restoration of viriditas (divine life force or green-ness).
The “Seven Herbs” and Key Remedies
Although Hildegard did not create a fixed list, modern practitioners often refer to the “Seven Hildegard Herbs” as a foundational guide for her most frequently prescribed plants. These are used to restore inner order and digestive fire: Galangal: Known as the “spice of life,” it is her most celebrated remedy for heart weakness, digestion, and warming the body. She recommended consuming it regularly, often with food. Bertram: Considered a universal tonic that strengthens the entire organism, improves blood quality, and aids nutrient absorption. Fennel: Essential for respiratory health, digestion, and alleviating sadness or melancholy.
Wild Thyme: Used for cleansing the lungs and strengthening the body against infection. Parsley: Valued for its diuretic properties and ability to cleanse the blood and heart. Wormwood: A bitter herb used in moderation to strengthen the stomach and liver. Burnet (or sometimes Hyssop): Used for lung ailments and clearing congestion. Specific preparations include Digestive Bitters (often containing Gentian and Ginger, which she also praised), Parsley Elixir for heart support, and Lungwort Wine for respiratory issues. Scientific analysis of her 437 herbal claims suggests a statistically significant correlation with modern medical indications, with a probability of only 1 in 10 million that her accuracy was due to chance.
Dietary Foundations: Spelt and Nutrition
Hildegard’s dietary advice centers on Spelt (Dinkel), which she termed the “best grain.” Unlike modern wheat, she believed spelt provided “good blood,” strong muscles, and a “cheerful spirit.” Modern analysis supports this, noting spelt’s high content of thiocyanate (an immune-boosting compound), essential amino acids, and its easier digestibility due to water-soluble gluten structures.
Her nutritional triad for daily health includes: Spelt: The foundation for vitality and cell regeneration.
Edible Chestnuts: Rich in tannins and bioflavonoids to relieve stress and regenerate blood vessels.
Fennel: To ensure proper digestion and emotional balance. She advocated for a diet where meat and dairy are secondary to grains, fruits, and vegetables, often seasoning meals with warming spices like cinnamon and cloves to aid circulation.
Gemstone Therapy and Holistic Elements: Uniquely, Hildegard’s Physica includes a “Book of Gemstones,” where she attributes healing properties to minerals based on their formation from fire and water. She viewed gemstones as natural batteries containing energy and moisture capable of correcting humoral imbalances: Emerald: Prescribed for headaches and eye strain. Sapphire: Used for gout and eye pain. Amethyst: Applied to combat insect bites and improve skin complexion. Jasper: Believed to help with deafness. Agate/Chalcedony: Used to reduce fever and calm irrational tempers. Her approach was not “magical” in a modern sense but rooted in a naturalistic theory where the physical properties of the stone (heat/cold, wet/dry) directly countered the specific imbalance in the patient’s body. She actually could be credited with furthering “vibrational” or “frequency” medicine, but, that may be a stretch for some. Think about that, at your next MRI… As an aside, St. Hildegard was centuries before Royal Rife…https://highcountryadvocate.org/whats-the-frequency-royal/
It is always fascinating digging through the annals of medical history when you find that people were able to heal themselves without A.I., technology, and the like. St. Hildegard lived from 1098 to 1179 anno Domini. I guess the take away is this: why has this knowledge been buried or suppressed? Money? Patents? Greed? Power? Where is the balance for your wellness? You decide. And, remember, your health is your responsibility, first and foremost, not someone in a white lab coat or colored scrubs.
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