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Dittany Menstrual Cramp Remedy
Dittany or “burning bush” is known as a menstrual cramp remedy in both medieval medicine and Chinese traditional medicine.
Hildegard’s Midlife Transition
Hildegard of Bingen experienced a profound spiritual transformation in her early 40s. In hindsight, the experience resembled that of a yogini’s kundalini awakening process or Jung’s version of individuation. Hildegard’s midlife transition, and her process of approaching wholeness and integration, resulted in the most creative period in her life. Like Hildegard, we hope to nurture a creative self, bringing together both conscious and unconscious. Ideally,…
Causae et Curae
In 1151, Hildegard completed her first visionary work, Scivias (“Know the Ways”). Around the same time, she started work on her practical guides to nature and healing, originally called “Liber subtilitatum diversarum naturarum creaturarum” (the “Book of the Subtleties of the Diverse Nature of Creatures”). This tome was later broken into two volumes now known…
Scivias Summary and Images
Scivias, an illustrated tome, was Hildegard of Bingen’s first, and perhaps the most famous of her writings. Scivias, (“Know the Ways”) describes 26 of Hildegard’s most vivid visions. The book deals with the interconnectivity of man in the universe; the concept that man represents a microcosm of the cosmic macrocosm, in other words, the belief that…
Hildegard Music
Hildegard von Bingen remains unique in the history of music. There is no comparably large work of any composer in the twelfth century or before equal to Hildegard’s musical compositions.
Making Tinctures
Many of Hildegard’s remedies include steps for making tinctures or extracts from medicinal herbs. An oil extract draws the fat-soluble active ingredients from the medicinal plant. Tinctures are alcohol and water based extracts, where the alcohol serves to draw the active ingredients from medicinal plants and herbs. Making Tinctures or Extracts Whether you prepare a tincture…
10 Tips How to Sleep Better
Hildegard recognized the importance of purposefully inviting healthy sleep. She believed that a good mood and positive thoughts prior to sleep would lend to positive dreams and increase the potential for prophecy and visions. Conversely, ignoring the requisite balance throughout the day or harboring negative thoughts prior to sleep results in restless sleep and nightmares, which she believed to be unresolved conflict or needs.
Turns out her sleep secrets have stood the test of time.
Healing Plants: Hildegard’s 7 Plants that Heal
There’s an herb for that! You can use healing plants and herbs to treat virtually every ailment. While we have yet to discover all potential uses of medicinal plants and herbs, there is a long and storied history of healing plants that has left us with extensive practical knowledge of thousands of medicinal plants. Revival of…
Herbal Remedies for Infant Diarrhea
It’s normal for baby stools to be soft and loose, especially during an infant’s first couple of months. In the case of infant diarrhea, you’ll know it when you see it. The stool consistency becomes very watery, and the frequency going increases dramatically. Infant diarrhea may also be accompanied by a fever or seem disinterest in eating. Causes…
Cold Weather Foods
We’ve compiled our version of winter food groups with specific cold weather foods to help you roast, stew, sauté, and simmer your way to spring.
Diarrhea in Children and Babies
Diarrhea in children and babies, including bloating and flatulence often occur during the first few weeks of a child’s life. As they begin teething, they often experience diarrhea and other digestive distress. Bloating and Diarrhea in Children and Infants Bloating and flatulence arise as a combination of the baby swallowing too much air while drinking and…
Hildegard's Spelt Bread Recipe
This spelt flour bread recipe has been around since antiquity. After experiencing the hearty density of good German bread, it makes sense that bread alone might actually satisfy an evening meal.