Ailments & Herbal Remedies

Our Hildegard Ailments section contains posts relating to specific health conditions. We’d like to provide a resource for you to find natural remedies, according to Hildegard, for health challenges you may be experiencing, or answer questions you may have about certain common ailments. While our overall Remedies category is meant to address many of these issues through a holistic approach to wellness, Hildegard of Bingen medicine is replete with natural remedies for specific conditions that have since been incorporated into Traditional German Medicine. This section includes those problem-specific remedies that have survived the test of time.

natural cold remedies

3 Natural Cold Remedies

By any measure, Saint Hildegard of Bingen left an indelible mark on the history of the middle ages. Much of her life’s creative, theological, and philosophical work was groundbreaking for the epoch. Yet she also was a steadfast practitioner of healing and medieval medical treatments. It was her unique union of creativity, theology, and scientific…

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Health benefits of Dandelion 2

The Health Benefits of Dandelion

Very few people know the power of Dandelion as a healing plant. From roots to blossom, every part of the plant contains healing properties.

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Cowslip Primrose

Cowslip Primrose for Colds and Depression

Cowslip primrose (Primula veris) is a variable evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial native to Europe and west Asia. The cowslip primrose grows on open meadows, coastal dunes, and cliff-tops. The deep yellow flowers are produced in spring (veris in Latin means “spring”) blooming in clusters of 10-30 blooms. Rarely, the blooms can also be red and…

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Allergies Holistic

Pollen Allergy: A Holistic Approach

If you suffer from seasonal allergies or “hay fever” (seasonal allergic Rhinitis), chances are you have a pollen allergy. You are not alone. According to the American College of Asthma, Allergies, & Immunology, more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year.
In this post we will explore everything you need to know about your pollen allergy.

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Wormwood Benefits

Wormwood Benefits: Remedies & Cleansing

The wormwood plant has played a central role in natural medicine and holistic healing for a long time. Because of the numerous wormwood benefits, healers considered it to be a universal cure throughout the Middle Ages.

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herbal cold remedies

Herbal Cold Remedies by Hildegard of Bingen (Part II)

Herbal cold remedies, including blackberry bramble drink/elixir, galangal in raspberry water, feverfew, masterwort and a three-day fever diet.

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Duckweed Elixir

Duckweed Elixir 

Duckweed Elixir is believed to strengthen the immune system and support detoxification. The detoxifying affects can also strengthen the mind and the psyche. Making duckweed elixir at home poses some challenges, so having a finished product would save some sourcing and preparation time. A duckweed elixir prepared according to Hildegard’s recipe is available in Germany…

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Easing menstrual cramp with dittany

Dittany Menstrual Cramp Remedy

Dittany or “burning bush” is known as a menstrual cramp remedy in both medieval medicine and Chinese traditional medicine.

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making tinctures

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…

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how to sleep better

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.

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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…

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diarrhea in children

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…

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