Holistic Natural Remedies Influenced By Hildegard of Bingen
“Spirit, life that gives life, moving all things, rooted in all beings; you cleanse all things of impurity, wiping away sins, and anointing wounds, this is radiant, laudable life, awakening and re-awakening every thing that is.” – De Spiritu Sancto (To the Holy Spirit); Hildegard of Bingen
Be it of body, mind, or spirit, this section will guide you through the methods to cleanse the things that do not serve us and to renew and revitalize our minds and bodies. Healthy Remedies is where the ancient wisdom of Hildegard’s teachings on natural healing, nutrition, and lifestyle management intersect with new ideas and practical solutions to the complex challenges of modern living. Continue reading for continuously updated content that encompasses the known teachings of Hildegard’s holistic remedies.
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…
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.
Hildegard’s Feverfew Uses
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium, formerly Chrysanthemum parthenium) is a mainstay Hildegard herbal remedy, which she referred to as Bertram. Bertram or Feverfew uses are well known in folk medicine, particularly as a migraine remedy. In appearance, the Feverfew plant resembles genuine Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla). Most Hildegard translations of Physica refer to Bertram (Anacyclus pyrethrum) as Feverfew…
Hildegard’s Spring Cleanse
Hildegard understood the importance of clearing the way for the body to perform the natural function of detoxification. In her natural history book, Physica (Cap. 109), she describes a natural spring cleanse, consisting of wormwood that aids the body’s natural cleansing mechanisms. She describes this cure as follows: “And when wormwood is fresh, pound it and…
Ancient Passion Flower Benefits
Passion flower benefits were not expressly known to Hildegard of Bingen, however the plant’s effects as a sleep remedy, particularly in combination with other herbs such as valerian, hops, or melissa have been established in Traditional German folk and monastic medicine for decades. Expansive History of passion flower benefits Over 350 species of passion flower (Passiflora…
Black Radish- not only as a soup for Colds
The black radish is experiencing a comeback not just as a soup for Colds. Hildegard of Bingen wrote in Physica: “The radish is more warm than cold. After being excavated, it should be left under the ground in a humid place for two or three days, so that its green will be tempered, to which…
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.
Hildegard’s History of Arnica
The history of Arnica (Arnica Montana) harkens back the early 16th century, as a popular German folk remedy. It was used to treat blunt injuries, bruising, inflammation, and skin lesions. Even the Shakespeare of Germany, Goethe, appreciated the benefits of Arnica. It is said that he regularly brewed Arnica tea to help recover from a…
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.
Hildegard’s Duckweed Drink in Autumn
As the cold season approaches, Hildegard would recommend that we prepare our immune system for the icy months ahead, by using her duckweed drink. Her idea of appropriate preparation for winter meant cleansing the body and ensuring the proper balance and function of our juices. Duckweed Drink to Balance Bodily Juices The balance of our four…
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…
Dittany Menstrual Cramp Remedy
Dittany or “burning bush” is known as a menstrual cramp remedy in both medieval medicine and Chinese traditional medicine.