The great healing art of St. Hildegard of Bingen

Hildegard von Bingen is known as a seer, theologian, writer, composer and one of the most important natural scientists in history. The tenth child of the nobleman Hildebert of Bermersheim and his wife Mechthild, Hildegard was born in Bermersheim near Alzey in 1098. At the age of eight she came under the care of Jutta von Sponheim and was given to the monastery in Disibodenberg for her spiritual education. At the age of 15, Hildegard took her vows, became a Benedictine nun and, after Jutta's death, was unanimously elected mistress of the nunnery.

It is said that she received visions at a young age, but kept them to herself until she was 43. However, marked by illness and pain, Hildegard gives in to the prophetic calling and begins to write down her first book "Scivias" (Know the Ways). She wrote further works such as "Liber Vitae Meritorum", "Liber Divinorum Operum" and several smaller poetic, philosophical and natural history writings. Because of her faith and her way of life, she was already sought out by many people as a counsellor and guide. An onslaught of many people seeking advice and sick people made her appear as a missionary and preacher. Further works such as "Physica" (Healing Power of Nature) and "Causae et Curae" (Causes and Treatments of Diseases) were written. After a last missionary journey, Hildegard von Bingen died at the age of 81, which was a very old age at that time.

The teachings of Hildegard von Bingen
The teachings of Hildegard of Bingen, also called "Hildegard Doctrine" or "Hildegard Medicine", are based on her great knowledge of herbs and natural medicine. It describes a holistic healing science and represents a connection between people, environment, body and soul. The balance and harmonious effect on each other are the key to a healthy lifestyle. In the case of illness, it is necessary to react on all levels in order to achieve and maintain balance and healing.

In Hildegard's teachings, herbs and spices are the basis for various applications such as herbal wines, oils and creams. She paid special attention to their use in the kitchen. She recommended cooking with certain spices or taking them several times a day if necessary. Her research on nutrition and the interplay between mind and soul, which was already extensive at that time, provided insights into numerous foods. On the one hand, her notes list certain foods as so-called "kitchen poisons", such as raw onions. On the other hand, Hildegard von Bingen also gives many recommendations for beneficial foods such as spelt, bear's root, verbena and many more.

Now you can actively contribute to your health and well-being when cooking or fasting and discover tasty herbs, teas and spices according to the teachings of Saint Hildegard of Bingen in our shop.