Saint Hildegard’s Guide to Wellness: Herbalism, Nutrition, and Health Advice from a Trailblazing Medieval Nun

This overview of Hildegard of Bingen’s wellness wisdom shows how modern readers can apply the medieval nun’s teachings on herbs and nutrition to live a balanced and healthful lifestyle today

Saint Hildegard was ahead of her time. Born in the German Rhineland, the 12th-century nun established a series of guidelines for holistic wellness that continue to be remarkably relevant nearly a millennium later.

This handy guide explains who Hildegard was and why she is still worth listening to today. Delving into her enduring theories for a healthy body and mind, it delivers
• an overview of Hildegard’s understanding of how the human body operates;
• Hildegardian nutrition tips (eat spelt!);
• information on her 50 favorite herbs and medicinal plants and how they can be used to address various ailments—for example, bay laurel for gastrointestinal complaints, garlic to lower blood pressure, masterwort to combat fever, and rosemary to treat coughs and colds; and
• an introduction to her ideas on herbal cosmetics and gemstone medicine.

Sharing Saint Hildegard's timeless knowledge with a modern audience, this sketch of the trailblazing nun promotes a holistic approach to well-being that continues to resonate even within the fast pace of our contemporary lifestyle.