Hildegard - The Mystic
Homage to History's Herbalists No. 5

"The earth which sustains humanity must not be injured; it must not be destroyed" Hildegard Von Bingen

In the Middle Ages (1098–1179), in the Rhineland region of Germany there lived an enlightened woman called Hildegard Von Bingen. A Benedictine abbess, mystic, composer and polymath, Hildegard left an indelible mark on the world of herbalism. Her environment shaped her understanding of the healing power of plants and the natural world, which she viewed as expressions of divine creation.

A woman of Substance
Politically, Hildegard’s influence extended far beyond her abbey walls. Despite being a woman in a male-dominated Church, she gained the respect of emperors, bishops and popes. She corresponded with rulers such as Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and was known for her bold political opinions, often advising leaders to act with justice and spiritual integrity. Her influence in both religious and secular matters, combined with her visionary mysticism, positioned her as one of the most powerful women of her time. Hildegard’s voice carried weight in shaping political and religious discourse, intertwining her spiritual leadership with worldly affairs.

A Powerful Seer and Healer
Notwithstanding the many limitations of being born a woman in such dark violent times, Hildegard became revered and influential for her mystical visions. These were dangerous times for the anomaly of a Christian Mystic who has radical Shamanic experiences. Yet she succeeded as a powerful seer and healer, who literally “downloaded” two volumes of astonishingly accurate material on plants, natural medicine and healing that is still relevant to this day. Her contributions to natural healing were rooted in her profound spiritual visions and deep connection to the natural world. As one of the earliest recorded herbalists, Hildegard viewed health as a balance between the body, soul and cosmos, integrating physical medicine with spiritual well-being.

Her most significant work in herbalism is found in Physica and Causae et Curae, two texts that catalogue her knowledge of healing plants, stones and animals. She emphasised the "viriditas," or greening power of nature, as a vital life force that animates all living things. This concept underpinned her belief that plants possess divine healing energy that can restore balance and vitality in humans.

“Everything that is in the heavens, on the earth and under the earth, is penetrated with connectedness, penetrated with relatedness. God has arranged everything in the Universe in consideration of everything else.” Hildegard Von Bingen

Ahead of her Time
Hildegard's approach was holistic, promoting the idea that remedies must be aligned with an individual's temperament and the natural rhythms of life. She documented the medicinal uses of plants such as fennel, chestnut, rosemary and valerian and championed spelt as a healing grain that is easiest to digest. Her

understanding of diet, digestion and the interconnectedness of body systems was way ahead of her time. Many centuries later, modern science has finally caught up with Hildegard, validating the profound wisdom she understood intuitively.

Beyond her medicinal insights, Hildegard also recognised the spiritual dimension of healing. She believed illness could stem from both physical and spiritual imbalances and that remedies needed to address both realms. Her writings encouraged a harmonious relationship between humans and Nature, reflecting a sacred responsibility to care for creation. Hildegard von Bingen's legacy continues to inspire modern herbalists with her integrative, nature-based approach to health, reminding us of the deep wisdom inherent in the natural world. Her life story reveals how the Divine light shines through her great creative impulses: “There is wisdom in all creative works” she says, validating creativity as the most powerful and enduring expression of Spirituality.

“I am the one whose praise echoes on high, I adorn all earth. I am the breeze that nurtures all things green. I encourage blossoms to flourish with ripening fruits. I am led by the spirit to feed the purest streams. I am rain coming from the dew that causes the grasses to laugh with joy of life. I am yearning for good.” Hildegard Von Bingen