Steiner - The Visionary
Homage to History's Herbalists No. 10

Intro
Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925), an Austrian philosopher, scientist and mystic, transformed the world of herbalism with his unique and holistic approach. His deep-seated belief in the interconnectedness of life inspired not only his founding of biodynamic agriculture, a regenerative farming method, but also his vision of a health system where nature, human beings and the cosmos are harmoniously entwined. Steiner published over 300 volumes of written works and delivered more than 6,000 lectures, covering a vast range of topics including spiritual science, agriculture, education and medicine. He viewed plants as living entities, shaped by cosmic forces and believed they carry potent energies essential for healing. This understanding made him a foundational figure in herbalism, influencing generations of natural health practitioners, herbalists and sustainable farmers.

Spiritual Medicine
Steiner’s contribution to herbalism was primarily rooted in his creation of Anthroposophical medicine, which integrates natural therapies with an emphasis on spiritual development. He believed that every plant carries a unique essence that addresses specific imbalances in the human body and spirit. Rudolf Steiner believed that plant energy bridges the earthly and cosmic realms, embodying the healing forces of Nature and the universe. For Steiner, each plant was a living expression of cosmic intelligence, crafted not just to nourish the body but also to align the soul with the spiritual forces that govern health. He envisioned healing as a profound, harmonious journey where plants serve as guides, restoring balance and awakening the individual’s innate connection to the Cosmos. This perspective infused herbal medicine with a sacred purpose: to elevate human health beyond the physical, into a transformative, soul-deep communion with nature's wisdom.

Perhaps Steiner’s most remarkable insight was his recognition of plants’ potential to heal both the earth and human beings. For instance he saw yarrow as a plant that embodies sensitivity and resilience, which he included in biodynamic preparations to enhance the soil’s health. Yarrow’s delicate blossoms and ability to thrive in challenging conditions inspired Steiner’s belief that it could offer emotional and physical resilience to those who use it.

Steiner’s Favourites
Rudolf Steiner recommended several herbs, each chosen for their unique qualities and alignment with his holistic and biodynamic principles. His healing vision involved plants that are cultivated and used in a manner that honours both their medicinal potential and their life-giving connection to the earth.

Steiner valued arnica for its healing properties, particularly for physical trauma and inflammation. He believed arnica could strengthen the body’s natural healing response and reduce bruising and swelling, a perspective echoed by contemporary herbalists. Arnica is still used in Anthroposophical and homeopathic preparations to support recovery after injuries, surgeries and muscle strains. Chamomile was considered a “harmoniser” in Steiner’s biodynamic and therapeutic practices. Known for its calming, digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. Steiner viewed chamomile as particularly helpful in restoring emotional and physical balance. Chamomile also plays a role in biodynamic farming, where it is used to enrich compost and support the health of soil and plants.

Dandelion was another herb Steiner valued for its deep-rooted connection to soil health and liver support. In Anthroposophical medicine, dandelion is used to promote detoxification and assist with digestion. Steiner also employed dandelion in biodynamic preparations to balance soil nutrients, believing that it brought an energetic “brightness” that could be translated into both agricultural and therapeutic contexts. Known for its soothing and skin-healing properties, calendula was recommended by Steiner for treating minor wounds and skin irritations. He considered the vibrant orange flowers of calendula symbolic of warmth and life, which he believed could help stimulate cellular renewal and support the healing process in topical preparations.

The Human Organism and the Earth are Interconnected 
In addition to its use in biodynamic agriculture, Steiner appreciated nettle for its iron-rich, fortifying properties, making it valuable in treating conditions like anaemia and fatigue. Nettle was also considered a cleansing herb that could purify the blood and invigorate the body, promoting resilience and vitality. Steiner valued elderflower for its immune-boosting effects, particularly in treating colds and respiratory ailments. Elderflowers ability to encourage perspiration was in line with Steiner’s belief in using herbs to support the body’s natural detoxification processes, particularly during acute illnesses. Steiner recommended horsetail, high in silica, for supporting bone health, skin, and connective tissue. In both medicine and agriculture, he saw horsetail as a protective and reinforcing herb that could help with resilience, whether in people or plants. Steiner spoke highly of valerian for its ability to relieve stress and calm the nervous system, viewing it as an ally for finding inner peace. Valerian, according to Steiner, channels a calming “cosmic warmth” that can soothe and balance, a quality that modern studies show is due to its natural sedative effects.

Revolutionary Approach to Cancer
Rudolf Steiner’s approach to cancer was revolutionary for his time and continues to influence Natural Medicine in Europe today. His specific views on cancer, grounded in Anthroposophy, were developed alongside Dutch physician Ita Wegman. Steiner saw cancer not only as a physical illness but also as a manifestation of imbalance within the body, mind and spirit, a concept that contrasted with conventional approaches that focused solely on eradicating the tumour. His belief in addressing the root causes and holistic support for the patient is a philosophy that has resonated over the decades and led to treatments that are still widely practiced in Europe.

One of Steiner’s most enduring contributions to cancer therapy is the use of mistletoe extract (Viscum album), which he considered a vital remedy for restoring balance and vitality. Mistletoe was selected due to its unique growth pattern, it grows symbiotically, often on trees and has a “life rhythm” distinct from most other plants. Steiner believed these qualities made mistletoe a plant with powerful spiritual and physical healing properties, especially effective in rebalancing the “life forces” of cancer patients. He theorised that mistletoe could harmonise the disrupted energy flow in the body and support the immune system's ability to regulate cell growth.

Steiner’s Mistletoe Cancer Cure
Today, mistletoe extract (known in Europe under brand names like Iscador or Helixor) is still successfully used as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment, particularly in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Numerous studies in Europe have investigated mistletoe’s effects, showing it to stimulate the immune system, improve quality of life and even reduce tumour size in certain types of cancer, validating Steiner’s practice. Mistletoe therapy is now offered in Anthroposophical clinics and is also used alongside conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation to support patient resilience, reduce side effects, and improve overall well-being.

Steiner’s holistic approach has inspired a paradigm shift, emphasising that treating cancer is not just about targeting tumours but nurturing the entire individual, body, mind and spirit. In this way, Steiner’s visionary work lives on, providing patients with pathways to healing that honour the human being in their fullest form.

Upheld Holistic Healing
Steiner also emphasised dietary and lifestyle changes to strengthen the body’s natural defences and prevent cancer recurrence. He recommended a diet rich in whole foods, natural sunlight and rhythmic activities that synchronise with the natural world. Steiner believed that reconnecting with nature and respecting the body’s rhythms were crucial for maintaining health and warding off illness. His ideas about holistic nutrition, rest and emotional balance prefigured the modern integrative approach to cancer treatment, which encourages patients to take an active role in their healing journey.

Additionally, Steiner viewed mental and spiritual health as essential to recovery. He developed therapeutic arts, such as eurhythmy (movement therapy), painting and music, to support emotional and spiritual healing. These therapies, still practiced in Anthroposophical medicine today, aim to address trauma, relieve stress, and foster a sense of inner peace, which Steiner believed could enhance the body’s ability to heal itself.

Steiner’s Visionary Work Lives On
Steiner’s approach is especially relevant today as people increasingly seek ways to live in harmony with nature and address the root causes of disease. Biodynamic practices, in particular, have sparked a resurgence in interest among farmers and gardeners worldwide who wish to cultivate crops in a way that honour both the earth and the cosmos, creating nutrient-rich, vibrant plants used in food, medicine and natural beauty products.

Rudolf Steiner’s contributions remind us that herbalism is not just about treating symptoms but about recognising the inherent intelligence of Nature and our deep connection to it. His vision still guides people toward a richer, more integrated understanding of wellness. Using herbs and the wisdom of biodynamic practices, Steiner’s legacy lives on as a call to nurture ourselves and the planet in balance with the Cosmos.