{"id":12549,"date":"2026-01-28T14:43:22","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T14:43:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/csiag.de\/?p=12549"},"modified":"2026-01-28T16:04:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T16:04:50","slug":"hildegard-von-bingen-her-healing-messages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/","title":{"rendered":"Hildegard von Bingen - her healing statements"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Biografie\" >Biography<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Ihre_medizinischen_Werke\" >Your medical works<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Hauptwerke_zur_Heilkunde\" >Major works on medicine<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Weltanschaulicher_Rahmen\" >Worldview framework<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Hildegards_medizinisches_System\" >Hildegard's medical system<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Theoretische_Grundlagen\" >Theoretical foundations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Diagnostik_und_Krankheitsverstandnis\" >Diagnostics and understanding the disease<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Therapeutische_Ansatze\" >Therapeutic approaches<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Konkrete_Heilaussagen_%E2%80%93_wissenschaftliche_Uberprufung\" >Concrete healing claims - scientific verification<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Dinkel\" >Spelt<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Hildegards_Aussage_Physica_I_1\" >Hildegard's statement (Physica I, 1)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Wissenschaftliche_Uberprufung\" >Scientific review<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Galgant_Alpinia_officinarum\" >Galangal (Alpinia officinarum)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Hildegards_Aussage\" >Hildegard's statement<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Bertram_Anacyclus_pyrethrum\" >Bertram (Anacyclus pyrethrum)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Hildegards_Aussage-2\" >Hildegard's statement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Wissenschaftliche_Uberprufung-2\" >Scientific review<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Quendel_Feldthymian\" >Quendel (field thyme)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Hildegards_Aussage-3\" >Hildegard's statement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Wissenschaftliche_Uberprufung-3\" >Scientific review<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Studien\" >Studies<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Edelsteintherapie\" >Gemstone therapy<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Hildegards_Aussagen\" >Hildegard's statements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Wissenschaftliche_Uberprufung-4\" >Scientific review<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Studien_zur_Edelsteintherapie\" >Studies on gemstone therapy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Aderlass\" >Bloodletting<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Hildegards_Aussage-4\" >Hildegard's statement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Wissenschaftliche_Uberprufung-5\" >Scientific review<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Systematische_wissenschaftliche_Bewertung\" >Systematic scientific evaluation<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Gibt_es_wissenschaftliche_Studien_zu_%E2%80%9EHildegard-Medizin%E2%80%9C\" >Are there any scientific studies on \u201eHildegard medicine\u201c?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Peer-reviewed_Forschung\" >Peer-reviewed research<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Probleme_mit_%E2%80%9EHildegard-Forschung%E2%80%9C\" >Problems with \u201eHildegard research\u201c<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Interessenkonflikte\" >Conflicts of interest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Methodische_Mangel\" >Methodological shortcomings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Selektive_Interpretation\" >Selective interpretation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Textprobleme\" >Text problems<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Kritische_Stimmen\" >Critical voices<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Medizinhistoriker\" >Medical historian<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Pharmakologische_Kritik\" >Pharmacological criticism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Theologische_Kritik\" >Theological criticism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Wissenschaftsjournalismus\" >Science journalism<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Was_ist_wissenschaftlich_haltbar\" >What is scientifically tenable?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Plausible_Aspekte\" >Plausible aspects<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Unhaltbare_Aspekte\" >Unsustainable aspects<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Moderne_%E2%80%9EHildegard-Medizin%E2%80%9C_%E2%80%93_eine_kritische_Betrachtung\" >Modern \u201eHildegard medicine\u201c - a critical view<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Der_%E2%80%9EHildegard-Boom%E2%80%9C_seit_den_1970ern\" >The \u201eHildegard boom\u201c since the 1970s<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Typische_moderne_%E2%80%9EHildegard-Produkte%E2%80%9C\" >Typical modern \u201eHildegard products\u201c<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-48\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#%E2%80%9EHildegard-Fasten%E2%80%9C\" >\u201eHildegard fasting\u201c<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-49\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Rechtliche_Situation\" >Legal situation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-50\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Hildegard_vs_Moderne_Phytotherapie\" >Hildegard vs. modern phytotherapy<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-51\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Gemeinsamkeiten\" >Similarities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-52\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Entscheidende_Unterschiede\" >Decisive differences<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-53\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Ist_Hildegard-Medizin_gefahrlich\" >Is Hildegard medicine dangerous?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-54\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Direkte_Gefahren\" >Direct dangers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-55\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Indirekte_Gefahren\" >Indirect risks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-56\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Psychologische_Gefahren\" >Psychological dangers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-57\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Historische_Einordnung_vs_moderne_Anwendung\" >Historical classification vs. modern application<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-58\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Hildegard_in_ihrem_Kontext\" >Hildegard in her context<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-59\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Was_wir_von_Hildegard_lernen_konnen_ohne_sie_medizinisch_zu_imitieren\" >What we can learn from Hildegard (without imitating her medically)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-60\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Was_wir_NICHT_von_Hildegard_ubernehmen_sollten\" >What we should NOT take over from Hildegard<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-61\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Wissenschaftliche_Quellen_weiterfuhrende_Literatur\" >Scientific sources \/ further reading<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-62\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Wissenschaftliche_Literatur_zu_Hildegard\" >Scientific literature on Hildegard<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-63\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Kritische_Literatur\" >Critical literature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-64\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Wo_evidenzbasierte_Information_finden\" >Where to find evidence-based information?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-65\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Fazit_und_Handlungsempfehlungen\" >Conclusion and recommendations for action<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-66\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Zusammenfassung_der_wissenschaftlichen_Bewertung\" >Summary of the scientific evaluation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-67\" href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/#Schlusswort\" >Closing words<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading time<\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 9<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Biografie\"><\/span>Biography<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hildegard von Bingen was born in Bermersheim vor der H\u00f6he (today Rheinhessen) in 1098 as the tenth child of ten children of the ministerial family (service nobility) of the nobleman Hildebert von Bermersheim and his wife Mechthild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tenth child was often referred to as <strong>\u201eTenth\u201c<\/strong> (oblate) was consecrated to God and, in accordance with religious obligation and the nature of nobility, given to the monastery as a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God. This had the advantage that both provision and education were guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She lived there as a Benedictine nun, eventually becoming abbess of the Rupertsberg monastery near Bingen and maintaining influential correspondence with popes, emperors and bishops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She died in 1179 and went down in history as a universal scholar, theologian, mystic, poet, composer, naturalist and one of the most important women of the German Middle Ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ihre_medizinischen_Werke\"><\/span>Your medical works<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hauptwerke_zur_Heilkunde\"><\/span>Major works on medicine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201eCausae et Curae\u201c (causes and treatments)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Created ca. 1150-1160<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Systematic presentation of diseases and therapies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Theory of humors (humoral pathology)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gynecology, Obstetrics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201ePhysica\u201c (natural history)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Also called \u201eLiber subtilitatum diversarum naturarum creaturarum\u201c<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>9 books about plants, elements, trees, stones, fish, birds, animals, metals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Approx. 2000 recipes and remedies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Description of approx. 300 plants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Weltanschaulicher_Rahmen\"><\/span>Worldview framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hildegard's medicine is embedded in<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Christian theology<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Illness as a consequence of the fall of man<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Healing as divine grace<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creation as God-given and good<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ancient medicine (Galenos, Hippocrates)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Four-juice doctrine (blood, phlegm, yellow\/black bile)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Four elements (fire, water, air, earth)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Four qualities (warm, cold, damp, dry)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Monastic medicine<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Benedictine Rule: \u201eThe sick are to be served above all\u201c<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A centuries-old tradition of monastic medicine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Herb gardens, hospitals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Visionary revelation<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hildegard claimed to have gained her knowledge through <strong>divine visions<\/strong> to have received<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201eLiving light\u201c (lux vivens)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not empirical-experimental, but revealed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hildegards_medizinisches_System\"><\/span>Hildegard's medical system<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Theoretische_Grundlagen\"><\/span>Theoretical foundations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Viriditas (\u201egreen power\u201c)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hildegard's central concept<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Divine life force in creation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Health = strong viridity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Illness = weakened viriditas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Discretio (moderation)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Moderation in all areas of life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Balance between extremes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dietetics (lifestyle)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Subtilitas (subtlety)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hidden healing powers in natural substances<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only recognizable through revelation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Diagnostik_und_Krankheitsverstandnis\"><\/span>Diagnostics and understanding the disease<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Humoral pathology<\/strong> - As in ancient medicine: imbalance of the juices causes illness<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201eBlack bile\u201c (melancholy)<\/strong> - Hildegard particularly emphasized this aspect - the connection between mental and physical suffering<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Urinalysis (urinalysis)<\/strong> - Most important diagnostic procedure in the Middle Ages - also central to Hildegard<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Therapeutische_Ansatze\"><\/span>Therapeutic approaches<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dietetics (nutrition and lifestyle)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spelt as the \u201ebest grain\u201c<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoidance of certain foods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fasting and moderation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Herbal medicine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Herbs as teas, ointments, infusions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specific plants for specific ailments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gemstone therapy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Healing powers of stones<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Laid on, worn, soaked in water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rejection procedure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bloodletting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cupping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Laxative<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Psycho-spiritual therapy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prayer, confession, penance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Music and singing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work and employment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Konkrete_Heilaussagen_%E2%80%93_wissenschaftliche_Uberprufung\"><\/span>Concrete healing claims - scientific verification<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dinkel\"><\/span>Spelt<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hildegards_Aussage_Physica_I_1\"><\/span><strong>Hildegard's statement (Physica I, 1)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201eSpelt is the best grain, it is warm and fat and strong, and it is milder than other types of grain, and it gives the person who eats it good flesh and good blood, and it brings joy and happiness to a person's mind.\u201c<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wissenschaftliche_Uberprufung\"><\/span>Scientific review<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nutritional value comparison:<\/strong> Spelt (Triticum spelta) is genetically closely related to wheat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Nutrient<\/th><th>Spelt<\/th><th>Wheat<\/th><th>Rating<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>protein<\/td><td>~15%<\/td><td>~13%<\/td><td>Slightly higher<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dietary fiber<\/td><td>~10g\/100g<\/td><td>~9g\/100g<\/td><td>Minimally higher<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Vitamins B<\/td><td>Similar<\/td><td>Similar<\/td><td>No significant difference<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Minerals<\/td><td>Similar<\/td><td>Similar<\/td><td>No significant difference<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gluten<\/td><td>Available<\/td><td>Available<\/td><td>Not gluten-free!<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Studies:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Schoenlechner et al. (2008)<\/strong> in <em>Journal of Cereal Science<\/em>Spelt and wheat have similar nutritional profiles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ruibal-Mendieta et al. (2005)<\/strong> in <em>Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry<\/em>No superior antioxidant capacity of spelt<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong> Spelt is a <strong>wholesome cereals<\/strong>, but <strong>not demonstrably superior<\/strong> compared to other whole grains. The statement that it is the \u201ebest\u201c grain is scientifically <strong>not used<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Myth:<\/strong> Spelt is suitable for wheat allergy sufferers \u2192 <strong>WRONG<\/strong>. Spelt contains gluten and is unsuitable for people with coeliac disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Galgant_Alpinia_officinarum\"><\/span>Galangal (Alpinia officinarum)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hildegards_Aussage\"><\/span><strong>Hildegard's statement<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201eIf you have pain in your back or side, boil galangal in wine and drink it warm... and it will heal you.\u201c<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scientific review:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ingredients:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Essential oils (eugenol, cineole)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flavonoids<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gingerols and galangin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Studies:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Matsuda et al. (2003)<\/strong> in <em>Journal of Ethnopharmacology<\/em>Anti-inflammatory properties of galangal in vitro<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Verma et al. (2011)<\/strong> in <em>Journal of Medicinal Food<\/em>Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Al-Yahya et al. (1990)<\/strong> in <em>Pharmaceutical Biology<\/em>Traditional use for gastrointestinal complaints<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>But:<\/strong> No clinical studies (RCTs) on \u201eback pain\u201c or other specific Hildegard indications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong> Galangal has <strong>Detected bioactive substances<\/strong> with anti-inflammatory properties. Hildegard's specific healing statements are <strong>not confirmed by modern studies<\/strong>, but <strong>plausible<\/strong> due to the ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bertram_Anacyclus_pyrethrum\"><\/span>Bertram (Anacyclus pyrethrum)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hildegards_Aussage-2\"><\/span><strong>Hildegard's statement<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201eBertram is very warm... and whoever eats bertram reduces the bad juices in it and makes good juices.\u201c<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wissenschaftliche_Uberprufung-2\"><\/span><strong>Scientific review<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ingredients:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pyrethrin (pungent tasting)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alkamides<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Studies:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Very limited<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Saghir et al. (2001)<\/strong> in <em>Phytotherapy Research<\/em>Antimicrobial properties<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traditional use in Ayurveda and Unani medicine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong> <strong>Hardly any scientific research<\/strong> to Bertram. Traditional use documented, but modern clinical evidence <strong>missing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quendel_Feldthymian\"><\/span>Quendel (field thyme)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hildegards_Aussage-3\"><\/span><strong>Hildegard's statement<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good against leprosy and various skin diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wissenschaftliche_Uberprufung-3\"><\/span><strong>Scientific review<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Thyme (Thymus) in general<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Essential oils:<\/strong> Thymol, carvacrol<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Antimicrobial effect:<\/strong> Well documented<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Studien\"><\/span><strong>Studies<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hotta et al. (2010)<\/strong> in <em>Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin<\/em>Antimicrobial activity of thymol<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rota et al. (2008)<\/strong> in <em>Food Chemistry<\/em>Antioxidant properties<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>But:<\/strong> Leprosy is caused by <em>Mycobacterium leprae<\/em> causes and requires <strong>Antibiotics<\/strong> (dapsone, rifampicin). Thyme is <strong>not effective<\/strong> against leprosy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong> Thyme has <strong>Proven antimicrobial<\/strong> and <strong>antioxidant<\/strong> Characteristics. The specific statement on leprosy is <strong>scientifically refuted<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Edelsteintherapie\"><\/span>Gemstone therapy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hildegards_Aussagen\"><\/span><strong>Hildegard's statements<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Amethyst<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201eAnyone who has skin spots or swellings on their body should moisten an amethyst with their saliva... and the spot or swelling will disappear.\u201c<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Emerald<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201eAgainst all human weaknesses and diseases... Emerald placed in wine, drunk sober early.\u201c<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wissenschaftliche_Uberprufung-4\"><\/span><strong>Scientific review<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chemical composition<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gemstones are <strong>mineral crystals<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amethyst: quartz (SiO\u2082) with traces of iron<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emerald: Beryl (Be\u2083Al\u2082Si\u2086O\u2081\u2088) with traces of chrome<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Studien_zur_Edelsteintherapie\"><\/span><strong>Studies on gemstone therapy<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>No scientific evidence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>No published studies<\/strong> in recognized scientific journals that prove the therapeutic effect of gemstones<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No plausible mechanisms of action<\/strong> from a chemical or physical point of view<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gemstones give at room temperature <strong>no bioactive substances<\/strong> away<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lyvers &amp; Meester (2012)<\/strong> in <em>British Journal of Psychology<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Study on \u201ecrystal healing\u201c<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Result: <strong>Pure placebo effects<\/strong>, no specific effect<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong> Gemstone therapy is <strong>Scientifically untenable<\/strong>. No demonstrable mechanisms of action. Effects are <strong>Placebo<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Aderlass\"><\/span>Bloodletting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hildegards_Aussage-4\"><\/span><strong>Hildegard's statement<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regular bloodletting to cleanse the blood and for various diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wissenschaftliche_Uberprufung-5\"><\/span><strong>Scientific review<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Historical context<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bloodletting was <strong>Standard therapy<\/strong> from antiquity to the 19th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Modern valuation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Harmful in most cases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Blood loss weakens patients<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can lead to anemia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Counterproductive for infections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Only modern indications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Polycythaemia vera<\/strong> (too many red blood cells)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hemochromatosis<\/strong> (iron overload)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rosenfeld (1997)<\/strong> in <em>Journal of the History of Medicine<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Historical analysis: bloodletting has probably done more harm than good<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>George Washington may have died from excessive bloodletting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong> Bloodletting is <strong>Medically outdated<\/strong> and for most Hildegard indications <strong>harmful<\/strong>, not healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Systematische_wissenschaftliche_Bewertung\"><\/span>Systematic scientific evaluation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gibt_es_wissenschaftliche_Studien_zu_%E2%80%9EHildegard-Medizin%E2%80%9C\"><\/span>Are there any scientific studies on \u201eHildegard medicine\u201c?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, but limited:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Herterich (2012):<\/strong> Dissertation at the University of W\u00fcrzburg<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201eThe monastic medicine of Hildegard of Bingen\u201c<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Historical and pharmacological analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conclusion: Some plants have plausible active ingredients, many statements are speculative<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Strehlow (1997-2020):<\/strong> Dr. Wighard Strehlow<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Long-time advocate of Hildegard medicine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Publications often <strong>not peer-reviewed<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Methodologically questionable studies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Criticism:<\/strong> Conflicts of interest (commercial distribution of Hildegard products)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Portmann (1997):<\/strong> \u201eHildegard von Bingen - pioneer of modern naturopathy\u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Popular science<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Selective display<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lack of references<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Peer-reviewed_Forschung\"><\/span>Peer-reviewed research<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PubMed (January 2026)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Search term: \u201eHildegard von Bingen\u201c + \u201emedicine\u201c<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Result: ~15 hits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Majority <strong>historical<\/strong>, non-clinical studies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significant publications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M\u00fcller-Jahncke (2001)<\/strong> in <em>Sudhoff's archive<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Historical analysis of the recipes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conclusion: Hildegard follows medieval tradition, no revolutionary innovations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Madejsky (2008)<\/strong> - \u201eThe plants of Hildegard von Bingen\u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Identification and description<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>But: No clinical efficacy studies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lack of RCTs:<\/strong> There are <strong>No randomized, controlled studies<\/strong>, that systematically investigate specific Hildegard formulations or therapies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Probleme_mit_%E2%80%9EHildegard-Forschung%E2%80%9C\"><\/span>Problems with \u201eHildegard research\u201c<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Interessenkonflikte\"><\/span><strong>Conflicts of interest<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Many \u201eresearchers\u201c sell Hildegard products<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lack of independence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Methodische_Mangel\"><\/span><strong>Methodological shortcomings<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Uncontrolled observational studies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lack of blinding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small samples<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No publication in renowned journals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Selektive_Interpretation\"><\/span><strong>Selective interpretation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Successes are emphasized, failures ignored<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201eCherry-picking\u201c of historical statements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Textprobleme\"><\/span><strong>Text problems<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Medieval manuscripts difficult to interpret<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plant identification uncertain (medieval vs. modern names)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Later edits and additions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kritische_Stimmen\"><\/span>Critical voices<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Medizinhistoriker\"><\/span>Medical historian<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Heinrich Schipperges (1920-2003)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Renowned medical historian<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Important works on Hildegard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Position:<\/strong> Hildegard as <strong>Product of its time<\/strong>, not as a timeless authority<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Warning against uncritical modernization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Quote Schipperges:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201eHildegard von Bingen must be understood from her time. She was not a scientist in the modern sense, but a theologian and visionary.\u201c<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pharmakologische_Kritik\"><\/span>Pharmacological criticism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Prof. Manfred Schubert-Zsilavecz (University of Frankfurt)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pharmacist and medical historian<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Criticism of commercial \u201eHildegard medicine\u201c<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Position:<\/strong> Some plants plausible, many statements scientifically untenable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dr. Ernst (Emeritus Professor of Complementary Medicine, Exeter)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Critical of historical healing systems in various publications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Position:<\/strong> Respect for historical significance, but no modern therapeutic relevance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Theologische_Kritik\"><\/span>Theological criticism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Prof. Barbara Newman (Northwestern University)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hildegard researcher<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Warning:<\/strong> Do not misunderstand Hildegard's visions as medical instructions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Primarily theological-mystical texts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Quote Newman:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201eHildegard's medical writings are deeply rooted in her theological worldview. To remove them from this context and market them as \u201aalternative medicine\u2018 misses their original meaning.\u201c<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wissenschaftsjournalismus\"><\/span>Science journalism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>German Medical Journal (2012)<\/strong> - Critical article on the \u201eHildegard boom\u201c:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Warning against uncritical adoption<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emphasis: Historical figure \u2260 medical authority<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demand for evidence-based standards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Was_ist_wissenschaftlich_haltbar\"><\/span>What is scientifically tenable?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Plausible_Aspekte\"><\/span>Plausible aspects<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Herbal medicine - (partial)<\/strong> <strong>scientifically confirmed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fennel:<\/strong> Carminative (against flatulence) - confirmed by studies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sage:<\/strong> Antimicrobial - confirmed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lavender:<\/strong> Reassuring - confirmed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>But:<\/strong> These effects were also known before Hildegard (ancient medicine). Hildegard has them <strong>not discovered<\/strong>, but <strong>handed down<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Holistic approach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consideration of body, soul and lifestyle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Modern<\/strong> - Bio-psycho-social model<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Value<\/strong> - Patient-centered medicine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dietetics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Importance of diet, sleep, exercise, moderation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Modern<\/strong> - Preventive medicine, lifestyle medicine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Value<\/strong> - Evidence-based<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Psychosomatics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hildegard recognized the connection between soul and body<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Modern:<\/strong> Psychosomatic medicine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Value:<\/strong> Scientifically confirmed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Unhaltbare_Aspekte\"><\/span>Unsustainable aspects<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Humoral pathology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Four juices do not exist<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scientifically refuted since the 19th century<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gemstone therapy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No mechanisms of action<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pure placebo effects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bloodletting (in Hildegard's indications)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Predominantly harmful<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only useful for very specific modern indications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Specific disease classifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201eSpelt against melancholy\u201c - not proven<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201eEmerald against all diseases\u201c - absurd<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Visionary revelation as a source of knowledge<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Science is based on <strong>Empiricism and experiment<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Revelation is not a scientific method<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Moderne_%E2%80%9EHildegard-Medizin%E2%80%9C_%E2%80%93_eine_kritische_Betrachtung\"><\/span>Modern \u201eHildegard medicine\u201c - a critical view<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Der_%E2%80%9EHildegard-Boom%E2%80%9C_seit_den_1970ern\"><\/span>The \u201eHildegard boom\u201c since the 1970s<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dr. Gottfried Hertzka (1913-1997)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Doctor, \u201erediscoverer\u201c of Hildegard medicine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Founded the \u201eInternational Hildegard of Bingen Society\u201c<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Popular books (not scientific)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dr. Wighard Strehlow<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pupils of Hertzka<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Numerous publications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Operates Hildegard centers and mail order business<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Problem<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Commercial interests<\/strong> - Products, seminars, books<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Uncritical worship<\/strong> - \u201eHildegard knew everything\u201c<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ahistorical interpretation<\/strong> - Modernization of medieval texts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Typische_moderne_%E2%80%9EHildegard-Produkte%E2%80%9C\"><\/span>Typical modern \u201eHildegard products\u201c<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Examples<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spelt coffee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Galangal tablets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bear's Root Pear Honey<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gemstone elixirs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Habermus (spelt breakfast porridge)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Criticism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Often <strong>very expensive<\/strong> compared to comparable products<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Marketing<\/strong> with Hildegard's name and authority<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Effectiveness statements<\/strong> mostly not occupied<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Partial <strong>not authentic<\/strong> (modern recipes that are attributed to Hildegard)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9EHildegard-Fasten%E2%80%9C\"><\/span>\u201eHildegard fasting\u201c<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Concept<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reduction diet with spelt, vegetables, fruit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid meat, milk and eggs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Herbal teas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scientific evaluation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Positive<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Calorie reduction can be healthy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vegetable and fruit-based diet evidence-based good<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Questionable<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>No specific advantages<\/strong> compared to other healthy diets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strict avoidance of dairy products without a medical reason is problematic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hildegard herself did not teach \u201efasting\u201c in this sense (modern construction)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rechtliche_Situation\"><\/span>Legal situation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Therapeutic Products Advertising Act (HWG):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Advertising with reference to illness prohibited for non-drug products<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many Hildegard products violate the HWG<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Consumer protection:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Warnings against exaggerated advertising claims<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201eCures cancer\u201c, \u201eagainst diabetes\u201c etc. \u2192 illegal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>EU Health Claims Regulation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Health claims must be scientifically proven<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Most Hildegard claims are <strong>not authorized<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hildegard_vs_Moderne_Phytotherapie\"><\/span>Hildegard vs. modern phytotherapy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gemeinsamkeiten\"><\/span>Similarities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Both use plants as a remedy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ingredients can be pharmacologically active<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tradition plays a role<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Entscheidende_Unterschiede\"><\/span>Decisive differences<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Aspect<\/th><th>Hildegard medicine<\/th><th>Modern phytotherapy<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Method of cognition<\/strong><\/td><td>Visionary revelation<\/td><td>Scientific research (RCTs)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mechanism of action<\/strong><\/td><td>Viriditas, juices<\/td><td>Identified chemical substances<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Standardization<\/strong><\/td><td>Not standardized<\/td><td>Standardized extracts<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Quality control<\/strong><\/td><td>Often missing<\/td><td>GMP, Pharmacopoeia<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Evidence<\/strong><\/td><td>Anecdotal, historical<\/td><td>Clinical studies<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>dosage<\/strong><\/td><td>Vague (\u201elittle\u201c, \u201ea lot\u201c)<\/td><td>Precise (mg data)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Indications<\/strong><\/td><td>Broad, unspecific claims<\/td><td>Specific, approved indications<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Example St. John's wort<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hildegard<\/strong> - Not specifically mentioned (was known in MA, but not central to it)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Modern phytotherapy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Active ingredient:<\/strong> Hyperforin, Hypericin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Indication:<\/strong> Mild to moderate depression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Evidence:<\/strong> Multiple RCTs, meta-analyses (e.g. Cochrane Review)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dosage:<\/strong> 900 mg extract daily (standardized)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Admission:<\/strong> Approved as a medicinal product<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ist_Hildegard-Medizin_gefahrlich\"><\/span>Is Hildegard medicine dangerous?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Direkte_Gefahren\"><\/span>Direct dangers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mostly low<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Most Hildegard plants are <strong>Relatively harmless<\/strong> in usual doses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gemstones are inert (unless swallowed \u2192 choking hazard)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Exceptions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. toxic plants:<\/strong> Hildegard sometimes recommends plants that <strong>Toxic<\/strong> are or can be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tansy:<\/strong> Can damage the liver<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Celandine:<\/strong> Hepatotoxic in higher doses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wolfsbane:<\/strong> Highly poisonous (whether Hildegard recommended it is disputed in the text)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. allergies and interactions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Plant substances can trigger allergies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interactions with medication (e.g. St. John's wort with the pill, blood thinners)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. bloodletting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dangerous with the wrong indications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anemia, weakness, fatal in case of infection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Indirekte_Gefahren\"><\/span>Indirect risks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The biggest risk: delaying effective treatment<\/strong>, e.g. with<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cancer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When patient Hildegard medicine <strong>instead of<\/strong> evidence-based therapy chooses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delay can <strong>life-threatening<\/strong> be<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Infections<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Severe bacterial infections require <strong>Antibiotics<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Herbal teas are insufficient<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Diabetes, high blood pressure, other chronic diseases<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Medication is often necessary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hildegard medicine as a substitute \u2192 Complications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ernst (2010)<\/strong> in <em>Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Case reports of damage caused by delaying conventional therapy when relying on historical healing systems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Psychologische_Gefahren\"><\/span>Psychological dangers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Magical thinking<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dependence on resources instead of independent action<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201eHildegard said...\u201c \u2192 Belief in authority<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Feelings of guilt<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201eIf it doesn't work, I haven't believed\/fasted\/prayed enough\u201c<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Self-blame for treatment failure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Historische_Einordnung_vs_moderne_Anwendung\"><\/span>Historical classification vs. modern application<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hildegard_in_ihrem_Kontext\"><\/span>Hildegard in her context<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>12th century:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Medical knowledge:<\/strong> Humoral pathology, no understanding of microorganisms, immune system, biochemistry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Life expectancy:<\/strong> ~30-40 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Main causes of death:<\/strong> Infections, birth complications, malnutrition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hildegard's performance:<\/strong> Collection and systematization of contemporary knowledge, influenced by visions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hildegard was remarkable for her time, but no wonder.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Was_wir_von_Hildegard_lernen_konnen_ohne_sie_medizinisch_zu_imitieren\"><\/span>What we can learn from Hildegard (without imitating her medically)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. holistic approach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Man as a unit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Modern medicine can learn from the bio-psycho-social model<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. prevention<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lifestyle, diet, moderation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Modern preventive medicine confirms these principles (albeit for different reasons)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. humility and reverence for creation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sustainability, respect for nature<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ecological medicine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. importance of spirituality for health<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Not:<\/strong> Prayer as a substitute for medicine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>But rather:<\/strong> Prayer as a resource, coping strategy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evidence - religiosity can provide psychological support (Koenig et al., Handbook of Religion and Health)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. patient-centered medicine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take time, listen, see the person<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Criticism of \u201eassembly line medicine\u201c<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Was_wir_NICHT_von_Hildegard_ubernehmen_sollten\"><\/span>What we should NOT take over from Hildegard<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. medical system<\/strong><br>Humoral pathology is refuted<br>Visionary revelation is no substitute for scientific research<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. specific therapies without evidence:<\/strong><br>Gemstones, bloodletting (in their indications), many plant associations<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. belief in authority:<\/strong><br>Hildegard was <strong>no omniscient<\/strong><br>Critical thinking is essential<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. superstition:<\/strong><br>\u201eMagical\u201c properties of substances<br>Sympathy magic<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wissenschaftliche_Quellen_weiterfuhrende_Literatur\"><\/span>Scientific sources \/ further reading<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wissenschaftliche_Literatur_zu_Hildegard\"><\/span>Scientific literature on Hildegard<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>History of medicine:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Schipperges, H. (1995):<\/strong><em>Hildegard of Bingen. A sign for our time.<\/em> Freiburg: Herder.<br>Critical historical classification<br><strong>M\u00fcller-Jahncke, W.-D. (2001)<\/strong> \u201eHildegard of Bingen\u201c in <em>Sudhoff's archive<\/em>, vol. 85<br>Peer-reviewed, historical analysis<br><strong>Newman, B. (1998)<\/strong> <em>Voice of the Living Light: Hildegard of Bingen and Her World.<\/em> Berkeley: University of California Press.<br>Comprehensive biography, theological focus<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Textual criticism:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Moulinier-Brogi, L. (2003):<\/strong> \u201eHildegarde de Bingen, une encyclop\u00e9diste du XIIe si\u00e8cle\u201c in <em>Micrologus<\/em> Critical text analysis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pharmacology\/Botany:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Madejsky, M. (2008)<\/strong> <em>Hildegard medicine for women<\/em><br>Identification of the plants, but uncritical in terms of efficacy<br><strong>Herterich, K. (2012)<\/strong> <em>The monastic medicine of Hildegard of Bingen<\/em> (Dissertation)<br>Systematic analysis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kritische_Literatur\"><\/span>Critical literature<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ernst, E. (2001)<\/strong> \u201eHarmless Herbs? A Review of the Recent Literature\u201c in <em>American Journal of Medicine<\/em><br>Warning against uncritical use of historical healing systems<br><strong>Barrett, S. (2013)<\/strong> \u201eQuestionable Claims for Hildegard of Bingen's Herbal Remedies\u201c on Quackwatch<br>Skeptical analysis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wo_evidenzbasierte_Information_finden\"><\/span>Where to find evidence-based information?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For phytotherapy in general (not specifically Hildegard)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong> Library<\/strong> - Systematic reviews of herbal remedies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>European Medicines Agency (EMA)<\/strong> - HMPC Monographs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Commission E (BfArM, Germany)<\/strong> - Phytotherapy monographs<br><strong>Authorities.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>These sources evaluate plants according to scientific, not historical standards<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fazit_und_Handlungsempfehlungen\"><\/span><br>Conclusion and recommendations for action<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Zusammenfassung_der_wissenschaftlichen_Bewertung\"><\/span>Summary of the scientific evaluation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hildegard of Binge<\/strong>n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Historic<\/strong> - Important, fascinating personality of the Middle Ages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Theological<\/strong> - Doctor of the Church, mystic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medical (modern)<\/strong> - <strong>No scientifically validated healing system<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Your healing statements:<\/strong><br>- <strong>Partly plausible<\/strong> - Some plants have proven active ingredients (but this was also known before Hildegard)<br>- <strong>Partly untenable<\/strong> - Gemstones, bloodletting, humoral pathology<br>- <strong>Mostly untested<\/strong> - No modern clinical studies on specific Hildegard formulations<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Evidence base:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>No RCTs<\/strong> on \u201eHildegard medicine\u201c as a system<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No peer-reviewed publications<\/strong> in high-ranking medical journals that demonstrate therapeutic superiority<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Commercial \u201eHildegard research\u201c:<\/strong> Methodologically questionable, conflicts of interest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Schlusswort\"><\/span>Closing words<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hildegard von Bingen deserves respect and appreciation<\/strong> as a historical figure, theologian, mystic and remarkable woman of her time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>But:<\/strong> Historical greatness does not legitimize the uncritical adoption of medical statements from the 12th century. Since Hildegard, medicine has <strong>tremendous progress<\/strong> made:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Discovery of microorganisms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Antisepsis and hygiene<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Antibiotics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Surgical techniques<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Imaging procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Molecular biology and personalized medicine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>These advances are based on scientific methodology, not revelation.<\/strong><br>Hildegard can inspire in her wholeness, her spiritual depth, her reverence for creation. But she should <strong>not be our medical authority<\/strong> in the 21st century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The scientifically honest answer is:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hildegard's healing statements are historically interesting and partly plausible (where she passes on contemporary knowledge), but <strong>not validated by modern scientific standards<\/strong>. The commercial \u201eHildegard medicine\u201c is for the most part <strong>Marketing<\/strong>, not evidence-based medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to live a healthy life: Use <strong>Modern evidence-based preventive medicine<\/strong> (Mediterranean diet, exercise, stress management, social contacts, spirituality as a resource).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are ill: Look for <strong>Qualified medical assistance<\/strong> on the basis of current scientific knowledge.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading time<\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 9<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Biografie Hildegard von Bingen wurde in Bermersheim vor der H\u00f6he (heute Rheinhessen) 1098 als zehntes Kind von zehn Kindern der Ministerialenfamilie (Dienstadel) dem Edelfreier Hildebert von Bermersheim und seiner Ehefrau Mechthild, geboren. Das zehnte Kind wurde h\u00e4ufig als &#8222;Zehnter&#8220; (Oblate) Gott geweiht und, der religi\u00f6sen Verpflichtung und der Eigenart der Adeligkeit folgend, als Dankopfer an&hellip;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/blog\/2026\/01\/28\/hildegard-von-bingen-ihre-heilaussagen\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Read More \"<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Hildegard von Bingen - her healing statements<\/span><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12549","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"modified_by":"Achim Goerner","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12549","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12549"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12549\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12549"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12549"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/csiag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12549"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}