Hildegard von Bingen was born as the tenth child of the noblewoman Hildebert von Bermersheim and his wife Mechthild in 1098 and died on September 17, 1179 in the Rupertsberg monastery near Bingen am Rhein.
Hildegard von Bingen was a nun, theologian, writer, composer, natural scientist and healer and, last but not least, advisor to the emperor. The versatile Benedictine nun was one of the most colorful personalities of the 12th century. To this day, she and her works have an enormous fascination for people.
The contemporary of Emperor Friedrich I Barbarossa was born in a time that was characterized by crusades and increasing persecutions of heretics, but also by new beginnings and a desire for reform. She wrote works such as the "Liber Scivias", founded her own monastery against bitter resistance, was the first woman to preach publicly in market places in a male-dominated world and became an important mystic. The time was also characterized by power struggles between spiritual and secular power (investiture dispute), which led, among other things, to the founding of new orders.
The natural and medicinal works "Physica" (also "Liber simplicis medicinae") and "Causae et Curae" (also Liber "compositae medicinae") form the basis for Hildegard's medicine and its application in today's world.
The "Physica" is dedicated to natural history and consists of nine volumes in which the healing powers that come from plants, trees, animals, but also metals and stones are described. The "Causae et Curae" deals with the causes of diseases and their treatments.
Hildegard saw people holistically, as a unity of body and soul. It gave binding rules for life, within a firmly established Christian framework.
1. Strengthen the strength of the soul
A life of prayer and reflection, the development of talents and virtues as well as combating one's own weaknesses and vices should promote the strength of the soul.
2. Strengthen the strength of the body
To maintain physical health, you should eat a healthy, balanced diet, detoxify your body regularly and lead a balanced life, e.g. B. find a healthy level of sleep and wake rhythm.
3. Sharpen the mind and senses
To sharpen your mind and spirit, you should lead an optimistic, happy and, above all, meaningful life and promote your intellect.
If you maintain the balance of the so-called four humors and elements such as fire, air, water and earth by adhering to these rules, you will feel healthy and happy.
I showed you some excerpts in my blog, but of course there are many, many more and I could write endless amounts of them. The knowledge that Hildegard von Bingen had was incredibly high and complex. She looked in all directions to help people and that's exactly what makes her so interesting.