The Four Humors Theory is a classic medical concept from ancient times that played a central role with Hippocrates and Galen. This approach also lasted in later natural medicine traditions—for example, in holistic nutrition concepts.
What is the Four Humors Theory?
The Four Humors Theory (also called humoral pathology) assumes that four bodily fluids determine physical and emotional balance. These humors are:
- Blood
- Phlegm
- Yellow bile
- Black bile
In the classic approach, an imbalance of these humors affects health and temperament. This idea served as the basis for diagnosis and dietary recommendations for centuries.
Origins with Hippocrates and in Antiquity
Back in ancient Greece, Hippocrates described these four bodily fluids as the foundation of physical and mental traits. A person was considered healthy when all the humors were in balance—a very early concept of homeostasis. In a historical context, you can see parallels to old nutrition and health teachings, which were later developed further in medieval Europe.
Character Types and Temperaments
From the Four Humors Theory came the idea of the four temperaments or four character types, each linked to a dominant humor:
- Sanguine: dominated by blood—lively, sociable
- Phlegmatic: shaped by phlegm—calm, thoughtful
- Choleric: by yellow bile—energetic, quick-tempered
- Melancholic: by black bile—reflective, sensitive
Even though these classifications aren’t considered medical today, they offer an interesting glimpse into historical diagnostics and temperament theory.
Four Humors Theory & Nutrition
Nutrition played a key role in the Four Humors Theory: foods and drinks were rated based on whether they were “warming” or “cooling,” “moist” or “dry”—aspects you’ll also find in traditional nutrition systems.
Holistic nutrition also focuses on choosing foods mindfully to support the body’s processes. For example, a cleansing phase—like the liver cleanse & detox according to Hildegard von Bingen—recommends foods that are gentle and balancing, echoing the idea of balancing the humors.
Practical Relevance Today
Even though the Four Humors Theory isn’t part of modern medicine, it can help you reflect on your diet and lifestyle. If you eat according to Hildegard von Bingen, you’ll include plant-based foods and balanced meals in your choices—similar to the principle of choosing foods based on their qualities.
A simple example: warming foods can make you feel better on cold days, while “cooling” foods are more refreshing when it’s hot. This idea is related to the historical classification of the four humors by their qualities.
Conclusion
The Four Humors Theory is a fascinating historical approach that was believed for centuries until modern scientific medicine became more prominent. Still, the core idea—being mindful of foods and their effects on our bodies—lives on in many contemporary nutrition concepts.
If you’re interested in natural approaches to nutrition and health, it’s worth taking a look at classic holistic concepts like the fasting soup according to Hildegard von Bingen or other nourishing recipes for everyday life.
