If you spend a little time with herbalism or spiritual living, sooner or later you’ll come across a name that almost sounds magical: Hildegard of Bingen. But who was she, really – this woman you hear and read so much about?
Hildegard lived almost 1,000 years ago. And yet, in many ways, she seems to have had more modern ideas than a lot of people today. She was a nun, a scholar, a herbalist, a musician – and above all, a woman with incredible inner strength. Her thoughts on nature, nutrition, and life itself feel surprisingly timeless.
In this blog, I want to give you a quick overview of her life’s journey. No boring list of dates – just a clear, relatable look into the life of a woman who still touches so many people today.
Childhood and Origins – the start of a remarkable life
Hildegard was born in 1098 in Bermersheim vor der Höhe, a small village near Alzey in Rhineland-Palatinate. She was the tenth child of a noble family – and back then, that often meant: this child would be dedicated to the church. That’s exactly what happened with her.
Even as a little girl, Hildegard was frail, sensitive – but also incredibly perceptive. She later said that she saw strange lights and images as a child. Visions, as she called them. At the time, no one really knew what was going on with her – and she hardly spoke about it at first.
Around the age of eight, she was sent to a convent to grow up under the care of a hermit named Jutta von Sponheim. Life in the convent was strict and secluded – but for Hildegard, it was just the right place. Here, she could flourish, find peace, and slowly get to the bottom of her inner images.
You can already sense in these early years: there was something truly special about her. Quiet, observant – but with an incredible inner world.
Life in the Convent – a quiet place with a big impact
When Hildegard entered the convent, she was still a young girl. The outside world faded away, daily life became calmer. Prayers, silence, simple chores – that’s what life behind the convent walls looked like. For many, that might have been too lonely, but for Hildegard, it was just right.
Here, she could finally find herself. She had felt early on that there was something different inside her. Images, insights, inner voices – these things never really left her. In the convent, she learned how to deal with them. She read, wrote, listened – and slowly became the woman who would later impress so many.
When her teacher and close confidante Jutta died, Hildegard took over leading the small community. That wasn’t an easy step, but she grew from it. And it was exactly during this time that she started to take her visions seriously – not just for herself, but for others too.
She began to write down her inner images. At first, she was hesitant, with the help of an understanding monk who assisted her with writing. But the more she shared, the more people listened. Because they felt: here’s someone with real depth. And a lot of heart.
Visions and Works – words from deep within
From a young age, Hildegard had a special gift: she saw things others didn’t. Light, colors, inner images – as if another world was being shown to her. She kept quiet about it for a long time. But eventually, she knew: This matters. This needs to be told.
So she started writing down her visions. Not in a dry or factual way, but in language that really touched people. This led to works that are still known today – including:
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“Scivias” (“Know the Ways”) – a book about divine visions, showing how people can find their way to a meaningful life
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“Liber Vitae Meritorum” (“Book of Life’s Merits”) – a kind of spiritual mirror, where virtues and weaknesses are set against each other
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“Liber Divinorum Operum” (“Book of Divine Works”) – a broad look at the connection between humans, nature, and the cosmos
Besides her writings, Hildegard was also a passionate composer. Her music still sounds almost otherworldly today – clear melodies, often with a touch of eternity. For her, singing was a way to make the invisible audible.
What she did was extraordinary for her time. A woman who writes, composes, has visions – and is actually listened to? That was bold. But it was also exactly what touched so many people back then – and still does today.
Hildegard’s Work as a Herbalist and Natural Scientist
Besides her visions and her music, Hildegard was especially known for one thing: her keen sense for nature and its treasures. For her, people were part of a bigger whole – and true well-being could only happen in harmony with creation. She observed closely, listened to her body, to nature – and drew her own conclusions from it.
She summed up her insights in two well-known works, among others:
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“Physica” – a description of plants, stones, and animals and their meaning for people
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“Causae et Curae” – a book about the interplay of body, mind, and soul
Here’s a little glimpse into Hildegard’s plant knowledge:
| Plant/Natural Product | Meaning in Hildegard's Teachings | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Spelt | "The best grain" – nutritious and versatile | as a staple food, like porridge or bread |
| Fennel | especially valued by Hildegard | as tea or a spice in dishes |
| Bertram | plays an important role in Hildegard's writings | finely ground in small amounts |
| Quendel (wild thyme) | frequently mentioned by Hildegard in her writings | as tea or incense |
| Gemstones (e.g., agate) | hold a special place in Hildegard's teachings | as worry stones or amulets |
For Hildegard, it was clear: well-being is about more than just the body. It's about balance – between body, soul, nutrition, and lifestyle. That's exactly why her ideas are so popular again today. Check out our herbs and spices inspired by Hildegard's teachings too.
Death and Legacy – what remains of a remarkable life
Hildegard of Bingen died on September 17, 1179, at around 81 years old – an impressively long life for her time. She lived until the end in the Rupertsberg Abbey she founded near Bingen, surrounded by the women she built so much with. The exact cause of her death isn't known, but reports describe a peaceful, quiet farewell – just as she had lived: with depth and dedication.
But her influence didn't end with her death. On the contrary: her legacy has been carried on for centuries. Many of her writings and songs still exist today, and her ideas about how to live are having a real comeback. And maybe even more important: her holistic view of life – the harmony of body, mind, and soul – really speaks to a lot of people today.
In 2012, Hildegard of Bingen was named a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI – a rare and very special honor. This officially recognized not just her spiritual depth, but also her great wisdom.
She was a woman with vision, courage – and an open heart for the world. That's why she's more than just a historical figure today. She's an inspiration. Browse through our selection inspired by Hildegard's teachings and let her wisdom guide you.
