If you spend a little time exploring natural healing or spiritual life, sooner or later you'll come across a name that sounds almost magical: Hildegard von Bingen . But who was she, this woman we hear and read so much about?
Hildegard lived almost 1,000 years ago. Yet, in many ways, she seems to have thought more modernly than many people today. She was a nun, a scholar, a healer, a musician—and, above all, a woman of incredible inner strength. Her ideas about health , nature, and life itself seem astonishingly timeless.
In this blog, I'd like to give you a brief overview of her life. Not a dry reciting of facts—but a clear, human insight into the life of a woman who continues to touch so many people today.
Childhood and origins – the beginning of a special life
Hildegard was born in 1098 in Bermersheim vor der Höhe, a small town near Alzey in Rhineland-Palatinate. She was the tenth child of a noble family—and at that time, that often meant: This child would be dedicated to the church. This was also the case with her.
Even as a little girl, Hildegard was sickly and sensitive—but also incredibly perceptive. She later recounted that even as a child, she began seeing strange lights and images. Visions, as she called them. At the time, no one could quite understand what was wrong with her—and at first, she herself hardly spoke about it.
At about eight years old, she was sent to a monastery to grow up under the care of a hermit named Jutta von Sponheim. Monastic life was strict and secluded—but for Hildegard, it was exactly the right place. Here she could develop, find peace, and slowly explore her inner images.
Even in those early years, you sense that someone very special was on the move. Quiet, observant—yet with an incredible inner world.
Life in the monastery – a quiet place with great impact
When Hildegard entered the monastery, she was still a young girl. The outside world became smaller, everyday life quieter. Prayers, silence, simple tasks – this was what life behind the monastery walls looked like. For many, this might have been too lonely, but for Hildegard, it was just right.
Here she was finally able to find herself. She had sensed early on that there was something different inside her. Images, inspirations, inner voices – none of these ever left her completely. In the convent, she learned to deal with them. She read, wrote, listened – and slowly became the woman who later impressed so many.
When her teacher and close confidante Jutta died, Hildegard took over the leadership of the small community. It wasn't an easy step, but she grew from it. And it was precisely during this time that she began to take her visions seriously—not just for herself, but also for others.
She began writing down her inner images. She was hesitant at first, with the help of an understanding monk who assisted her in writing. But the more she shared, the more people listened. Because they sensed that someone was speaking with real depth and with a lot of heart.
Visions and works – words that came from the depths
From an early age, Hildegard had a special gift: She saw things others didn't. Light, colors, inner images—as if she were being shown another world. For a long time, she remained silent about it. But at some point, she knew: This is important. It needs to be told.
So she began writing down her visions. Not in a matter-of-fact or dry way, but in a language that touched people. This resulted in works that are still well-known today – including:
-
“Scivias” (“Know the Ways”) – a book about divine visions that shows how man can find his way to a meaningful life
-
“Liber Vitae Meritorum” (“Book of Life’s Merits”) – a kind of spiritual mirror in which virtues and weaknesses are contrasted
-
“Liber Divinorum Operum” (“Book of Divine Works”) – a comprehensive look at the connection between man, nature and the cosmos
In addition to 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 heard for them? That was courageous. But it was also exactly what touched so many people then—and today.
Hildegard's work as a healer and natural scientist
In addition to her visions and her music, Hildegard was known above all for one thing: her keen sense of the healing power of nature. For her, humanity was part of a greater whole—and only in harmony with creation could true health arise. She observed closely, listened to her body, to nature—and drew her own conclusions.
She summarized her findings in two well-known naturopathic works:
-
“Physica” – a description of plants, stones and animals and their effect on humans
-
“Causae et Curae” – a book about the causes of diseases and how to counteract them
Here is a brief insight into Hildegard’s healing knowledge:
| Plant/natural remedy | Effect according to Hildegard | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Spelt | “The best grain” – nourishing and strengthening | as a staple food, e.g., porridge or bread |
| fennel | calming, digestive | as tea or spice in food |
| Bertram | strengthens the vital forces | finely ground in small quantities |
| Thyme (wild thyme) | cleansing for lungs and blood | as tea or incense |
| Gemstones (e.g. agate) | supportive in cases of mental imbalance | as a palm stone or amulet |
For Hildegard, it was clear: health is more than just "not being sick." It's about balance—between body, soul, nutrition, and lifestyle. And that's precisely why her advice is so in demand again today.
Death and legacy – what remains of a great life
Hildegard of Bingen died on September 17, 1179, at the age of approximately 81—a remarkably advanced age for her time. She lived until her death in the Rupertsberg Monastery near Bingen, which she had founded, surrounded by the women with whom she had built so much. The exact cause of her death is not known, but accounts speak of a peaceful, quiet farewell—just as she had lived: with depth and devotion.
But her work didn't end with her death. On the contrary: Her legacy has been carried on for centuries. Many of her writings and songs have survived to this day, and her naturopathic advice is experiencing a veritable renaissance. And perhaps even more importantly, her holistic view of life—the harmony of body, mind, and soul—resonates with many people today.
In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI declared Hildegard of Bingen a Doctor of the Church—a rare and very special honor. This officially recognized not only her spiritual depth but also her great wisdom.
She was a woman with vision, with courage—and with an open heart for the world. And that's precisely why she's more than a historical figure today. She's an inspiration.