Nutrition as the key to health
As early as the 12th century, Hildegard von Bingen recognized the close connection between nutrition and health. For her, food was far more than a mere source of energy—it was a healing remedy, nourishment for the soul, and part of a greater natural balance. She believed that those who eat mindfully live healthier lives—both physically and mentally.
Hildegard's holistic view of food
At the heart of her teachings is a holistic view of humanity. Health arises when body, mind, and soul are in harmony—and this is precisely where nutrition comes in. Hildegard classified foods not only according to taste or effect, but also according to whether they "benefit" or "harm" people. Both observations and spiritual insights influenced her evaluations.
The three golden staple foods
Hildegard holds three foods in particular in high regard. They form the foundation of a healthy diet:
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Spelt : This highly praised grain is considered particularly well-tolerated and strengthening. According to Hildegard, it promotes "good fluid production" and has a wide range of uses.
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Maroni (sweet chestnuts) : She described them as warm and wholesome – ideal for people with weak stomachs.
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Fennel : Not only as a vegetable, but also as a tea or spice, it had a firm place in her life – calming and balancing.
These three foods reflect their principle: simple, natural, beneficial.
Recommended and less recommended foods according to Hildegard
Hildegard did not create rigid diet plans, but differentiated finely: some foods are helpful, others should be eaten only rarely or not at all.
Recommended foods:
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Spelt, fennel, chestnuts
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Apples, pears, quinces
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Almonds, sweet chestnuts
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certain spices such as galangal, bertram, thyme
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light fish and poultry
Less recommended foods:
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Wheat (considered mucus-forming)
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pork
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raw onions and leeks (described as irritating)
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too much raw food or cold food
Moderation was always important to her – no food was fundamentally “forbidden”, but the effect had to be suited to the person’s constitution.
Hildegard nutrition today: revival in Germany
In recent years, Hildegard's nutritional teachings have experienced a quiet renaissance – especially in Germany. Many people are looking for alternative, natural ways to achieve greater well-being. Hildegard's diet offers guidance in this regard: clear, down-to-earth, yet profound.
There are now numerous people who consciously eat according to her principles—not as a dogma, but as part of a healthy lifestyle. Hildegard's concepts are also occasionally adopted in clinics and fasting centers, for example, in conjunction with modern naturopathy.
Natural medicine through everyday life: Healing through the plate
What makes Hildegard so special is that her "natural medicine" begins with everyday life. No exotic remedies or complicated recipes are required – just attentiveness to food, mindfulness in food choices, and a sense of one's own well-being.
Whether it's a warm spelt soup, a fennel tea, or consciously avoiding stressful foods – small changes can have a big impact, according to Hildegard. She understood eating as a healing act in which the soul also participates.
Conclusion: Mindfulness, moderation and the wisdom of nature
Hildegard's view of food is simple yet profound. She reminds us that health isn't just about laboratory results or medications, but often begins on our plates. Her natural medicine relies on the power of food – gentle, effective, and true to life.
In a time when nutrition is often characterized by trends and deprivation, her message acts as an anchor: Back to simplicity. Back to nature.