The roots of monastic medicine
When you hear the term “ monastery medicine ,” your mind conjures up images of sunlit herb gardens, monks with collecting baskets, and old, handwritten recipe books.
This form of medicine has a history dating back over 1,000 years and combines nature, spirituality and medical knowledge.
Then as now, it is not just about curing illnesses , but about maintaining the balance of body, mind and soul.
Hildegard von Bingen – The most famous voice of monastic medicine
The Benedictine Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) was far more than an abbess – she was a scholar, healer and visionary.
In her works she describes medicinal plants, gemstones, spices and foods and explains how they affect human health.
Her basic idea: “The best medicine is a healthy lifestyle.”
Their most popular recommendations include:
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Spelt as a basic grain for a balanced diet
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Wormwood elixir to strengthen digestion
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Bearberry pear honey for a healthy gut
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Thyme (wild thyme) for the respiratory tract
The basics of monastic medicine
Typical of monastic medicine is the combination of naturopathy and holistic lifestyle :
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Herb cultivation in the monastery garden – mostly regional, seasonal and without chemical additives
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Gentle preparation – drying, extracting in oil or alcohol, honey preparations
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Conscious nutrition – simple, natural foods
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Calm lifestyle – fixed daily structure, prayer and mindfulness
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Prevention instead of repair – strengthening the body before it becomes ill
Overview of medicinal plants used in monastic medicine
| medicinal plant | Effect according to tradition | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| sage | Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic | Gargle solution, tea |
| peppermint | Digestive, antispasmodic | Tea, oil |
| marigold | Skin healing, wound care | Ointment, compresses |
| fennel | Anti-flatulent, expectorant | Tea, syrup |
| Bearberry | Intestinal strengthening, metabolism stimulating | Honey preparation |
| thyme | Cough reliever, antibacterial | Tea, tincture |
Practical tips for everyday life
Anyone who wants to incorporate elements of monastic medicine into their life can achieve a lot with small steps:
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Mix your own herbal teas – e.g. fennel, anise and caraway for the stomach
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Use fresh herbs when cooking instead of just dried ones
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Make home remedies in advance – e.g., calendula ointment or thyme syrup
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Schedule regular rest breaks in your daily routine
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Prefer seasonal food , as was common in monasteries
Monastic medicine today – more than nostalgia
More and more people are rediscovering monastic medicine – not out of romantic enthusiasm, but because it offers simple, effective and affordable remedies.
In many monastery gardens you can now see, smell and touch medicinal plants again.
Naturopathic books, seminars, and courses help to apply ancient knowledge in a contemporary way.
And so the tradition lives on not only in archives, but also in kitchens, medicine cabinets and gardens.
Conclusion – Wisdom that lasts
Monastic medicine shows us that healing is much more than just treating symptoms.
It's about prevention, balance, and harmony —with the power of nature, a conscious diet, and inner peace. 🌿
Perhaps this is precisely the reason why this ancient healing knowledge is so valuable again today.