Many people are familiar with stress, inner restlessness, and sleep problems. Alongside medical approaches, there are a number of plants and herbs that have been described for centuries in folk medicine and monastic tradition in connection with calm and balance. This page provides an overview of well-known natural plants from the Hildegard tradition – without medical promises, but with the knowledge from a centuries-old heritage.
Important: Severe anxiety, persistent sleep problems, or psychological complaints should be assessed by a doctor. Natural herbs can complement a mindful lifestyle, but they do not replace medical treatment.
Calm and Balance in the Hildegard Teaching
Hildegard von Bingen (1098–1179) dealt extensively with the inner equilibrium of the human being in her natural history work Physica and in Causae et Curae. In her teaching, body and soul are inseparably connected. Hildegard viewed stress, restlessness, and insomnia as signs of a disturbed inner balance – caused by an irregular rhythm, unsuitable nutrition, or insufficient rest.
Hildegard therefore recommended not only certain herbs and spices, but above all a regulated daily rhythm, sufficient sleep, movement in fresh air, and mindful nutrition. This holistic perspective forms the core of the Hildegard teaching. Find out more on our page about nutrition according to Hildegard von Bingen and about Hildegard von Bingen – Life and Work.
Well-Known Plants in the Tradition of Natural Sedatives
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Valerian is one of the best-known plants described in the European herbal tradition in connection with calm and sleep. Hildegard von Bingen mentioned valerian in her writings and described it as a plant with balancing properties. It is traditionally used as a tea, tincture, or in powder form.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is one of the best-known fragrant plants in the European herbal tradition. In the Hildegard teaching, lavender is described for both internal and external use. Its characteristic scent has been regarded as pleasant and balancing for centuries. As a tea, in a pillow, or as an essential oil, lavender is valued in the monastic tradition for a peaceful evening.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
The passionflower is a more recent plant in the European herbal tradition – it originally comes from South America. In modern herbal medicine, it is today one of the most frequently mentioned plants in connection with inner calm. As a tea or tincture, it is a popular component of herbal preparations.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm is a valued herb in the Hildegard tradition. Hildegard described it as beneficial for body and mind. Prepared as a tea, lemon balm remains a classic component of evening herbal rituals to this day. In the monastery garden, lemon balm was one of the essential plants cultivated for the daily herbal kitchen and tea.
Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Hops are best known as a beer ingredient, but also have a long history in the herbal tradition. Hop cones were traditionally stuffed into pillows – a time-honoured home remedy for more restful sleep. As a tea ingredient, hops are often combined with valerian and lemon balm.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile is one of the best-known herbs in the European monastic tradition and is also mentioned in the Hildegard teaching. As a tea, it is a classic component of an evening ritual. You can find out more about chamomile and its uses on our page about sitz baths with chamomile and in our overview of herbs in the Hildegard tradition.
Galangal (Alpinia officinarum)
Galangal is probably the best-known spice in the Hildegard kitchen. In the tradition, it is described not only as a warming spice but also mentioned in connection with inner balance. Hildegard devoted particular attention to galangal in her writings. Find out more on our page about galangal products.
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Natural Sedatives in Particular Life Situations
Natural Sedatives During Pregnancy
Special caution is required during pregnancy: not all herbs are suitable for pregnant women. Many herbal preparations that are harmless outside of pregnancy should be avoided during this time or used only after medical consultation. Lemon balm tea and lavender are considered comparatively gentle in the tradition – nevertheless, the rule applies: always consult a midwife or doctor before taking or using herbs during pregnancy.
Natural Sedatives for Children and Toddlers
Caution is also advised with children and toddlers. Not all herbs are suitable for children, and the dosage must be adjusted according to age. Gentle herbal teas such as lemon balm or chamomile are considered comparatively well-tolerated for children in the tradition – however, their use should always be coordinated with a paediatrician. Herbal concentrates and tinctures are generally not suitable for toddlers.
Natural Sedatives for Dementia
In people suffering from dementia, restlessness and sleep disturbances can be particularly distressing. Some care facilities use gentle herbal offerings such as lavender fragrance or lemon balm tea as an accompanying measure in daily care. These approaches do not replace medical treatment, but can play a role as part of a pleasant daily routine. Accompaniment by nursing staff and doctors is necessary in any case.
Natural Sedatives for Dogs
Various herbal approaches are also described in the tradition for pets – particularly for dogs that tend towards nervousness during New Year's fireworks, thunderstorms, or travel. These include, for example, valerian, hops, or passionflower in animal-appropriate doses. Important: only products suitable for animals should be used for dogs and other pets. Consultation with a veterinarian is advisable before any application, as some plants may be incompatible or even toxic for animals.
Natural Sedatives for Cats
Cats react more sensitively to herbal substances than dogs. Some plants suitable for humans or dogs are unsuitable or harmful for cats. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is the best-known plant that can have a calming effect on cats – however, it is not equally effective in all cats. When in doubt, always consult a veterinarian.
Herbal Teas as Part of a Mindful Daily Life
In the Hildegard tradition, herbal teas play a central role. Drunk warm, in tranquillity and at set times – this corresponds to the fundamental principle of moderation and rhythm that Hildegard emphasised in all her writings. An evening herbal tea made from lemon balm, valerian, or chamomile can be part of a mindful evening ritual that contributes to inner calm.
Discover our herbal teas from the Hildegard tradition – carefully selected according to the principles of traditional herbalism.
Life Rhythm as a Foundation – Hildegard's View of Calm
In addition to individual herbs, Hildegard von Bingen repeatedly emphasised that inner calm cannot be achieved through plants alone. In her teaching, sleep rhythm, daily structure, nutrition, movement, and prayer or silence are equally important pillars of inner balance. Those who suffer from persistent stress should therefore not only seek out individual herbs, but consider their entire rhythm of life.
Hildegard recommended:
- A regulated sleep-wake rhythm
- Three balanced meals a day – taken warm and in peace
- Daily movement in fresh air
- Times of silence and withdrawal
- Moderation in all areas of life
These recommendations from the 12th century coincide in many respects with what is regarded today as the foundation of a balanced life. Find out more on our page about Hildegard fasting – What is it all about?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are natural sedatives?
Natural sedatives refer to herbal plants and preparations that have been described for centuries in folk medicine and monastic tradition in connection with inner calm, balance, and sleep. These include well-known plants such as valerian, lemon balm, lavender, passionflower, and hops. They are used as tea, tincture, capsule, or in other forms.
Which natural sedatives exist from the Hildegard tradition?
In the Hildegard teaching, plants such as valerian, lavender, lemon balm, and chamomile are mentioned in connection with calm and inner balance. Galangal is considered a central spice of the Hildegard kitchen and is also associated with inner balance in the tradition. However, Hildegard always emphasised that a regulated rhythm of life forms the foundation – herbs alone cannot replace a balanced daily routine.
Are natural sedatives suitable during pregnancy?
Not all herbs are safe during pregnancy. A midwife or doctor should always be consulted before taking or using herbs during pregnancy. Gentle preparations such as lemon balm tea are considered comparatively well-tolerated in the tradition – nevertheless, individual consultation is essential.
Which natural sedatives are suitable for children?
The selection and dosage are particularly important for children. Gentle herbal teas such as lemon balm or chamomile are frequently mentioned in the tradition for children. Herbal concentrates and tinctures are generally not suitable for toddlers. Use should always be coordinated with a paediatrician.
Which natural sedatives are available for dogs?
For dogs, valerian, hops, and passionflower in animal-appropriate doses are mentioned in the tradition. It is important to use only products specially developed for animals and to consult a veterinarian before use – some plants suitable for humans are incompatible or harmful for dogs.
Can natural herbs be used for dementia?
Gentle herbal offerings such as lavender fragrance or lemon balm tea are used in some care facilities as an accompanying measure in the daily lives of people with dementia. They do not replace medical treatment, but can be part of a pleasant daily routine. Accompaniment by doctors and nursing staff is necessary in this context.
How long does it take for natural herbs to take effect?
This varies greatly from individual to individual and depends on the particular plant, the form of preparation, the dosage, and the person. Herbal preparations are usually used over a longer period of time in the herbal tradition. Medical assessment is always recommended for persistent complaints.
Note: This page provides general information material on the Hildegard tradition and herbalism. It does not replace medical advice or a medical diagnosis. For health or psychological complaints, please consult a doctor.
