The first “Hildegard Herb” that I discuss is Elecampane. This herb may not be a common plant name among the general public, but for herbalists it has remained tried and true for centuries. With Hildegard’s description, we see this long-standing tradition, as she references recipes that can be traced even further back in the history records.
As I have already mentioned in these Hildegard snippets, I do hope to dive deeper into this research on the woman herself and the plants she used. For now, however, enjoy this little view into Hildegard’s world in comparison to our modern herbal practices.
Sometimes I find it amazing that humans have been using an herb for certain ailments for centuries, connecting us to our ancestors and us all to the plants. Such as with Elecampane, an herbal support for the lungs. Hildegard outlines Elecampane’s potency here:
Elecampane (alant) is of both a hot and dry nature, and has beneficial powers in it. Dry or green, it may be put in pure wine all year long. After it has shriveled in the wine its powers have faded, and it should be thrown out and replaced by new. One who has pain in his lunges should drink this in moderation, every day, before and after eating. It carries away the poison from the lungs, suppresses migraine, and clears the eyes. But if someone drinks this frequently, it would injure him by its strength. If you do not have wine, make pure hydromel with water and honey, put the elecampane in it, and drink as described. Also, take fig, and twice as much elecampane. Add galingale, and from this make a clear drink. Drink it if you have sick lungs, with no other infirmities, for it is good for your lung illness. If you have additional maladies, do not drink it, for it is too strong, and you would be injured by it.1
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