Between a temple and a laboratory – the writings of abbess Hildegard from Bingen in modern fhytotherapy

Abstract

The popularity of „Hildegard’s medicine” in Poland has been noticeable for years and contributes both to the creation of native guides and the translation of foreign texts on treatment methods, recipes for herbal mixtures or diets that were to be used
in her patients by the saintly Germanic Benedictine. Along with the often uncritical affirmation of the principles presented as coming from Hildegard of Bingen, there are also voices against the same studies as well as Causae et curae or Physica, the accusations of which are not unfounded. This article is an attempt to answer these two extreme positions and to find areas on which it is possible to apply the recommendations and thoughts of Hildegardian scriptures in the context of phytotherapy, but also problems related to changes taking place in highly developed societies.