In the twelfth century, a Benedictine abbess named Hildegard von Bingen combined mysticism, science, and faith into a vision of life that is still inspiring today. Revered as a spiritual leader, visionary, and healer, she believed that the food people consumed was deeply connected to their physical health and their spiritual well-being. Hildegard’s doctrine lifted everyday ingredients out of the ordinary. She emphasized spelt (Dinkel), praised the power of herbs (Kräuter), and interpreted diet through the lens of theology. What emerged from her writings was more than a set of health tips. It was a holistic way of living, a monastic diet that united body and soul in harmony.
Historical Background
Hildegard von Bingen was born in 1098 in Bermersheim, in what is today Germany. At a young age she was dedicated to the Benedictine order and spent most of her life in monastic settings. Her role as abbess at Rupertsberg near Bingen placed her at the center of the spiritual and intellectual life of her age.
She was not only a theologian but also a writer of visionary works, a musician whose compositions still move audiences, and a natural philosopher who studied plants, animals, and minerals. In her texts Physica and Causae et Curae, she detailed an approach to health that combined empirical observation with theological interpretation. To Hildegard, the human being was a microcosm of the divine order. Illness arose when the harmony between creation and human life was disturbed, and recovery required restoring balance through diet, herbs, and prayer.
Dinkel (Spelt)
Among all foods, spelt held a special place in Hildegard’s philosophy. She called it the best grain, superior to wheat, rye, or barley. To her, spelt was not only nourishing but also able to lift the spirit. She wrote that it brought cheerfulness and strengthened both body and soul.
From a modern standpoint, spelt remains an attractive grain. It is rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals such as magnesium and iron. Unlike refined wheat, it is easier for many people to digest and has a nutty flavor that appeals to contemporary tastes.
Symbolically, Hildegard’s praise of spelt also reflects her theological vision. Food was not just sustenance, but part of divine creation, imbued with qualities that could either heal or harm. Spelt, as she understood it, was a grain that fostered physical vitality and spiritual clarity. Today, spelt bread, pasta, and flour are widely sold in health food stores, a testament to the long life of her advice.
Kräuter (Herbs)
Equally central to Hildegard’s wisdom were herbs. She catalogued hundreds of plants, describing their effects on digestion, circulation, and mood. In Physica, she recommended herbs such as fennel, galangal, and parsley. Fennel, she claimed, improved digestion and produced joy in the heart. Galangal, a root similar to ginger, supported blood flow and helped with nausea. Parsley was praised for strengthening the kidneys and purifying the body.
Her approach may sound foreign to modern scientific medicine, but it was entirely consistent with medieval thought. In her era, health was linked to the balance of the four humors, and herbs were seen as tools to correct imbalances. For Hildegard, however, herbs were also gifts of creation. Using them responsibly meant respecting both the natural order and divine intent.
Today, herbal teas marketed under her name, as well as tinctures and salves, continue to circulate, blending centuries-old remedies with modern wellness trends. Whether or not every claim stands up to scientific testing, the cultural continuity remains strong.
Theology and Diet
What sets Hildegard apart is not simply her advice on food, but the theological depth underlying it. In her view, creation was harmonious, a reflection of divine wisdom. Human beings had a responsibility to live in tune with that order. Eating was not only about survival but also about aligning one’s body and soul with God.
Moderation was essential. Too much indulgence led to spiritual clouding, while ascetic extremes could weaken the body. Hildegard advocated for a middle path, one in which food sustained health but also safeguarded the clarity of mind needed for prayer. For her, healing and holiness were intertwined, since the body was a vessel through which divine praise was offered.
The Klosterdiät (Monastic Diet)
Monastic communities in Hildegard’s time followed a diet shaped by both rule and necessity. Spelt bread was a staple, accompanied by porridge or gruel made from whole grains. Beans, vegetables, fruits from the monastery gardens, and herbs featured prominently. Meat was consumed rarely, usually on feast days. Fish was eaten more often, especially in regions with rivers or coastal access. Honey sweetened food, while wine, often diluted, was common.
This diet was not designed solely for health, but for spiritual discipline. Simplicity reduced distraction and excess, helping monks and nuns to focus on prayer. At the same time, it reflected Hildegard’s principle of balance. Nourishment was sufficient but measured. Flavor came primarily from herbs, which served both gustatory and medicinal purposes.
Influence and Modern Relevance
Hildegard’s legacy continues to inspire. Around the world, practitioners of so-called “Hildegard medicine” promote diets rich in spelt, moderate use of animal products, and herbal remedies for everyday discomforts. Books and seminar programs explore her teachings, framing her as one of the first holistic healers of Europe.
In modern wellness culture, where people seek natural alternatives and sustainable practices, her writings find new relevance. Spelt, once a marginal grain, is enjoying a renaissance as a healthy alternative to industrial wheat. Herbal infusions echo her prescriptions for balance. Above all, her vision that health involves harmony of body and spirit resonates with contemporary interests in mindfulness and integrative medicine.
One can see echoes of her influence in today’s discussions surrounding sustainable agriculture, plant-based diets, and ethical consumption. She anticipated concerns about harmony with creation, a theme that aligns closely with modern ecological awareness.
From Spelt to Spirituality: Hildegard’s Holistic Vision for Modern Living
Hildegard von Bingen’s teachings invite us to see food as more than fuel. For her, spelt was a sacred grain, herbs were divine tools of healing, and diet was rooted in theological order. The monastic diet she described balanced nourishment with spirituality, discipline with delight in creation.
In a time when modern people struggle with over-processed foods, stress-related illnesses, and a widening gap between body and spirit, her ideas feel unexpectedly fresh. She reminds us that to eat mindfully is to participate in the harmony of creation, to cultivate health, and to honor something greater than ourselves.
Her integration of Dinkel, Kräuter, and theology into a lived philosophy is not just a window into medieval thought. It is also a call to consider how we live today: with balance, reverence, and awareness of the unity between body, soul, and the natural world.
Image: A depiction of the Catholic Saint Hildegard of Bingen (1098 – 1178 CE) holding a model of the church. The stained glass window was created by the Ott Brothers in 1892 CE for the St. Foy Church in Sélestat, France.
The window can still be viewed in the St. Foy Church. Photo by Ralph Hammann.