Nerve-Calming Herbal Tea

In today’s fast-paced world, many people are searching for natural ways to calm the mind, improve mood, and support the nervous system. One interesting option comes from the teachings of St. Hildegard of Bingen, a medieval abbess, mystic, and pioneer of natural medicine.

Her approach to health focused on the harmony between body and soul and relied heavily on simple, natural remedies. One of the herbal blends she recommended is a tea made from balsam herb and fennel, believed to help calm the mind and restore emotional balance.

Ingredients

• 1 part balsam herb 
• 3 parts fennel seeds

This corresponds to a mixture containing approximately 25% balsam herb and 75% fennel fruit.

How to Prepare the Tea

1. Add 1 -2 tablespoon of the herbal mixture to 500 ml of water.
2. Bring it to a cook for 3 minutes.
3. Strain through a sieve and drink the infusion once it has cooled slightly, taking small sips frequently.

St. Hildegard described the properties of this herbal tea in her work Physica. According to her writings, an excess of thoughts and mental overload could lead to a loss of clarity and inner balance. In such cases, she recommended the combination of balsam herb and fennel.

She wrote:

“If, because of many different thoughts, a person loses their senses and awareness so that madness overtakes them, they should take balsam herb and three times as much fennel, boil it in water, remove the herbs, let the water cool, and drink it often.”

In her understanding:

• Balsam herb helps to calm internal imbalance and restore clarity.
• Fennel supports a lighter, more joyful mood.

Traditional Uses

According to Hildegard’s herbal tradition, this tea may support the body during:

• stress and mental overload
• nervous tension
• inner restlessness
• mood swings
• melancholy and sadness
• nervous exhaustion
• difficulty falling asleep

Regular use was believed to promote relaxation and strengthen the nervous system.

Additional Advice from St. Hildegard

Interestingly, in states of strong mental weakness, St. Hildegard advised avoiding large amounts of water and wine. In her view, water could deepen the feeling of “sensory emptiness,” while wine might further disturb the already chaotic internal balance.

Instead, she recommended:

• drinking the balsam–fennel infusion frequently
• or consuming spelt beer in moderation, which played an important role in her dietary philosophy.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog, including references to the traditional teachings and remedies of Hildegard of Bingen, is for educational and informational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Historical or traditional uses mentioned are shared for cultural and educational context and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, health routine, or use of herbal remedies.