Wormwood Drink of Saint Hildegard
In the monastic medical tradition of Saint Hildegard of Bingen, wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) holds a special place as a plant valued for its strong bitter properties and its traditional use in supporting digestion, vitality, and overall well-being. One of the most well-known preparations is the wormwood drink made from young spring wormwood, wine, and honey.
Saint Hildegard wrote:
“Drink wormwood drink every second day from May to October, on an empty stomach before breakfast. It will remove all ailments of the kidneys and melancholy, brighten your eyes, strengthen your heart, and prevent diseases of the lungs. It will warm the stomach and intestines, cleanse the bowels, and prepare good digestion.”
While such descriptions reflect medieval healing traditions, they should be understood as historical and spiritual perspectives rather than modern medical recommendations.
Ingredients
- 40 ml juice from young spring wormwood
(only young plants are used; older flowering plants are avoided) - 1 liter of wine
- 150 g honey
Preparation
- Bring the wine and honey to a boil.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes without covering.
- Add the wormwood juice to the hot mixture.
- Immediately strain the liquid.
- Pour while still hot into sterilized bottles and seal tightly.
Traditional use
According to Hildegardian tradition, the recommended use is:
- 20 ml every other day,
- taken in the morning on an empty stomach before breakfast,
- from May to October.
Some herbal traditions also mention year-round use in specific cases.
Why was wormwood so valued?
Wormwood has long been known for its intense bitter compounds and essential oils, which are responsible for its characteristic taste and its traditional use in digestive herbal practices.
In Hildegardian tradition, wormwood drink is described as:
- supporting stomach and intestinal function,
- stimulating digestive secretions,
- having a warming effect on the body,
- supporting natural cleansing processes,
- strengthening the immune system,
- improving appetite,
- toning the body overall.
Saint Hildegard even referred to wormwood as:
“the master against all exhaustion.”
Important note
Wormwood is a very strong herb and should be used with caution and moderation. It is not suitable for everyone and may be contraindicated in certain conditions (such as pregnancy, peptic ulcers, or liver disorders). It may also interact with medications.
Consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is recommended before using any herbal preparations.
May – the best time for harvesting
Only young spring wormwood is used for this preparation, harvested before flowering. At this stage, the plant is considered to contain the most valuable compounds and to have a gentler effect.
May is therefore traditionally regarded as the ideal time to gather this remarkable plant and reconnect with the herbal heritage inspired by Saint Hildegard.
Disclaimer
This text is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.
The wormwood drink described above:
- is not a medicinal product,
- is not approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration),
- has not been evaluated or approved as a drug by modern regulatory authorities,
- does not replace medical consultation or treatment.
Wormwood may interact with medications and is not suitable for all individuals. Always consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional before using herbal remedies.
Bibliography
- Wighard Strehlow, “The Healing Knowledge of Saint Hildegard of Bingen from A to Z”
- Alfreda Walkowska, “Return to Harmony”