Lettuce According to Saint Hildegard – The Secret to Good Digestion and Mental Clarity

It is hard to imagine a lunch without salad. In the cuisine inspired by the teachings of Saint Hildegard of Bingen, lettuce holds a special place. However, according to the medieval abbess and healer, simply harvesting fresh leaves and serving them is not enough. Only when properly prepared does lettuce become a food that truly supports health.

Saint Hildegard particularly recommended head lettuce served with cooked spelt grains. This combination was believed to aid digestion, help relieve constipation, and support the proper functioning of the head and mind. The key, however, lies in the method of preparation.

In her work Physica, Saint Hildegard wrote:

“Eating lettuce without seasoning fills the stomach with illnesses, and through the action of its unfavorable juice causes a person's brain to become empty. Anyone who wishes to eat lettuce should, shortly before consumption, first marinate it with dill, vinegar, or garlic so that it absorbs these seasonings. Prepared in this way and then eaten, it strengthens the brain and promotes good digestion, for the dryness of dill and the warmth of vinegar together with the warmth of garlic temper its coldness, making it beneficial to human health.”

These words reveal how important it was for Hildegard to balance the qualities of foods. The cooling nature of lettuce should be moderated by warming ingredients such as vinegar, dill, or garlic. Only then, in her view, can it truly support health and digestion.

Lettuce and Spelt Grain Salad Inspired by Saint Hildegard’s Teachings

Ingredients:

• 1 head of lettuce
• 3 tablespoons cooked and cooled whole spelt grains

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
• 2 tablespoons wine vinegar
• Honey to taste

Preparation:

Wash and chop the lettuce. Combine it with the cooked and cooled spelt grains. Mix the dressing ingredients together and pour over the salad. Let it rest for a few minutes so the lettuce can absorb the flavors and seasonings.

According to Saint Hildegard’s recommendations, preparing lettuce in this way makes it easier to digest and more beneficial for the body. When eaten regularly, it may support healthy digestion and serve as a nourishing addition to everyday meals.

This simple combination of lettuce, spelt, and a properly prepared dressing demonstrates that Saint Hildegard’s wisdom remains relevant today. Sometimes only a few natural ingredients and the right preparation method are needed to transform an ordinary salad into a truly wholesome dish.