Bean Flour and Fennel Blend

Farina Fabae comp.

Historical tradition – not medical advice, and no health or healing claims. more

Historical botanical drawing: Bean — Bean

Tradition (Hildegard's writings)

In Hildegard's tradition, this compress was associated with the external care of the skin.

Ingredients

Bean flour, spelt flour and fennel powder.

Preparation

Knead 500 g bean flour with 100 g each of fennel powder and spelt flour and enough water for a dough of roughly equal parts, then press it flat into cakes. Dry them in a moderately warm oven, in a pan or in the sun, so that the dough stays supple.

Note

For external use, work in a little more water; the compress then does not stick. Tradition records eating according to Hildegard's dietary teaching alongside, with wild thyme as a seasoning.

Botanical background

Oil-rich fennel, together with bean and spelt flour, is credited with antimicrobial, skin-caring properties.

Sources & references

Strehlow, Wighard: Die Hildegard-Naturapotheke. Heilmittel und Rezepte von A bis Z. Knaur Verlag 2014. S. 55.
Hildegard von Bingen: Heilsame Schöpfung. Die natürliche Wirkkraft der Dinge (Physica). Hrsg. von der Abtei St. Hildegard, Eibingen. Beuroner Kunstverlag 2012 (4. Auflage 2024). Cap. 1-155 (Bohnenkraut).

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Historical tradition. The above describes how this preparation was recorded and used in the tradition of Hildegard of Bingen. This is cultural-historical information, not medical advice and not a health or healing claim, and it is no substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. If you have health complaints, please consult your doctor or pharmacy.

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