Blackberry Elixir

Decoctum Folia Rubi fructicosi cp.

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

Historical botanical drawing: Blackberry — Blackberry

Tradition (Hildegard's writings)

In Hildegard's tradition, blackberry elixir was associated with the airways and the lungs.

Ingredients

Blackberry leaves, pellitory, hyssop, oregano (wild marjoram), honey and wine.

Preparation

Boil 9 g pellitory powder, 8 g blackberry leaf powder, 2 g hyssop powder and 5 g oregano leaf powder with 100 g honey and 250 ml wine for three minutes, strain and bottle.

Note

Oregano should not be eaten neat in larger amounts; Hildegard points to the strain it places on liver, lungs and skin.

Botanical background

The high proportion of pellitory and the essential oils are credited with expectorant and antispasmodic properties. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) contains thymol and carvacrol, which are said to have antimicrobial properties. According to Hildegard, the elixir served to strengthen the lungs.

Sources & references

Strehlow, Wighard: Die Hildegard-Naturapotheke. Heilmittel und Rezepte von A bis Z. Knaur Verlag 2014. S. 62.
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. 1-16 (Brombeerstrauch).

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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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