Cumin and Pepper Powder Blend

Fructi Cumini et Piperis albi

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

Historical botanical drawing: Cumin — Cumin

Tradition (Hildegard's writings)

In Hildegard's tradition, this powder blend was associated with the stomach and intestines, and especially valued for travelling.

Ingredients

Cumin and pepper.

Preparation

“Diarrhoea ice”: 6 to 8 egg yolks, 2 heaped tsp of cumin powder (10 g) and 1 heaped tsp of ground white pepper (5 g). Stir the egg yolks with the cumin and pepper in a hot water bath until foamy, without letting them set; spread the mixture thinly on a baking tray, dry it at 100 °C for at least 30 minutes and crumble it into small pieces.

Note

A practical thing to keep in the first-aid kit when travelling. For persistent complaints, please seek medical advice.

Botanical background

Cumin contains fatty and essential oil, cuminaldehyde and bioflavonoids credited with anti-inflammatory properties. White pepper is said to have antimicrobial properties.

Sources & references

Strehlow, Wighard: Die Hildegard-Naturapotheke. Heilmittel und Rezepte von A bis Z. Knaur Verlag 2014. S. 201.
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. 1-17 (Kümmel).

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More preparations using Cumin

Cumin Cumin Powder

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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