Olive Salve

Unguentum Oleae

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

Historical botanical drawing: Olive — Olive

Tradition (Hildegard's writings) ¹

In Hildegard's tradition, olive salve was associated with external use on the back and limbs.

Ingredients

Bark and leaves of the olive tree; fat — tradition records goat tallow, with lard as a substitute.

Preparation ¹

Chop about 50 g of olive bark and leaves and boil them in 125 ml of water. Add 500 ml of fat and boil for a further five to ten minutes, until the mixture thickens. Strain it while still warm and pour it into dark jars.

Note

For external use only.

Botanical background

The leaves and bark of the olive tree (Olea europaea) are credited in herbal lore with anti-inflammatory properties.

Sources & references

Heepen, Günther H.: Das Heilwissen der Hildegard von Bingen. Gräfe und Unzer Verlag 2015. S. 93.

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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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Tradition (Hildegard's writings) 1