Parsley Elixir (“Heart Wine”)

Decoctum Petrosellini cp.

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

Historical botanical drawing: Parsley — Parsley

Tradition (Hildegard's writings)

In Hildegard's tradition, parsley elixir (“heart wine”) was associated with the heart and circulation and with strengthening.

Ingredients

Flat-leaf parsley (stems with leaves), wine vinegar, red wine and honey.

Preparation

Boil 10 stems of flat-leaf parsley, 2 tbsp of wine vinegar and 1 litre of red wine for 5 minutes. Add 150 g of honey, boil for a further 5 minutes, then strain and fill into sterile bottles. For diabetics, use only 80 g of honey per litre.

Note

Always seek medical advice in case of heart complaints.

Botanical background

Parsley contains essential oil and bioflavonoids credited with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; parsley root is said to have a diuretic, circulation-easing effect.

Sources & references

Strehlow, Wighard: Die Hildegard-Naturapotheke. Heilmittel und Rezepte von A bis Z. Knaur Verlag 2014. S. 211.
Strehlow, Wighard: Der Hildegard-Kompass. Die wichtigsten Heilmittel und Anwendungen. Knaur Verlag 2014. S. 96.
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. 1-68 (Petersilie).
Heepen, Günther H.: Das Heilwissen der Hildegard von Bingen. Gräfe und Unzer Verlag 2015. S. 95.
Breindl, Ellen: Das große Gesundheitsbuch der Hl. Hildegard von Bingen. Bassermann Verlag 2004. S. 248.

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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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