Sloe Preparation

Prunus spinosa

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

Historical botanical drawing: Sloe — Sloe

Tradition (Hildegard's writings)

In Hildegard's tradition, the sloe was associated with general well-being.

Ingredients

Fruits of the blackthorn (Prunus spinosa).

Preparation ¹

The fruits are gathered after the first frosts, which takes the edge off their astringency.

Note

Raw sloes are very astringent and rich in tannins.

Botanical background

The blackthorn is a thorny shrub of the field hedgerows and an ancestor of the cultivated plum.

Sources & references

Ptok, Michael: Die Hildegard-Hausapotheke für die ganze Familie. St. Benno Verlag 2025. S. 177–178.

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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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