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Hildegard Herbal Encyclopaedia Back to overview

Centaury

Herba Centaurii erythraea

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

Historical botanical drawing: Centaury
Centaury

Tradition (Hildegard's writings)

In Hildegard's tradition, centaury was associated with the bones.

Ingredients

Centaury and wine.

Preparation

Pour 250 ml of boiling wine over 1 to 2 tsp of centaury and leave it to infuse briefly; do not strain it.

Note 4

What yarrow is to the skin, centaury has traditionally been to the bones. It should not be used where the lining of the stomach or intestines is irritated or inflamed. Centaury is a protected species — please do not gather it in the wild.

Botanical background

Centaury is one of the bitterest of medicinal plants, and its bitterness can still be tasted at a dilution of 1:3500. Its bitter compounds are credited with a stimulating effect on the mucous membranes.

Sources & references

  1. Strehlow, Wighard: Die Hildegard-Naturapotheke. Heilmittel und Rezepte von A bis Z. Knaur Verlag 2014. S. 255.
  2. Strehlow, Wighard: Der Hildegard-Kompass. Die wichtigsten Heilmittel und Anwendungen. Knaur Verlag 2014. S. 116.
  3. 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. 1-125 (Tausendgüldenkraut).
  4. Heepen, Günther H.: Das Heilwissen der Hildegard von Bingen. Gräfe und Unzer Verlag 2015. S. 107.

The text of this entry is an independent summary in our own words, based on the works listed – not a verbatim reproduction. The page and chapter references document where the content comes from. A superscript number on a section heading points to the work that section follows. All rights to the original works remain with their authors and publishers.

More preparations using Centaury

Centaury Biscuits

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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