Observations placeholder
Bingen, Hildegard of - Barley
Identifier
022683
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
According to Hildegard Barley helps with the following
- Body failing
- Skin softener
- Head ailment
and for invalids
A description of the experience
Hildegard von Bingen’s Physica – translated by Priscilla Throop from the Latin
Barley (hordeum) is cold. Because it is colder than the grains just mentioned, it is also weaker. If it is eaten, either in bread or as cereal, it vexes both healthy and sick people. Its powers are not as great as those of other kinds of grain.
For an ill person, whose whole body is failing, one should cook barley in rapidly boiling water. Then he should put that water in a large tub, and have the person take a bath in it. Do this often, until he is well, regaining his bodily flesh and attaining health.
And one who is so sick that he cannot even eat bread should take equal weights of barley and oats and add a bit of fennel. He should cook these together in water, then strain the liquid through a cloth. Instead of eating bread, he should drink this broth until he regains his health and strength.
But one whose face has hard and rough skin, made harsh from the wind, should cook barley in water and, having strained that water through a cloth, should bathe his face gently with the moderately warm water. The skin will become soft and smooth, and will have a beautiful color.
If a person's head has an ailment, it should be washed frequently in this water, and it will be healed.