sibyloftherhine
Member
Physica is medieval mystic Hildegard von Bingen's compendium on health and healing. She basically lists plants, animals, and other objects in nature and how to benefit from medicinally. While her advice lacks explanation, she seems to have had a decent understanding of health, which probably stems from her keen observation of nature and her humility to learn. Now for the "Peaty" quotes:
On the benefits of (fish) gelatin:
She observed walnuts (omega-3) to be damaging:
As well as salmon:
She even recognized sugar as medicine:
Most importantly, she warned that excessive fasting does not only have physical risks but lacks spiritual benefit as well:
Trees which do not bear fruit are not beneficial. They are only wood, not trees. Their leaves are useless to eat.
Raw apples are a bit harmful for sick people. But cooked or dried apples are good for both sick and healthy people.
Flesh of ruminant animals is tempered, as if it had been placed in a press: it can easily be eaten and digested. Flesh of non-ruminant animals is heavier and not easily digested.
On the benefits of (fish) gelatin:
One who ails in his liver or is weak in his lungs should cook the small intestines of this fish with hyssop in water. From there, he should make a meat jelly and eat it frequently. The pain in his liver will cease, and his lungs will recover their health.
She observed walnuts (omega-3) to be damaging:
Fever is easily stirred up in a person who has eaten many walnuts, fresh or old. Although healthy people are able to overcome this, sick people are harmed.
As well as salmon:
Its flesh is a bit like the moon and is soft and weak. It is not good for any person to eat, because it stirs up all the bad humors in a person.
She even recognized sugar as medicine:
One who ails in his brain or chest, and is so blocked that he is unable to purge himself or cough the congestion up, should eat or drink this [sugar]. It will purge his brain and unloosen his chest.
Most importantly, she warned that excessive fasting does not only have physical risks but lacks spiritual benefit as well:
Do not lay on more strain than the body can endure. Immoderate straining and abstinence bring nothing useful to the soul.