© 2026 Christine Arata

Category: Alternative Medicine

  • On this day, September 17, 2025, St. Hildegard of Bingen’s feast day, please celebrate with me with these excerpts from past interviews about saints, health, music, Benedictines, and St. Hildegard.

    Today, I also want to say a big thank you to the great interviewees who have contributed to St. Hildegard’s Wisdom thus far. My prayers for them are for a joyous day and good health. St. Hildegard of Bingen, pray for us!

    Please find below selections from the past interviews, and links to the full interviews:

    Excerpt from Answers About Catholic Saints – Fr. Cameron Faller, Pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish in San Francisco.

    Why we pray to the saints:
    I’m already praying to God, but there’s something in us, because we’re social, communal beings, and we’re members of the body of Christ. We were not individually saved as much as we’re saved as a community because the body of Christ is a community. It’s natural for me to reach out to another Christian, another Catholic, and say, “Hey, can you pray for me?”…that is something we all naturally do on some level. Well then, that’s what we’re doing with the saints. We’re doing the same exact thing, and the only difference being that they’re already in heaven…they’re the living body of Christ…they’re closer to God, just objectively speaking. And so…just as we’d ask, another human being to intercede for us. We’re asking our friends in heaven to intercede for us.

    How we can be simple saints:
    …you think there (has) to be tons of…simple saints, meaning simple people that lived an extremely holy life, but they didn’t produce enough flair for somebody to push their canonization process…they’re still a saint. It’s just they haven’t been officially declared by the church to be a saint…the message of the gospel is rather simple. Ultimately, you have to become like children to enter the kingdom of God. Every soul in heaven has become like a child. What’s a child? It’s someone who is humble, completely dependent on God, surrendering to God, consistently doing what God’s asking…
    Listen here to the full audio recording.

    Excerpt from Angelus Echeverry, Musician to Monk and Sacred MusicFather Angelus Echeverry is a Roman Catholic Benedictine Priest-Monk from St Andrew’s Abbey in Valyermo, California

    My initial attraction to St. Hildegard was through her music. I came across her work during my undergraduate studies. Upon hearing it, I was instantaneously mesmerized. It did what it does for so many — it seemed to still time, lifting the soul, mind and heart toward the transcendental…

    The more I listened, the more I realized its goal was not to make the listener ‘feel’ anything particularly. It was not ‘emotional’ or ‘sentimental’. It did not try to sound sad or happy, anxious or excited, but rather invited the listener to something deeper than feelings alone….

    Eventually, it dawned on me why: it was and is music for prayer. This music, directed to God and seemingly inspired by Him, is beyond feelings and time — ‘eternal’ in its quality…. How auspicious that that should be the very monastic order to which God was calling me. This is why St. Hildegard is both a spiritual mother with whom I not only share a deep love of sacred music, but also a sister in the consecrated life; both of us children of St Benedict.
    Read the full interview here.

    Excerpt from Diamonds, Gemstones and HildegardMaureen Pratt, MTS, MFA, GIA GG, Gem-A FGA (Merit), Founder and Executive Director of The Peace in the Storm Project

    As I got more into writing in the space of Catholic spirituality, I started reading more and began revisiting Hildegard…I got into gemstones and gemology from a contemporary perspective. I found the historical perspective really fascinating…I’m a fellow of the Gemological Association of Great Britain…

    What Hildegard’s writings about gemstones say to me is that I wish she could live today because she would just be at the cutting edge of whatever discipline she chose to apply herself to. She knew that these materials were precious and part of God’s creation. So she wasn’t deviating from Catholic faith. But you know everything reflects creation, God’s creation.

    These things are here because of God. And so the admiration that she had for these minerals, we definitely should see today.

    If they would have had the instruments that we now have, the testing capabilities that we have, how much further Hildegard could have taken it!
    Read the full interview here.

    Excerpt from Improve Your Health With Your Doctor and Also Natural and Spiritual Medicine

    Iwona Bednarz-Major, Founder, Director at Stone to Flesh

    Healing is rarely immediate; it’s a process, much like peeling back layers to uncover the vibrant health we were designed for.

    I always align the healing of a human heart with its surfacing issues, and with physical symptoms.

    While some people experience rapid shifts—whether through miraculous prayer or a profound lifestyle change—and enough of them do—most of us require patience and persistence.

    Prayer indeed is primary, infusing hope, grace, and supernatural healing into every step. Whether healing comes instantly or over years, what matters most is walking the journey with faith, wisdom, and a willingness to adjust as needed.
    Read the full interview here.

    Petra Sramko, Herbalist, Saint Hildegard Plants

    There are always times in our lives when we are pushed to change our point of view and attitudes in a lot of areas…I trust in God, and God sends us challenges to “grow”.

    Sure, Hildegard’s food will help you to improve your body condition, but if you will be constantly stressed, it will impact your life in the long run.

    Today’s medicine is excellent at solving health issues, cancer, dangerous health situations, etc. However, when it comes to solving chronic conditions, Hildegard medicine can step in.
    Read the full interview here.

    Excerpt from Interview With Sr. Nodelyn Abayan About Contemporary Benedictine Spirituality – Nodelyn Abayan, a member of the Sisters of Social Service of Los Angeles, spiritual director / vocation contact person

    The basics of Benedictine spirituality is always seeing the positive or the good in everything. That God is present in everything. And in the good, there’s always the beauty. There’s a big emphasis, like Hildegard is very, very big on beauty.

    And joy. And so that’s part, as Benedictine, as sisters who follow the Benedictine spirituality, we’re very big on beauty and a positive outlook on life. That there is always a reason and God is always present. We try to experience God in every single thing we do and make it palpable in our lives.

    At least for me personally, and I know in my community as well, we’re big on the role of silence in our lives, which is very Benedictine. Because it is in silence. It’s a silence prayer. I know there are different levels of prayer, but personally that’s where I find I can attune to God’s presence more, in silence. Because silence is the language of God.

    And another thing about Benedictines is hospitality. These are the words of Saint Benedict, that you treat each stranger, or your visitor, or your guest as if they are Christ. That’s why we’re big on hospitality.
    Read the full interview here.


    Excerpt from Herbalist and Naturopath, Dr. Sebastian Liew Supports Your Healing LifeDr. Sebastian Liew, ND, MNHAA, MHS (UNE), Herbalist and Naturopath

    My faith plays a very significant role and shapes how I run my business, how I practice naturopathy, and my personal life. My faith via daily walks with God and his friends (saints and angels) helps me to feel complete.

    • Rejuvenates the way I see things (spirituality).
    • Creates positive relationships with nature and others and myself.
    • Makes life more meaningful and purposeful.
    • Ensures that I am loved despite my imperfections (unloved is the root cause of many diseases), which in turn promote my health in body and soul.
      Read the full interview here.

    Excerpt from Saint Hildegard’s Plants and Foods Are Good For You – Herbalist Petra Sramko of Saint Hildegard Plants

    She declares, that “I must honestly say that I love Hildegard. From an herbalist’s point of view, she is the one that specifies the plant as itself, as it is.” Hildegard specifies the energy of the plant, then she describes it and its impact on human health. And she follows that up with recipes. Petra says, “If someone is sick and you know their symptoms, you can then pair them with the right remedy from Hildegard. They take the remedy and gain their health back.” Petra admits, “I’ve tested it many times. There’s only one reason why they wouldn’t get healthy again. That’s only the case when God doesn’t want them to get healthy.” That’s something that St. Hildegard emphasized and is in her books.

    Petra concludes, “Health is about what you eat, how you eat it, your environment, the people around you, and your way of life. So this is Hildegard!”
    Read the full interview here.

  • “Whoever gets really angry should take roses and less sage and smell this in the moment of anger. Sage comforts and roses bring joy and happiness.” St. Hildegard of Bingen

    “Rose-Sage Oil
    This perfume is Hildegard’s most powerful fragrance against the destructive mood of anger.

    Mix:
    5ml (1 teaspoon) of almond or olive oil
    4 drops of rose (Rosa damascena) oil
    2 drops of sage (Salvia officinalis) oil
    Store in a dark bottle.”
    Resource: Hildegard of Bingen’s Spiritual Remedies by Dr. Wighard Strehlow, p. 75

    Until you can make the oil, another suggestion is to plant a garden with roses. The beauty of roses adds a lot to a simple home garden, even the wilted petals. Just sit in your garden and enjoy the sights, scents (plants and flowers), and sounds (birds). If you live in a place that has no garden, bring in fresh flowers to gaze at or see if there is a community garden in your area. Visiting parks and nature areas is also great for your mind, body and spirit.

    I must also mention St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Carmelite nun known as “The Little Flower”. I prayed a novena to her and now my garden looks like this (pictured above). Could be a coincidence, or maybe just little miracles from St.Thérèse and St. Hildegard.

    Note: As always, none of this is meant to be medical advice. Consult with your doctor first about medical matters.

  • a round chair on a pedestal
    Sonic Chair

    Here I introduce you to the targeted vibro-acoustics research being done by Professor Randy Eady and how he incorporates that with the timeless wisdom of St. Hildegard, and a chair, and also cats.

    The Sonic Chair is not just a place to sit. No, it’s a very sleek and stylish “acoustic island”. Once seated, your music for your ears only. The outside world doesn’t hear a thing. This high-tech sound system comes to you from Cologne, Germany. It was awarded the “Red Dot Design Award.” It’s a “private concert hall, home cinema or workplace.”

    They call the experience as “Cocooned In a Wellness Oasis.” It has a precise arrangement of integrated speakers and “two body-focused vibro-acoustic “shakers” in the seat and the backrest membrane that augment the lower frequencies.”

    Its low frequencies reach the user’s back through a structure-borne sound membrane. The “structure-borne sound transducer directs the tactile sound component to a sound body surrounding the listener.” This mimics the experience of a live concert, with real live vibrations!

    But if that doesn’t sound great enough, Professor Randy Eady, an active member of the Scivias Institute for Art​ &​ Spirituality​ located in Bad Kreuznach, Germany infused the experience with the chants of St. Hildegard of Bingen.

    I reached out to the Sonic Chair company for more info on pricing, etc. but as of this date, I haven’t heard back. Good thing, because I’d be an easy sell on a shiny red Sonic Chair for my place. I’m an easy sell but also a woman on a budget. Maybe I can post a picture of the Sonic Chair on my wall for now.

    Yesterday, I also reached out to Professor Eady who said that his latest work with the Sonic Chair has moved to small yachts. Therefore, the company might be going through change.

    But fortunately, I can enjoy St. Hildegard’s music anytime, anywhere. Please see my music page for some suggestions.

    And more good news is that Professor Eady’s research shows that my cat is also beneficial for my health (and that of others). He writes that a 2008 study showed that cat owners were less likely to die of heart attacks. And that cats serve as healers, including of broken bones.

    According to Professor Eady,

    “An old timer vet adage goes: “put a cat and a bunch of broken bones in the same room long enough and the bones heal.” This now rings scientifically true as a cat’s purr vibrations range between 20 and 140 hertz (Hz). This is directly in the wheelhouse of the best frequencies (between 25 and 50 Hz) for promoting bone strength (not surprisingly second-best frequencies range from 100 to 200 Hz).”

    And that reminds me of two blog posts from 2016/17 that I published on my former cat website about “Music for Cats”. How cats respond to music made especially for them.

    Here’s an except from one of my posts:

    “David Teie, cellist, gives a great talk on TedxTowsonU Online. He mentions that the human brain finishes forming within the womb and thus a baby is born with its emotions fully developed. Music is created with this in mind. The sound of the heartbeat, breathing and a mother’s voice are all mimicked within the music of all of the world’s cultures. Cats brains, however, continue to develop even when outside of the womb. And so music for them must also consider characteristics that are uncommon for humans.”

    “In David Teie’s, Music for Cats, he has blended human and cat music, without taking anything away from the other.”

    I’m sure if you buy a Sonic Chair (if still available for purchase), you’ll find your cat getting cozy in it, as they do when finding places to nap. In that case, be prepared to include his own music, “Music for Cats.”

    I know that St. Julian of Norwich had a cat. So far I haven’t heard of St. Hildegard as having one, but I like to think that she did.


    This is an affiliate link. If you purchase this Study Bible, I receive a % of your purchase.

  • Roses and honeysuckle from my garden

    Hildegard refers to the voice in her visions as the living light, God. How beautifully vivid her writings are that nature comes alive within them. 

    Excerpt from Hildegard to Henry, Bishop of Liège Letter 37R 1148-53, Hildegard of Bingen Selected Writings, p. 67.

    “The living light says: the path of the scriptures lead directly to the high mountain where the flowers grow and the costly aromatic herbs; where a pleasant wind blows, bringing forth their powerful fragrance; where the roses and lilies reveal their shining faces. 

    But because of the shadows of dark living air, that mountain did not appear until the Son of the most High had enlightened the world. On that day, the sun rose from the dawn, illuminating this world so that all the people could see its aromatic herbs. That day was very beautiful, and sweet tidings came forth.”

    Along with the scriptures, we are grateful for Jesus “enlightening” the world. We can join in that rejoicing by spending time in the paradise of nature that God has gifted us with. 

    Yes, there can be harsh winds, strong waves, and torrents of rain. But there can also be light April showers, dew drops on grass, and the warmth of the sun on our skin. Nature can be cherished outdoors. The writings of St. Hildegard remind us that the spiritual and natural worlds go hand in hand. 

    Meditating on St. Hildegard’s words can create a wonderful afternoon of prayer and insight.

    Spiritual time in prayer outdoors is very beneficial, but there are also health benefits to going outside. We can enjoy the living light.

    Richard Z. Cheng, M.D., Ph.D. – of the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, calls the month of May, the Sunshine Month. He says light has a healing power, both that from nature and from advanced medical science. There are instances when light therapy can be used instead of drugs or surgery. 

    He talks about “Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Near-Infrared (NIR) Light Therapy. PBMT is a safe, non-invasive treatment using red or NIR light (600-1100 nm) to activate mitochondria, reduce oxidative stress, and stimulate cellular repair.”

    But he says that “natural sunlight delivers many of the same mitochondrial benefits.”

    It’s anti-aging as it activates stem cells and DNA repair, and helps with sleep. Light supports memory and mood. It promotes circulation. And improves glucose metabolism. It helps with healing wounds, and encourages tissue repair. It can increase your energy levels. And surprisingly, light is good for your skin, even stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles and scars. Also, it might benefit some eye ailments. And as always, speak with your doctor about your specific concerns. 

    Dr. Cheng recommends

    10-30 minutes of morning sun (face and arms) for circadian rhythm (helps with sleep).

    5-30 minutes of solar noon sun for vitamin D.

    Late afternoon sunlight for red/NIR benefits

    Spend time outdoors daily.

    Mother Mary in the garden

    Here are more positives to take to prayer with you, when you are outdoors:

    Hildegard of Bingen- Scivias, translated by Mother Columbia Hart and Jane Bishop, p. 115.

    Vision Four  

    7. How anger, hatred and pride are restrained

    “When anger tries to burn up my tabernacle, I will look to the goodness of God, whom anger never touched; and thus I will be sweeter than the air, which in its gentleness moistens the earth, and have spiritual joy because virtues are beginning to show themselves in me. And thus I will feed God’s goodness.”

    When we practice the sacraments, we gain in virtues. When we concentrate on gaining virtues, our tendency toward vice diminishes. Regular Mass attendance and frequent confessions are deterrents to growing in vice. Accentuate your virtues!

    “And when hatred tries to darken me, I will look to the mercy and the martyrdom of the Son of God, and so restrain my flesh, and in faithful memory receive the sweet fragrance of the roses that spring from thorns. And so I will acknowledge my Redeemer. 

    Praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy reminds us that Jesus is merciful. It’s a quick about 15 minute prayer, but something you can take along with you for mediation on your walk.

    “And when pride tries to build in me a tower of vanity without foundation on the rock, and to erect in me loftiness wants no to be like itself but always to be taller than the rest–oh, who will help me then, when the ancient serpent who fell into death by wishing to be above everyone is trying to cast me down?…And thus in God’s sublimity I know the sweetest good, which is humility, and feel the sweetness of the unfailing balsam and rejoice in the delightfulness of God as if I were amid the fragrance of all perfumes. And thus I ward off the other vices by the impregnable shield of humility.”

    Reciting the Litany of Humility prayer daily or whenever needed squelches tendencies toward pride. It’s very conducive to sitting outside and taking respite. 

    Rose in the garden
  • The Cycle of the Seasons by Hildegard of Bingen

    I asked three Hildegard Health experts a few questions about Pharma medicine vs. natural remedies. The experts are Iwona Bednarz-Major, Dr. Sebastian Liew, and Petra Sramko. Their responses are below.

    I’m still learning about St. Hildegard, and that’s why I like to interview experts. I don’t want to put the wrong information out there. I also do my research.

    I understand there are different perspectives on Hildegard, including with her medical information. I’m not siding with one way or another. I’m just presenting information that might be helpful to people new to her as I am.

    Here in the U.S. people are becoming more and more health conscious. And many are totally new to the concept of healing eating.

    Note: No one can be guaranteed of total health ever because we live in such a toxic world.

    Personally, I have found it very difficult to navigate the whole medical system and stay well. I don’t believe my problem is mental (originating in my mind from birth), but rather outside stressors that then affect my mind and body via trauma.

    My heart rate and blood pressure have been very high because of that. Recently, the stressors took me away from starting a new nutrition plan, even though I have one. And so I turned to medical help because that’s what I knew to do, as a much needed quick fix.

    Here are some of the topics I bought up to the experts:

    Here in the U.S., there’s a new awareness to incorporate healthier eating and active lifestyles. However, we still need surgeries, technology for X-rays and MRIs, and such. And we need pharmaceutical medicine for quick fixes and other serious conditions.

    More people are wanting to be healthier, but being realistic is still the best practice. And healing our inner and outer bodies takes time.

    Many of us have had years of eating fast food, soft drinks, chips, fried foods, and desserts, or what I call, “party food”. Sometimes we want to treat ourselves with fun foods and drinks. I know I do.

    So even though I am now trying to incorporate more of Hildegard’s recommendations, my body needs time to adjust. I can’t be purified overnight. And I doubt I will ever have the discipline to give up party foods and drinks completely. In moderation and special occasion indulging is the goal.

    We need both pharma medicine and herbal and natural remedies, until we are easing into more natural lifestyles. And even then, we still might need prescription medications.

    My body needs to heal with good foods and healthy living, but it takes time. Meanwhile, I still might need to rely on medications, although low doses (I’m very sensitive to medications). Maybe 10 years from now my body will be cleaned out enough to rely only on natural remedies: if I were to be so fortunate.

    I asked the experts if they agree with me. Or if they have patients that adjust immediately and are healed.

    Now I’ll let the experts answer, in brief:


    Iwona Bednarz-Major, Founder, Director at Stone to Flesh
    Second Degree Specialist (continuing studies), St. Hildegard’s von Bingen Studium. Academic Theological Course

    Medication and medical advice and protocols are important because they sustain us through acute states. Worry is the enemy. I always advise people to follow their doctor’s orders until they feel they can uptake new regiments, slowly, and with doctor’ approval.

    You’re absolutely right—we often need both conventional medicine and natural remedies as we journey toward holistic health.

    Our bodies are intricate creations, shaped by years of lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and, at times, deep wounds that require time to heal.

    Medications can provide crucial support during this transition, while we work to restore balance through nourishing foods, herbal remedies, seasonal person appropriate fasting, and intentional whole person care.

    Healing is rarely immediate; it’s a process, much like peeling back layers to uncover the vibrant health we were designed for.

    I don’t have patients because I do not diagnose, cure, or treat, but I share my knowledge and let the recipients of consultations be educated and given the best possible information before they decide on their pathways to healing. I always align the healing of a human heart with its surfacing issues, and with physical symptoms.

    While some people experience rapid shifts—whether through miraculous prayer or a profound lifestyle change, and enough of them do —most of us require patience and persistence.

    The level of toxicity, years of neglect, various hidden issues, lead to chronic metabolic chaos, and although our bodies have an immense power to heal, for most people it will take time, consistency and desire to turn toward God made life-giving principles.

    The path to a natural lifestyle is not one-size-fits-all, and relying on medicine temporarily doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re honoring where your body is right now while striving for something better.

    Prayer indeed is primary, infusing hope, grace, and supernatural healing into every step. Whether healing comes instantly or over years, what matters most is walking the journey with faith, wisdom, and a willingness to adjust as needed.


    Dr. Sebastian Liew, ND, MNHAA, MHS (UNE), Herbalist and Naturopath
    Please see my 2024 interview with Dr. Liew for more.

    I practice both scientific phytotherapy and traditional Western herbal medicine, including Hildegard.

    Depending on what is the diagnosis, I have treated complex conditions such as autoimmune without medications or reversed it.

    Of course, it needs to be a very holistic approach and a practitioner to follow up is necessary.

    His book “My Healing Life” is like experiencing a consultation visit, and getting his recommendations. In it, you find out how to do his Spiritual Heart Exercise.

    (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.):
    My Healing Life: The Most Important Work in Life – by Sebastian Liew and Bruno Saint Girons


    Petra Sramko, Herbalist, Saint Hildegard Plants

    Hildegard writes about the connection of body – mind – soul.

    You (in reply to me) write the following – “…. but rather outside stressors that then affect my mind and body.” Well, you are directly writing in this sentence that you already know that they are killing you.

    What can you do about the outside stressors apart from taking medicine? Is there any other way how you can handle them? For example, start moving more /dopamine/ to build stronger mind and soul, pray more and relax your soul. As I do not know about the stressors, I am just guessing.

    Can you change your inner attitude towards the stressors and be friends with them?

    Can you physically remove yourself from the stressors?

    There are always times in our lives when we are pushed to change our point of views and attitudes in a lot of areas……I trust in God, and God sends us challenges to “grow”.

    Sure, Hildegard food will help you to improve your body condition but if you will be constantly stressed, it will impact your life in the long run.

    It’s a very tricky issue. It is very difficult to answer.

    Today’s medicine is excellent at solving health issues, cancer, dangerous health situations, etc. However, when it comes to solving chronic conditions, Hildegard medicine can step in.

    I do not want the people to get the impression that HvB medicine can rashly solve everything …that is not true…

    Here’s my promised part on Hildegard medicine.

    Healing Wisdom of Hildegard Medicine
    Did you know that nature holds the power to heal our bodies in ways that go beyond modern medicine? The teachings of St. Hildegard von Bingen, a medieval healer and visionary, offer a holistic approach to health that combines food, lifestyle, and soul care.

    Hildegard wrote that our health depends on harmony of body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in the Benedictine rule of ora et labora (pray and work), her methods emphasize natural remedies, wholesome living, and spiritual reflection.

    Why Modern Medicine and Hildegard’s Approach Can Work Together?
    Modern medicine excels at managing symptoms and achieving “healthy numbers,” but when it comes to long-term healing, Hildegard’s practices can be transformative.

    However, if you’re on medication, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before beginning any natural remedies. Some natural remedies might counteract your medications.

    Three Pillars of Hildegard Medicine
    1. Food as Medicine
    Your healing starts with what you eat. Hildegard emphasized consuming foods that positively or neutrally impact the body while avoiding those that harm it. This tailored approach creates the conditions your body needs to heal.

    2. Lifestyle Adjustments
    Small changes can lead to big results. Begin with simple steps, like a 15-minute walk after dinner, and find ways to move more throughout your day. Remember, your body is the home of your soul—caring for it physically strengthens you spiritually.

    3. Healing the Soul
    Hildegard believed soul care was essential for physical health. Spend time in prayer for yourself and loved ones. Reflect on your life to identify vices and virtues, then work to transform your weaknesses into strengths. This spiritual practice can lead to profound inner peace and renewal.

    If you’re dealing with lingering health challenges and aren’t on medication, Hildegard medicine might be the natural path to wellness you’ve been searching for. Embrace her timeless wisdom and discover how food, lifestyle, and soul care can lead to total healing.

    Small steps, like a healthier meal, a mindful walk, or a heartfelt prayer done regularly, can make a world of difference.

    As St. Hildegard von Bingen wrote, if God wants you to heal, you will become healthy….

    Here’s my 2024 interview with Petra.


    Spirituality as healer

    Many people, like me, are going to be new to Hildegard Medicine. Many will do as I am doing, still relying on medicine as their quick go-to. I also take supplements. New foods and herbs seem to take more time, over time.

    It’s the same with prayer. As a Catholic abbess, St. Hildegard was also naturally gifted spiritually. She received visions from God.

    Prayers can be answered in an instant. A healing can be immediate. But that’s not guaranteed. We put our trust in God and then we leave our prayer requests in His hands. We say, God willing.

    We do not force nor manipulate to make our prayers get answered because what we would then receive wouldn’t be of God. It’ll just be something we concocted on our own or with forces that are counter to God. Catholics want only what we receive from God. Healing from Jesus. Spirituality from the Holy Spirit. All the Holiness of the Divine Trinity.

    Of course, friends and family might like to buy us gifts that make us happy. Or a boss might reward our dedication. But our prayer requests are often only known to God, as special intentions or petitions. We say them in the silence of our hearts in prayer. And therefore, only God hears them. Or if we are praying to a saint, Mother Mary, St. Joseph, etc., our request is for their ears only. We may also ask others to pray for us, but even then we don’t need to say why. That’s not required. We can pray for ourselves or ask others to pray for us. And we can say prayers for others as well.

    Patience is not easy. Even if our prayers take forever to be answered or never do, we still leave it up to God. We wait for it to be answered in His time.

    Jesus is a healer; there are many instances in the Bible of his miraculous healings.

    St. Hildegard of Bingen was Catholic and so aligned with the Catholic Church. Read her writings and you’ll find God everywhere. And therefore, good food, healthy living lead to healing but also prayer and trust in Jesus as our healer.

    Not everyone has access to health consultants so I hope this post will be informational. It is not medical advice, nor specific to anyone in particular. And you are free to ignore the spiritual aspects of this blog post. Hildegard supporters are not required to be Catholic nor spiritual, although I encourage it.

    I started this website to present the Catholic Spirituality side of St. Hildegard and her alignment with the Catholic Church. Although I do recognize that even in her day, way back in the medieval times, she was very avant guarde, very ahead of her time. In future posts, I would like to cite those ways she challenged the church to make it even better. With visions from God, her advice can be taken seriously, and as Godly.

    I hope you find this post helpful. Feel free to kindly comment, make suggestions or requests.

  • My Healing Life: My Most Important Work in Life,
    authors – Sebastian Liew and Bruno Saint Girons

    Dr. Sebastian Liew wants to empower people to “stay vibrant in body, mind, and soul, finding their true selves and the grace to love themselves, nature, and others.”

    I begin with an intro to Dr. Liew, and then, an interview where he shares tips about his Catholic faith and hormone health for women.

    Dr. Liew is best known for pioneering German herbal medicine in Asia. He has been actively promoting European Hildegard medicine there. And he was awarded the Hildegard Prize by Dr. Wighard Strehlow, at the Hildegard Society in Germany. He has a doctorate degree in naturopathy and a master’s degree in herbal medicine (Australia).

    He founded Leaf to Life ®, a Western herbal product brand, and is also the author of several books. MY HEALING LIFE is his movement to support you and activate your inner doctor and live a healthy life.

    Here is my (email) interview with Dr. Sebastian Liew, ND, MNHAA, MHS (UNE):

    I asked Dr. Liew about being Catholic. Because St. Hildegard was a Catholic nun/abbess and that influenced everything she did, and the many gifts she received.

    Yes, officially I am Catholic; a convert from Buddhism many years, especially a miraculous cure from a year-long depression with one visit to Mother Mary’s Shrine in Singapore.

    My faith plays a very significant role and shapes how I run my business, how I practice naturopathy, and my personal life. My faith via daily walks with God and his friends (saints and angels) helps me to feel complete.
    • Rejuvenates the way I see things (spirituality).
    • Creates positive relationships with nature and others and myself.
    • Makes life more meaningful and purposeful.
    • Ensures that I am loved despite my imperfections (unloved is the root cause of many diseases), which in turn promote my health in body and soul.

    Without this communion with God and his friends (angels, saints), we feel isolated and alone in our struggles despite having friends and family. Why? Because it allows us to be grounded in our true self – which is communion with God. Like a drop of water going back to the ocean.

    I mentioned to Dr. Liew that Hildegard gained recognition for gifts in her 40s. And that she did a lot to help women. I wondered if Hildegard had any recommendations for women regarding managing PMS and menopause.

    I think the main remedy in Hildegard medicine for menopause is a life of moderation. If we spent years of extreme stress and insufficient rest (which in turns weaken the liver and adrenals) prior to menopause, women may have either early menopause or very terrible menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, anxiety, digestive issues.

    Hildegard taught us to live in harmony with nature. I know its not easy for modern women.

    During PMS, women should take it easy and relax. All the fundamentals – sleep quality, regulated life, balanced emotions via herb rose and sage in Hildegard medicine. Hart tongue elixir in Hildegard medicine may be helpful. And although she didn’t mention these herbs for menopause but for other purposes are very helpful – sage, vervain, and yarrow.

    Here’s what he has planned for the future:

    I am currently doing research and in-depth analysis on the 35 virtues and vices of Hildegard medicine with my 7 terrains in my new book and hopefully it comes out a model to help us in mental and spiritual health.

    Get more health tips from Dr. Liew in his books, listed below: (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.):

    My Healing Life: The Most Important Work in Life

    From Leaf to Life: Unlock the Secrets to True Health

    Leaf to Life: The Natural Approach to Slow Down Aging and Living a Healing Life

  • Second vision. Adam as Mankind – St. Hildegard of Bingen

    I hope everyone can consider the positive healthcare changes that are possible and refrain from political connections or statements. The purpose of this post is not to make a political statement, nor is it a paid endorsement. The focus is on improvement and changes in healthcare. There should be no negativity when it comes to our health.

    St. Hildegard of Bingen’s 12th century medical knowledge has continued to influence modern medicine and alternative therapies. Many people worldwide practice more holistic ways of healing the body and mind. Germany is one of the leaders in carrying on that education and practice. Yet, mainstream hospitals in the U.S. haven’t always embraced it. But that could all change beginning today, November 6. 2024.

    Richard Z. Cheng, M.D., Ph.D., the Editor-in-Chief of Orthomolecular Medicine News Service says today is significant. The confirmation of the Trump administration’s second term promises a whole new era for healthcare.  Big change is now possible and that could affect more acceptance for orthomolecular, functional, and alternative medicine. Please read his full commentary below:

    http://orthomolecular.org/subscribe.html http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/index.shtml

    Mental Health Tip: Don’t stress yourself, smile instead.