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.
