HOME REMEDIES: GALANGAL

 

 St Hildegard writes:

"When God created man, a different type of earth was used to form him. Henceforth, all substances were subject to man, because they sensed that in him was life, and they endeavoured to aid him in him in all his efforts, and man's aim, in turn, was to help them."

GALANGAL (ALPINIA GALANGA)

Galangal (Alpinia galanga). The galangal is very warm and effective. 

The following powder helps against BAD BREATH: Mix equal proportions of galangal and fennel with twice as much nutmeg and Spanish chamomile (Anacyclus pyrethrum). A pinch of this powder is to be taken every day with a little bit of bread on an empty stomach. Afterwards you flush it with warmed up wine. Additionally, eating fragrant herbs regularly throughout the day also helps against halitosis.

Against the harmful influence of rotten juices in the intestines and the spleen, whereby MELANCHOLY arises - as the heart gradually becomes affected - take equal parts galangal and pyrethrum and white pepper (the amount of pepper must be a quarter of the previous ingredients), and grind those ingredients finely. Finally, add bean flour and the juice of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Without the addition of any other liquid, this mixture is formed into little biscuits that are dried in the sun. Get these prepared in summer, when the sun is shining, so to have it in stock for the winter. These cookies should be taken with meals and also on an empty stomach.

A brew made of liquorice with five times as much fennel and sugar, to which a little honey has been added, should be given to soothe HEART CHEST PAINS.

Against CHEST, HEART, AND SPLEEN AILMENTS and stomach cold (STOMACH CONGESTION), take galangal, twice as much oregano (Origanum vulgare) and celery seeds together with a little white pepper, powder everything and make a brew with a little boiled honey by simmering the mixture for some time.

(From: St Hildegard of Bingen, Physica)

FAVOURITE MEDIEVAL REMEDIES AGAINST:

• Hoarseness 

This translation is for informative purposes only. If you suffer from any illnesses or conditions, please seek medical help.