Bad Mühllacken herb garden

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Medicinal herb garden
Bad Mühllacken herb garden entrance
place Bad Mühllacken
surface about 1500 square meters
Herbal Chairwoman Marianne Mahringer
opening June 2006

The Bad Mühllacken herb garden of the Sisters of Mary's Kneipp spa facility is a garden in the Bad Mühllacken district of Feldkirchen an der Donau in Upper Austria . The medicinal herb garden is primarily known as a teaching garden and for its ideal purposes. It is open all year round and entry is free.

Origin and history

The herb garden in the spa town of Bad Mühllacken was opened in June 2006 and has an area of ​​around 1500 square meters. The special features of this herb garden are the various herbs , medicinal plants and Bible plants as well as the Hildegard von Bingen educational trail .

The herb garden belongs to the Kurhaus of the Sisters of Mary from Carmel and is right next to it. The garden is looked after by the chairwoman as well as by religious nuns. Another important element is the supply of the spa guests with healthy herbs from the garden, as well as the opportunity for spa guests and visitors to visit the herb garden. The herb garden is also an educational option for school classes and kindergartens as well as excursions.

“God brings out remedies from the earth , the discerning one does not despise them” (Sir 38: 4). This quote is taken from the Bible and is intended to show that the remedies can be traced back to early years in history. Even Hippocrates (460-377. Chr.) Described the healing power of herbs. Even then, herbs, exercise, massage, water applications and the order of the way of life were used. In 812, Emperor Charlemagne had the " Capitulare de villis " built . The Landgüterverordnung contains herbs that belong to a typical monastery garden. Medieval herbal books such as the Lorsch Pharmacopoeia and the Macer floridus ” also played an essential role.

The doctor Paracelsus took a further step in herbal medicine; in his opinion, nature was a supplier to a pharmacy, seeing meadows , mountains and hills as the pharmacy that nature gives us. Basically, he means that the natural surpasses the human. Pastor Sebastian Kneipp put this teaching into practice, and in the Bad Mühllacken herb garden only plants that correspond to this European herbal medicine can be found.

meaning

The herbal medicine is also used as herbal medicine called and is one of the oldest medical applications that is used in many parts of the world in different cultures. In phytotherapy, plants such as herbs and flowers, leaves and roots are used. What is special is that these plants are processed in different ways. One possible form is that of fresh herb, cold water extract or a decoction. In addition, a dried or powdered option can also be used.

The Kneipp natural medicine consists of the elements of life order , nutrition , medicinal plants , exercise, water and compresses . The pillar of the order of life relates to living consciously, considering social contacts and psychosomatic elements. When it comes to nutrition, attention should be paid to a healthy diet and your own well-being. One option is to cook using the Kneipp method. The medicinal plants come in various forms, such as tea, bath additives or compresses. The pillar of movement focuses on physical activity such as endurance, training for strength and a balance of body and mind. Water and compresses are related to Kneipp therapy. Warm water should also support the healing properties of the water.

The herb garden is known as the "Kneipp tradition garden" and is structured in the style of the old monastery gardens . In addition, the garden complies with the regulations of traditional European medicine . Above all, people and nature should have a positive connection with one another. There are also numerous seminars and events relating to the traditional Kneipp garden. This includes the regular herbal table with lectures, workshops and the exchange of experiences.

Herbal seminars are also held. It reports on the mode of action and use in the kitchen as a condiment and remedy. There is also the option of mixing something yourself with the help of the herbalist and making ointments , salts and extracts.

A garden offers good opportunities for relaxation. “The garden takes care of man, while man is given the task of tilling and preserving” (Gen 2:15).

The herb garden has a calming effect on people. The harmonious play of colors of the medicinal plants and the herbs, aromas and fragrances contribute significantly to this. The special thing about Bad Mühllacken is the detailed signage and description of the plants as well as ancient wisdom and stories about Ayurvedic treatments.

Sketch herb garden

Building the garden

The herb garden is laid out in different sections:

Naschgarten

From hand to mouth , you will find different types of berries , such as blueberries, strawberries , currants, gooseberries and raspberries as well as blackberries , which are processed into homemade sweets . Blueberries are mainly harvested from May to June. They contain vitamins, minerals and fruit acids. They can be used raw as puree or for blueberry jam. The raspberries are known for their vitamin B, whereby the health aspect of the raspberry is also emphasized. The blackberries are very beneficial when dried, as they contain more aromatic substances. They are also healthy for strengthening the gums. Processing into juice or jam is also an option. In earlier years the leaves, roots and flowers were used for blood purification.

The Naschgarten is located on the left after the entrance.

Held-carried-saved

"Treat yourself so that the soul can breathe and you can feel life" (Bernhard von Clairvaux).

The hanging swing is supposed to symbolize switching off and relaxing. In order to break out of the everyday stress and hectic rush, you can recharge your batteries in the herb garden and find inner peace and quiet.

The sounds of nature can be listened to in the hanging swing. By moving the swing you can feel every breeze and enjoy it in full relaxation. In summer, it is used to enjoy the sun's rays and watch the romping insects, inhale pleasant scents, inspect the snack garden and the grain and have a good view of the Kneipp facilities. In addition, there is a good overview of the entire herb garden from the hanging swing.

This section of the herb garden is to the left of the entrance next to the snack garden and the grain.

Culinary herbs

Herbs from your own garden are particularly suitable for healthy cooking and nutrition . Preparations for cultivation begin in spring as early as winter . Constant freshness of the herbs improves the taste enormously. The culinary herbs include lovage , marjoram , parsley , rosemary , sage , basil , mugwort, savory, tarragon and many more. Basil is suitable for fat digestion and is intended to stimulate the appetite. Basil is used for soups, vegetables and meat dishes. The herb can be used especially for diabetics and people who have kidney problems. Tarragon can be used for soups, mushrooms, fish sauces, herb vinegar, salads and poultry. Caraway seeds are ideal for soups, beets, cheese and boiled potatoes. Another possibility to use as a tea for breastfeeding mothers because of the milk production. The kitchen spice parsley is often used in poultry, soups, fish, meat and sauces. Can also be used as a tea and for toothache.

The kitchen herbs are to the right of the entrance.

Cottage garden

This is designed in harmony with people and nature . The main focus here is on the healthy harvest . In addition, emphasis is placed on original growth, simplicity and a healthy harvest, which should create a lively picture. Ancient plant species can be found here. In the cottage garden , a find iris , daylily , baby's breath , peony , pink, white and blue pillows asters , delphiniums , spores flower, knapweed , Myrtenaster and several more. The cottage garden goes back to the monastery gardens, where monks promoted the development of garden culture in general. Much prior knowledge comes from the monks from the Alps, who also passed on some seeds and offshoots of the plants found there. A regulation of the estates, which goes back to Charlemagne in 812, was a great achievement for horticulture. It contains 89 different types of plants that were predominant in imperial gardens.

The cottage garden is laid out to the right of the entrance and is located near the sun terrace and the source stone.

Grain

In this section of the herb garden, valuable staple foods such as buckwheat , spelled , oats , millet , rye , wheat , emmer , kamut , amaranth , einkorn , corn , barley and others can be found. Grain serves as basic food and is used in the Kurhaus for a healthy diet when processing food. The barley comes from the Himalayan area and the flowering period is from late May to June. Durum wheat, a form of wheat, originally comes from Naples, the flowering period is from June to July.

Herb beds

The grain is to the left of the entrance, next to the hanging swing and near the Kneipp facility.

Medicinal herbs of traditional European medicine

"Nature is the best pharmacy" (Sebastian Kneipp).

The natural medicinal herbs, according to Kneipp supporters (those people who are convinced of them), have fewer side effects and can be used on a broader therapeutic level. The composition of all herbal active ingredients together is what makes each medicinal plant so special . The leaves of lemon balm are used, for example, for acute stomach complaints. According to Sebastian Kneipp , herbs are not only remedies, but also very good nutrients.

Kneipp therapy in Bad Mühllacken

The medicinal herbs of traditional medicine are in the raised beds to the left of the entrance, directly in front of the Kneipp facility.

Ur-Kneippen

“With every step that we take in nature, we always encounter new plants that are extremely useful and beneficial for us” (Sebastian Kneipp).

The Kneipp is a therapy that can be used for many ailments. In the herb garden there is a Kneipp facility in the form of a small-scale Kneipp bath. Ur-Kneipp therapy is suitable for promoting blood circulation and getting the circulation going. It also has a regulating effect on blood pressure and is good for the metabolism and the veins . Kneipp treading water is also recommended for migraines , varicose veins and against fatigue. Water treatments according to Kneipp are possible in warm and cold form. The water has a healing power that supports your own wellbeing and fitness . The type of application, whether mild or strong, depends on the individual . In small children and sick people, mild applications will take place, in healthy and well-trained athletes stronger.

Source stone

The Kneipp facility is immediately visible from the entrance on the left.

Source stone

This stone is said to represent the source of life. It reminds of God as all origin and offers the opportunity to enter a new culture of life. Spring water is healing water that contains bio-photons , manganese and iron . Each of these elements provides important substances for our body. Biophotons would promote the processes in the body between the cells and also promote the exchange of information between them. Manganese is needed for connective tissue so that nerve conduction functions. Iron is important for blood formation, important during pregnancy , kidney problems and competitive sports. The water stands for vitality, energy and regulates the metabolism in the body.

The source stone is placed to the right of the entrance, directly in front of the sun terrace and in front of the Salettl (wooden house).

Sun terrace

“The shining sun shines above all” (Sir 42:16).

The sun is the central element for life in general, the surface of the earth and the climate on earth. Even earlier, the sun was very important as a regulation of day and night and a natural clock for the earth's population. The sun was the impetus for the development of calendars through the constant observation of day, night and climate changes. The Garden of Eden goes back to the archetype of the gardens. Sun , nature, beauty and harmony are central elements for plants to thrive and grow, and this is what the sun terrace should symbolize.

The sun terrace is right next to the source stone and from there there is an overview of the entire herb garden. Especially in summer it is very pleasant to spend time among the fragrant herbs and flowers and let the sun rays shine on your face.

Incense Hill
Incense Hill

This part of the herb garden is used to relax, enjoy and take a deep breath. A variety of fragrant plants and flowers can be found. The essential oils, which are located in the upper part of the petals, are used to protect the plants from disease, to attract insects and to act as temperature regulators and energy stores. The scents of the flowers come from the nectar and pollen of the plant. These flowers are there to serve as food for the insects. The floral scents spread the scent by themselves. Those of the leaf scents only release their scents (scent glands) when you touch the essential oils, which work in the leaves through scent glands. Some of these substances are important for medicine and are also very useful in the kitchen.

The scent hill is next to the stairway to Hildegardweg with a seat and next to the beds with medicinal herbs according to Pastor Kneipp.

Pastor Kneipp and the medicinal herbs

Especially chamomile , nettle , lemon balm and horsetail are mild plants, Sebastian Kneipp especially for bath, steam, winding, ointments , tinctures and teas applying an end. New recipes were constantly being created that had their origins in traditional European monastery gardens. Sebastian Kneipp also recommended local herbs such as chives and parsley to aid digestion with the bitter substances they contain . Sebastian Kneipp has opened his doors for everyone to get new ideas and suggestions. As a result, it is now possible to take up numerous applications and ideas from Pastor Kneipp and use them in medicine.

Flower beds & relaxation

The medicinal herbs are located in low beds next to the recreation section and next to the fragrance hill.

Recreation

(Latin: re = again, back; Kreatio = create, creative)

The concept of recreation comes from monastic life, it should serve to create time together to escape everyday life. This should be possible in specially designed rooms. Recreation stands for a creative place where you can recharge your batteries, where balance, encounters should take place and satisfaction is important; this now goes beyond the monastic origins. In order to achieve the set goals, it is good to relax so that you can go on with full strength.

There are chairs and tables to spend a nice time there. From the recreation, there is a view of the Hilgegardweg, the Kneipp opportunity and the flower beds and raised beds. Especially in the warm season, when the plants and herbs awaken, the place is suitable for gathering peace and strength.

Next to the place with the chairs and tables, which invite you to linger in summer, the Bible plants can be found on the right-hand side of the entrance.

Bible plants

Bible plants are plants that were mentioned in the Old Testament. About 110 plants are mentioned in the Bible. In this area there are ivy , burning bush , lavender , fire poppies , broom , juniper , boxwood , apple tree , Judas tree , pine , vines and more. It was not about botanical elements, but the plants have a practical and symbolic meaning. In the Bible there were trees that were provided with fruits, but in the middle of the garden was the tree of life and knowledge, which is supposed to symbolize good and bad. There are edible plants, as well as those that dissolve in fragrant smoke . With the meeting of plants the creation of God should be expressed.

Hildegard von Bingen way
Hildegardweg

“Man needs divine grace and the means of healing ” (Hildegard von Bingen).

At Hildegard von Bingen , the focus is on the pure, healthy and unadulterated. The approach consists in the holistic consideration of the body and soul , not just the sick part of the body. Hildegard von Bingen's example is embodied in Christ as a doctor and savior.

The Hildegardweg leads slightly uphill and from the center at the top you can see the entire herb garden. When walking down from Hildegard von Bingen Weg, the next station leads to the bee pasture and the beehives. The Bible plants can be found on the right.

Bee pasture and beehives

Honey is suitable for strengthening the immune system. To support honey production, large-crowned trees and bushes have been planted near the bees' pasture . Plants containing nectar and pollen are suitable as bee pasture. The bees eat pollen, nectar and honeydew . Pollen contains protein and vitamins . Nectar and honeydew are necessary for honey production . The quality of the honey is often very different from one year to the next. This can be justified by the fact that importance is attached to the location, the weather and the plant variety.

The bees fly out around 40,000 times for a honey jar and visit around 1.5 million flowers, which corresponds to a distance of around 40,000 kilometers, i.e. the circumference of the earth. More honey is collected in the honeycomb than the bees need, and humans can use it.

The bee pasture is on the left at the exit from Hildegardweg a little further back in the herb garden, in front of which are the beehives.

Living earth

Compost, Latin: "compositum" = compound. The compost is used like fertilizer and a soil conditioner. Furthermore, it is a "remedy for sick soils". The compost is created by rotting plant and animal waste products as well as from some earth.

The compost in the herb garden is located directly behind the glass house and thus next to the bee pasture and the beehives. As mentioned above, this is where the garbage from the herb garden is dumped in order to produce useful elements such as fertilizer and a better means for the soil.

The compost can be found behind the glass house.

Butterfly meadow

Numerous grasses , herbs, butterflies and wildflowers can be discovered here, this forms the basis for hay flowers and dried flowers. The effect of the hay flowers can be imagined in such a way that around 50 different types of plants can be found in the hay flowers. The therapy with the hay flowers goes back to Pastor Kneipp , baths , steam , compresses or the hay flower bag can be used. Hay flowers essentially consist of sugar , starch, essential oils, coumarin , minerals , flavonoids , tannins and trace elements . The butterfly meadow is particularly lively on sunny days with colorful butterflies, bees and insects. The many bright colors, grasses and species that can be observed on the meadow are also special.

This is located in the very back of the herb garden, behind the Hildegardweg, opposite the bee pasture.

Glass house

In the glass house there are numerous herbs that need protection from rain, wind and weather in order to thrive. This is located next to the bee pasture and the beehives. The glass house is rather small.

The glass house is located behind the Salettl (wooden house).

It is worth mentioning that there is another entrance that is especially suitable for wheelchair users and prams, this is located right next to the glass house.

Significant raised beds

Various raised beds with some important herbs are listed here, but these do not include all.

Raised beds & flower beds

The raised beds are to the left of the main entrance, next to the Kneipp troughs. There are precise signs for all herbs, which are in the right place in the raised beds.

Various tables are listed below that contain herbs and the effect is also shown. The different beds contain herbs to support and alleviate different complaints.

In the first raised bed there are various herbs that can be used primarily for the nervous system. More detailed information and effects can be found in the table.

Bed 1 - nervous system meaning
Lemon balm calming, digestive
valerian reassuring
lavender calming, digestive
Johannis herbs Mind-brightening, good for wound healing
Opium poppy Source herb of opium

The second table provides information about herbs that are particularly important and used for the urinary tract and kidneys. For more details on the effect, see table.

Bad Mühllacken herb garden
Bed 1 - urinary tract kidney meaning
Borage diuretic, digestive stimulating
Diptame / stinging herb diverting
parsley diuretic
sorrel diuretic, appetizing
juniper diuretic, antispasmodic
Nettle diuretic, for prostate problems

The next table gives information about herbs that can be used for stomach, intestinal and digestive problems. The meaning and effect in the table below.

Bed 2 - stomach, intestines, digestion meaning
sage anti-inflammatory, digestive, antiperspirant
real chamomile anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic
fennel Flatulence, good for coughing up, antispasmodic
Wormwood appetizing, digestive
peppermint antispasmodic, gas inducing, appetizing
Wild garlic digestive, antihypertensive
Savory acute gastrointestinal inflammation
marjoram choletic, digestive, diuretic
Milk thistle liver protective
Senna laxative

There are 3 different herbs in the bed that can be used for infections and the immune system. Details are described in the table.

Bed 3 - Infectious Immune System meaning
Marigold anti-inflammatory, wound healing
Sun hat defensive descending
sage anti-inflammatory, digestive, antiperspirant
juniper defensive strength

The next bed shows herbs for the lungs and for coughing problems. The explanations regarding the effect can be found below in the table.

Bed 3 - lung cough meaning
Elephant dissolving secretions
ivy expectorant, cough-relieving
Marshmallow soothing for dry coughs
mustard externally for respiratory diseases and rheumatism
Icelandic moss soothing, germicidal

In bed 4, the herbs that are important for the musculoskeletal system and rheumatism are discussed in more detail. More details in the following table.

Bed 4 - musculoskeletal rheumatism meaning
Comfrey anti-inflammatory, wound healing
mustard externally for respiratory diseases and rheumatism
dandelion choletic, for joint inflammation, diuretic
arnica wound healing, alleviates the consequences of accidents

For the heart, circulation and blood vessels there are herbs in bed 4. Further information is shown in the table.

Bed 4 - heart, circulation, blood vessels meaning
red thimble heart strengthening
lily of the valley heart strengthening
valerian for nervous heart problems
rosemary supports the circulation, stimulates the appetite
Wild garlic lowers blood pressure, stimulates digestion
garlic Prevention of vascular calcification, lowering cholesterol
Sweet clover Venous disease, bruises

Special herbs for women can be found in bed 5. The effect and meaning are more precisely defined in the table.

Bed 5 - For the woman meaning
Lady's mantle for menstrual pain, against diarrhea
Knotweed anti-inflammatory in the oral cavity
yarrow antispasmodic, digestive tonic
Fingerwort antispasmodic for menstrual cramps

There are 5 different herbs for the skin in the bed, which are defined in more detail in the table below.

Bed 5 - skin meaning
Pansy Skin diseases
Comfrey anti-inflammatory, wound healing
Henbane Scar treatment, antispasmodic
Verbena wound healing
sage Antiperspirant, anti-inflammatory, digestive

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. Bad Mühllacken herb garden. on: gruenplanung.at
  2. a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Kurhausarchiv Bad Mühllacken (ed.): Sisters of Mary from Karmel herb garden
  3. Herbalists  ( page no longer available , searching web archivesInfo: The link is automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. on: klostermedizin.at@1@ 2Template: Toter Link / ssl.klostermedizin.at  
  4. Kneipp therapy with the Sisters of Mary.  ( Page no longer available , search in web archivesInfo: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. on: kloesterreich.at@1@ 2Template: Toter Link / www.kloesterreich.at  
  5. KNEIPP TRADITIONAL GARDEN BAD MÜHLLACKEN. ( Memento of the original from March 4, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. at: badmuehllacken.gesund-kneippen.at @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.badmuehllacken.gesund-kneippen.at
  6. Upper Austrian Kneipp Traditional Garden ( Memento of the original from September 18, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. on: austria.info.at @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.austria.info

Coordinates: 48 ° 21 '55.1 "  N , 14 ° 3' 54.8"  E