Strange and Terrifying Medical Treatments of the Medieval Period

The medieval period was a time of great social and cultural change, but it was also a time of great hardship and suffering. One of the most terrifying aspects of the medieval period was the state of medical knowledge and practice. From bloodletting to the use of poisonous substances, many of the medical treatments of the time were not only strange but also dangerous. In this blog, we will explore some of the strange and terrifying medical treatments of the medieval period.

Bloodletting

Bloodletting was a popular medical treatment in the medieval period, used to treat a wide range of illnesses and ailments. The practice involved the removal of blood from the patient's body, either through the use of leeches or by making incisions in the skin. Bloodletting was thought to balance the humors of the body and restore health. However, the practice of bloodletting was often performed in unsanitary conditions, and patients were at risk of developing infections or suffering from excessive blood loss. In some cases, bloodletting could even lead to death.

 

Trepanation

Trepanation, also known as trephining, was a surgical procedure used in the medieval period to treat a range of medical conditions, including headaches, mental illness, and seizures. The procedure involved drilling a hole in the patient's skull to relieve pressure and improve blood flow to the brain. Trepanation was a dangerous procedure that often resulted in infection or death. It was also performed without the use of anesthesia, making it an incredibly painful experience for the patient.

 

Use of Mercury

Mercury was a popular medical treatment in the medieval period, used to treat a wide range of illnesses, including syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases. Mercury was thought to kill the bacteria responsible for these illnesses, but in reality, it was a highly toxic substance that could cause mercury poisoning. Mercury poisoning could lead to a range of symptoms, including tremors, hallucinations, and psychosis. Over time, mercury exposure could also lead to permanent damage to the nervous system.

Use of Urine

Urine was a common ingredient in medieval medical treatments, used for everything from treating wounds to treating headaches. Urine was thought to have antiseptic properties and was believed to help heal wounds and prevent infection. However, the use of urine in medical treatments was not only unhygienic but also ineffective. Urine does not have any antiseptic properties, and the use of urine in medical treatments could actually increase the risk of infection.

 

Use of Poisons

Poisons were sometimes used in medieval medical treatments, often in the form of herbs or other natural substances. These poisons were thought to have medicinal properties and were used to treat a range of illnesses and conditions. However, the use of poisons in medical treatments was highly dangerous and often resulted in poisoning or death. Many of these poisons were highly toxic and could cause a range of symptoms, including convulsions, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

The medieval period was a time of great suffering, and the state of medical knowledge and practice at the time only added to this suffering. From bloodletting to the use of poisonous substances, the medical treatments of the medieval period were often strange and terrifying. While some of these treatments were based on sound medical principles, many were not, and patients were often subjected to unnecessary pain and suffering. Today, we can look back at the strange and terrifying medical treatments of the medieval period with a sense of horror and disbelief, but we must also remember that the medical treatments of our own time may one day be viewed in the same way.

~ By Suroshree Das