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Historians have recently uncovered some interesting “health tips” from the Middle Ages that seem surprisingly modern.
The Corpus of Early Medieval Latin Medicine, a database unveiled by Binghamton University, sheds light on how people in the “Dark Ages” viewed health and medicine.
Meg Leja, an associate professor at the university, assisted in cataloging numerous medieval medical texts, with a focus on surviving Latin manuscripts up to the year 1000.
“Our coverage includes most of Continental Europe, excluding England where many early medieval medical writings were in Old English,” she explained.
“Since very few manuscripts exist from before 600, our focus is on the period between 600 and 1000.”
Historians recently unearthed “health hacks” dating back to the Middle Ages. Some drinks were meant to purge mucus and “unwanted matter” from the body, much like juice cleanses today. (LTL/Heritage Images via Getty Images; iStock)
Some of the remedies found could easily fit in with modern wellness practices. Here are six examples:
1. The original juice cleanse
Historians discovered a 12-month detox plan that involved consuming herbs like cinnamon, sage, ginger, and fennel – one for each month.
These drinks were believed to cleanse the body of mucus and other unwanted substances, similar to modern juice cleanses.
2. A vinegar mask for glowing skin
One recipe recommended a vinegar remedy for radiant skin.
“Grind wheat flour with vinegar, apply it as a plaster mixed with oil,” the tip suggested.
Medical care in the Middle Ages relied on hands, herbs and improvisation, according to ancient records. (Photo 12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
3. Barley water for digestion
Barley water, a natural remedy that occasionally appears on TikTok, was recommended by early medieval writers for aiding digestion.
One text from before 1000 A.D. suggested mixing barley with hot wine for improved digestion.
4. A cure involving dead vultures
Some remedies involved ingredients that are both unpleasant and hard to come by.
One text from before 1250 claimed that dead vultures could be used as a cure for various health issues.
From birds to bottled brews, medieval healers had a cure for every ailment, however bizarre. (Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images)
The text recommended capturing a vulture, decapitating it, and reciting a specific incantation for various health benefits.
The remedies included using the vulture’s skull to prevent migraines and its eyeballs to relieve eye pain. Additionally, tying the feathers to a pregnant woman’s legs was believed to aid in speeding up labor.
5. Hair help from lizards
A tip from the late 9th century suggested using green lizard ashes for fuller hair.
The translated instructions recommended covering the head with summer savory, salt, vinegar, and rubbing it with burnt green lizard ashes mixed with oil.
6. The goat dung remedy
One particularly unusual remedy from an 11th-century text advised dissolving goat dung in water and drinking it to relieve chest pain.
Expert’s perspective
J. Matthew Knight, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, cautioned against trying these ancient cures.
The Florida-based doctor explained that while some ingredients like barley, cinnamon, and fennel may offer minor digestive benefits, the concept of detoxing over 12 months lacks scientific backing.
“When it comes to TikTok trends, or medieval remedies, there is painfully little to no scientific basis for their use.”
Dr. Knight also warned that the vinegar facial mask could potentially cause skin irritation, despite vinegar’s antibacterial properties.
Regarding extreme remedies like using goat dung, he emphasized that they are unhygienic and unsafe. He advised anyone experiencing chest pain to seek immediate medical attention.
Some medieval cures called for exotic ingredients that are difficult to obtain today, such as vulture feathers. (Culture Club/Getty Images)
While acknowledging the novelty of these remedies, Dr. Knight stated that they are either amusing or completely ineffective.
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“These remedies were developed before the advent of modern medicine and were based on the belief that illnesses were caused by spiritual imbalance, moral transgressions, or cosmic influences,” he explained. “They did not consider diseases as bacterial or viral, but as disturbances in unseen forces like ‘body humors’.”
“Unfortunately, there is little to no scientific evidence supporting the use of these TikTok trends or medieval remedies.”
Researchers have discovered a new species of dinosaur in Argentina, known as Lavocatisaurus agrioensis. This dinosaur lived approximately 110 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. The fossilized remains were found in the Neuquén Province of Argentina.
The Lavocatisaurus agrioensis was a herbivorous dinosaur that measured about 12 meters in length and had a long neck and tail. Its name is derived from the place where it was discovered, La Invernada, as well as the Greek word for lizard, “sauros.”
This discovery is significant as it adds to our understanding of the diversity of dinosaurs that roamed the Earth during the Cretaceous period. It also sheds light on the evolution and migration of dinosaurs in the southern hemisphere.
The researchers believe that the Lavocatisaurus agrioensis was a close relative of the Brachiosaurus, a large dinosaur known for its long neck and forelimbs. Further study of this new dinosaur species could provide valuable insights into the evolution and behavior of these ancient creatures.
