The Strangest Medieval Medicines – And Why Some Still Work
Medieval medicine often sounds like something from a horror story, but hidden among the bizarre ingredients and questionable methods are a few remedies that modern science has surprisingly validated.
1. Maggot Therapy (Still Used Today)
While the idea of using live maggots to clean wounds might make your skin crawl, this medieval practice remains an FDA-approved treatment for stubborn infections. The larvae consume dead tissue while leaving healthy flesh intact – nature's perfect surgeons.
2. Honey as an Antibiotic
Medieval physicians frequently used honey to treat wounds, and modern research confirms its antibacterial properties. Manuka honey is now a staple in many hospitals for dressing burns and ulcers.
3. The Truly Bizarre: Mummy Powder and Urine Rinses
Not all medieval remedies stand the test of time. Wealthy Europeans once consumed ground Egyptian mummies as a cure-all, while urine mouthwashes were believed to whiten teeth. Thankfully, these practices have been left in the past.
4. Willow Bark for Pain Relief
This ancient painkiller contains salicin, the natural compound that inspired modern aspirin. While medieval healers didn't understand the chemistry, they recognized its effectiveness against fevers and inflammation.
Why Some Medieval Medicines Actually Worked
Many successful remedies developed through centuries of trial and error, with practitioners observing what genuinely helped patients. While their explanations (like balancing humors or driving out evil spirits) were often wrong, the treatments themselves occasionally hit the mark.
Next time you reach for that honey when you have a sore throat, remember – you're participating in a medical tradition that spans nearly a thousand years!
