The British History Podcast 58 – Dark Age Medicine
Oct 15, 2012
This podcast episode explores medicine in the Dark Ages, discussing topics such as health conditions, remedies, and medical texts. It delves into the practices of medicine during this time period, including bleeding and leeches, lunar cycles affecting hormones, and strange cures. The significance of urine color and texture, as well as bloodletting, is also explored. The podcast highlights medical treatments in Anglo-Saxon Britain, including surgery, magical cures, contraception, and family planning. It also looks into the historical context of contraception and childbirth in Anglo-Saxon times.
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Anglo-Saxon Medical Texts
- Anglo-Saxons, despite common misconceptions, produced extensive medical texts.
- This demonstrates the importance of medicine to them, considering the resources required for writing and preservation.
Health Challenges in Anglo-Saxon Britain
- Poor diet, harsh working conditions, and inadequate clothing weakened Anglo-Saxon immune systems.
- This made them highly susceptible to diseases, contributing to a shorter lifespan and high infant mortality.
A Surprising Iron Remedy
- Anglo-Saxons treated enlarged spleens, a sign of iron deficiency, with a heated poker in vinegar or wine.
- Unintentionally, this method introduced iron into the patient's system, potentially alleviating the deficiency.