Treatments

What was medieval treatment like?

Medieval treatment was very limited as it was mostly based on the supposed superstitious and religious causes of disease. It was also sometimes inaccurate due to a lack of medical knowledge and understanding.

What treatment was available for most medieval people?

There were 5 main ways in which you could get treatment:

• ❖ Rich people would consult a physician.
• ❖ There were hospitals, but people went to them for rest and prayer rather than medical intervention.
• ❖ Most people were cared for in the home by the women in their family.
• ❖ People could visit barber-surgeons to have simple surgical procedures.
• ❖ Apothecaries provided medicinal treatments using plants and herbs.

Why did women give medieval treatment in the home?

It cost money to see a physician and most people could not afford it.

How did medieval women give treatment at home?

Women used treatments that they learned from other women in their household. They would mix remedies using herbs from their gardens and do their best to make their patients comfortable. Women also acted as midwives at births.

What was the religious approach to treatment in medieval times?

As people believed that God created illnesses as a punishment for sinning, then the treatment involved a religious act such as fasting, paying for a special mass, prayer, or pilgrimage.

What was the supernatural approach to treatment in medieval times?

Using charms or chanting spells was believed to scare off illness and heal people. Astrology was also used, as physicians referred to star charts to determine when certain treatments could be carried out.

What was the humoural approach to treatment in medieval times?

Bloodletting, purging and the Theory of Opposites were used to help balance the humours.

What was the remedial approach to treatment in medieval times?

Herbal remedies were inhaled or drunk to treat illnesses. Sometimes bathing in water with flowers and herbs was encouraged as it was believed it could help balance the humours by removing blockages.

Where could the poor go for treatment in medieval England?

The poor could be treated by women in their home. They could also seek rest in a medieval hospital; but, although they would be made comfortable there, they would not receive medical treatment.