Medieval Wellness: Ancient Remedies Mirror Modern Trends

New Research Reveals Sophistication in Early European Health Practices

Forget the “Dark Ages” moniker; early medieval Europeans were surprisingly adept at natural health, with many of their remedies echoing today’s popular wellness trends.

Ancient Science of Healing

Researchers have unearthed a significant collection of medical remedies from over a thousand years ago, demonstrating that people in the early Middle Ages were deeply invested in observation and understanding the properties of natural substances. As Dr. Meg Leja, an associate professor of history at Binghamton University and a lead researcher, explained, “People in the early Middle Ages were quite into science, into observation, into figuring out the utility of different natural substances, and trying to identify patterns and make predictions.”

Many of these historical health practices are experiencing a resurgence, appearing now as alternative medicine promoted online. “A lot of things that you see in these manuscripts are actually being promoted online currently as alternative medicine, but they have been around for thousands of years,” Dr. Leja noted.

From Peach Pits to Vinegar Rinses

For headaches, a thousand-year-old prescription involved a mix of crushed peach pit and rose oil applied to the forehead. While the peach pit’s efficacy is debated, modern science does suggest rose oil might offer temporary relief for migraines, as indicated by a 2017 study.

Another 9th-century manuscript offered advice for hair health, starting with cleansing the scalp using an infusion of herbs, salt, and vinegar to combat parasites. Today, vinegar rinses, particularly apple cider vinegar, are popular home remedies for scalp conditions like dandruff, though scientific backing for this specific application remains limited.

Beyond these foundational steps, medieval healers recommended a salve of oils blended with “ashes of a burnt green lizard” for achieving lusher hair—a practice that, unlike some current DIY beauty trends, is unlikely to go viral on social media.

The “Dark Ages” Were Not So Dim

The Corpus of Early Medieval Latin Medicine, a digital compilation spearheaded by Dr. Leja and her colleagues, has significantly expanded the known number of health manuscripts predating the 11th century. Many were found inscribed in the margins of various academic texts.

Dr. Leja emphasizes that the label “Dark Ages” does not reflect an absence of scientific curiosity. It’s true that we do lack a lot of sources for the period. In that sense, it is ‘dark.’ But not in terms of any kind of ‘anti-science’ attitudes, she stated. They were concerned about cures, they wanted to observe the natural world and jot down bits of information wherever they could in this period known as the ‘Dark Ages,’ she added.

While some ancient remedies, like tying vulture feathers to a pregnant woman’s leg for easier childbirth, are certainly unusual by modern standards, many others highlight a deep engagement with the natural world. The collection continues to grow, offering a fascinating glimpse into the health-conscious practices of our ancestors.

For those interested in exploring these historical health practices, the complete catalog is available online at cemlm.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk.