Medicine in the Middle Ages was a curious blend of ancient knowledge, superstition, religion, and natural observation. Before the advent of modern science and germ theory, medieval healers relied on a mix of herbal concoctions, magical rituals, and sometimes downright strange ingredients. Among the most fascinating are remedies involving snails and blood, believed to cure everything from wounds to mental illness.

This article explores nine of the most unusual medieval medicines, revealing what people believed, why they used these treatments, and how some of these bizarre practices reflect the mindset and culture of the era.

 Snail Poultices: The Slimy Healer

One of the more peculiar medieval treatments was the use of snails in poultices — soft, moist masses applied to wounds or inflamed skin.

Why Snails?

Medieval physicians believed snails contained a cooling and soothing property that could reduce inflammation and heal wounds. The slime was thought to draw out poisons and calm the affected area. Instructions often involved crushing live snails and mixing them with herbs or wine, then applying the mixture directly to ulcers, burns, or even eye infections.

Historical References

The practice of using snails for healing dates back to ancient times and was passed down through medieval herbal texts. For instance, the Herbarium Apuleii Platonici, a widely used medieval medical manuscript, recommended snail poultices for treating boils and wounds. Some recipes instructed keeping the snails alive on the wound to continuously secrete slime, believed to accelerate healing.

Modern Perspective

Today, snail mucin is known for its moisturizing and regenerative properties, widely used in skincare products. While the medieval rationale was mystical, there may have been some genuine benefits to these poultices, albeit without the need to keep snails crawling on wounds. shutdown123