Page 24 - All About History - Issue 56-17

EpidEmics

How to

TREAT THE BLACK DEATH

FIGHT THE GREAT PESTILENCE JUST AS MEDIEVAL

PHYSICIANS DID ENGLAND, 1300S

When the Black Death came to England in The doctor is in
1348, it left a trail of devastation in its wake.
Plague doctors might look fearsome but
More than 1 million people fell victim to they were actually helpless against the
the disease that had already swept through scourge of the Great Pestilence.
Europe, wiping out millions as it continued
its merciless progress through the land. Meet the patient
The cause of the Great Pestilence was a
Stricken with pain, the patient suffering
mystery and, as doctors struggled to find a from the Black Death faces a bleak and
cure, some outlandish methods of healing uncertain future.
the infection emerged. In this simple guide,
you’ll learn how to treat a case of the Black Cut them open
Death just as doctors in the Middle Ages
Using a sharp blade, open the vein of the
did. Whether you’ll live to tell the tale is inner elbow on the side where the patient
another story. is experiencing the most pain.
WHAT YOU’LL Apply the leeches
Apply leeches to the wound. If the
NEED… infection is already severe, open more
veins and apply more leeches.
A SHARP KNIFE
Remove the leeches
Once the leeches have grown fat and
fallen off, return them to their jar and
FIRE dress the wound.

CANOPY BED

LEECHES

HERBS TIME TO BLEED TAKE YOUR MEDICINE
As soon as the patient shows even the slightest There are all sorts of natural remedies, known as plague
01 symptoms of the plague, there’s no time to lose. Ask 02 waters, available for the Black Death, and your local
him which side of his body is the most painful and have the doctor will know which one is right for your patient. To make
surgeon open a vein in the arm on that side or, even better, your own, mix angelica, juniper, figs, saffron and vinegar. Add
apply leeches liberally to the painful areas. Bleed him until a little nutmeg to taste and serve hot — this will encourage the
his soreness dissipates. patient to sweat out the pestilence.

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