Chapter 1: Understanding the Bubonic Plague

During the Medieval period, medical knowledge was limited. When the bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death, emerged around 1346 AD, there were few effective treatments available. This illness primarily spread through fleas residing on rats, leading to widespread outbreaks in densely populated areas. The plague manifested in three significant waves: the first in the mid-1300s, another in the 1500s, and the final one in the 1800s, primarily affecting Asia.

The death rate among those infected was alarmingly high, exceeding 80%. Initial symptoms included fever, headaches, and vomiting, followed by painful swelling of the lymph nodes, known as buboes, which could grow to the size of eggs or apples. If an individual's lymphatic system became infected, survival chances diminished drastically.

1. The Power of Prayer

It comes as no surprise that many believed the bubonic plague was a divine punishment. Communities gathered in confined spaces to pray for the afflicted, inadvertently facilitating further spread of the disease. Some devout individuals resorted to self-flagellation, hoping to appease God, but the open wounds only worsened their situation. During this time, the Catholic Church also offered indulgences, supposedly absolving sins for a price.

2. The Chicken Method

Another peculiar remedy involved using a live chicken. Practitioners would remove the feathers from the bird's back and apply it to the swollen lymph nodes of the sick person, securing it in place for hours. The belief was that the chicken would absorb the illness. This procedure continued until either the chicken or the patient succumbed.

3. Odd Concoctions

In desperate times, unusual edible or drinkable substances were considered potential cures. Some unscrupulous merchants sold crushed emeralds mixed with roots and herbs to the affluent, claiming it provided immunity or healing. The less fortunate, however, resorted to consuming toxic mixtures of arsenic, mercury, and herbs, often leading to quicker deaths.

4. Opium and Alcohol

These substances were consumed directly rather than in potion form. While they offered no real relief from the plague, they were popular among those seeking comfort during their suffering.

5. Urine Baths

Despite modern understanding, some people believed fresh urine was sterile. Consequently, bathing in urine became a common practice, with claims of its healing properties. A full bladder was recommended for drinking, while a complete immersion was advised for skin treatment. Collecting urine became a profitable occupation during this time.

6. Living Amidst Sewage

People believed that the illness was spread by "bad air" or miasma. In an attempt to escape this toxic air, some moved to rural areas, unintentionally spreading the disease. Others theorized that living in sewers would allow the bad air to leave them, thus curing their affliction.

7. Treacle Treatment

None of the aforementioned remedies proved effective, save perhaps for the chicken method. Treacle, a by-product of sugar refinement, was thought to be beneficial if aged for over ten years. This long aging period was rare, but some scientists suggest it may have fostered disease-fighting molds, offering minimal health benefits.

Conclusion

The Black Death is estimated to have caused up to 200 million deaths over the last millennium. For context, the global population in 1400 was approximately 390 million. This pandemic had devastating effects, and unfortunately, the medical practices of the time were inadequate.

While science has progressed significantly since then, some modern individuals still express skepticism towards medical advancements. For those who do, perhaps the chicken remedy could serve as a quirky alternative to contemporary solutions.

The first video discusses the bizarre 'cures' during the Black Death, highlighting the strange practices of that time.

The second video explores odd medicinal practices and 'cures' believed to combat the plague, shedding light on historical misconceptions.