RomanceEverAfter

Romantic Tales - Medieval
Health & Sanitation

Sickness & Disease

The upper classes of the Medieval age did what they could to achieve a modest degree of sanitation for their time.  However, the very environment in which they lived worked against them in terms of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The castle structure itself welcomed constant dampness due to the material used for its construction - stone.  One could be exposed to contaminated water or spoiled food.  Modern day medicine and vaccinations didn't exist to thwart typhoid, dysentery, smallpox and influenza.  The lack of vitamin C invited scurvy as a health ailment as well.

The Barber - More Than a Hair Cut

Much of the responsibility for dispensing medicinal assistance fell upon the shoulders of the chatelaine* and her attendants.  Although, the barber of the household was expected to be skillful in more than cutting hair.  His expertise included pulling teeth, binding wounds, setting fractures and letting blood**.  When serious illness befell a household member, a physician would be summoned.  In some cases, a wealthy Lord might employ a physician to remain permanently at the castle.

*The mistress of the castle.
**Also known as phlebotomy.  The practice of opening a vein for letting blood as a remedial measure. Letting blood was done monthly, which was considered routine bodily maintenance to promote good health.

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