Plague Treatments
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Medieval doctors thought the plague was created by air corrupted by humid weather, decaying unburied bodies, and fumes produced by poor sanitation. The recommended treatment of the plague was a good diet, rest, and relocating to a non-infected environment so the individual could get access to clean air.
There were other methods of stopping the plague, they didn't always work but people from Eyam and other affected areas such as London used them:
- Charms worn around the neck.
- Flowers were carried to keep "bad air" away.
- Many prayed for the plague to end as they believed God had brought it upon them for their sins.
- Various remedies (see Right!)
- Various rules (See below!)
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^ Above, a plague doctor. They believed this costume would protect them from the plague! Below: A bottle of Plague water
A remedy created by Sir Kenelm Digby! (1669)
To Make Plague Water!!
Take a pound of:
Rue Rosemary, Sage Sorrel, Celandine, Mugwort. The tops of red brambles, Pimpernel, Wild-Dragons, Agrimony, Balm, Angelica.
Put these compounds into a pot, fill it with white wine above the herbs, so let it stand four days. Then still it for your use in a limbeck.
(Limbeck = a filter to distill alcohol)
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This would make "Plague Water"
Kept in bottles, it wouldn't work however it may sooth the sores etc.
Above: Diagrams of various ingredients!
