Medieval

Medieval medicine refers to the medical practices and beliefs that were prevalent during the Middle Ages, a period that spanned from the 5th to the 15th century. This era was characterized by a blend of medical knowledge from various cultures, including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Persians.

Overview

Medieval medicine was heavily influenced by religion, superstition, and the teachings of Galen, a Greek physician. The Church played a significant role in medical practices, as it was believed that diseases were a punishment from God and could be cured through prayer and penance.

Medical Practices

Humoral Theory

The Humoral theory, proposed by Galen, was the predominant medical theory during the medieval period. It postulated that the human body was made up of four humors - blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. Illness was believed to be caused by an imbalance of these humors.

Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies were commonly used in medieval medicine. Plants such as mint, garlic, and wormwood were used to treat various ailments.

Surgery

Surgery was a last resort in medieval medicine due to the high risk of infection. However, some surgical procedures, such as bloodletting and trepanation, were performed.

Medical Institutions

Monastic Infirmary

Monastic infirmaries were the primary healthcare institutions during the early Middle Ages. Monks provided care for the sick and injured, and also copied medical texts.

Medieval Hospitals

Medieval hospitals emerged in the 11th century and were often attached to monasteries or churches. They provided care for the poor, sick, and travelers.

Notable Medieval Physicians

Several physicians made significant contributions to medieval medicine, including Avicenna, Hildegard of Bingen, and Roger of Salerno.

See Also

• History of medicine
• Medieval surgery
• Medieval pharmacy

Medieval Resources
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