Travellers have always faced health hazards when far from home. Medieval people were no exception. Pilgrims, crusaders and others were warned by preachers such as 13th century Jacques de Vitry of “dangers on land, dangers at sea, the dangers of thieves, the dangers of predators, the dangers of battles”.
Adam of Cremona, in his text composed around 1227-28, advised bloodletting (phlebotomy) should be performed prior to the emperor’s journey and then regularly throughout, depending on the “will and mood” of the stars.
Adam advised all travellers should be mindful of the instruments of bloodletting – especially leeches – while on the road. His writing included warnings to distinguish between leeches: good (round and shiny) and bad (black or blue in colour and found near fetid water).
Dysentery was a well-known hazard of travel, especially for crusaders, and Adam’s guide reflected all travellers’ wish to avoid it by keeping the digestive system in balance.
Medieval travellers did not leave their fate entirely in God’s hands. Even the crusaders took precautionary measures to balance both bodily and spiritual health before and during their journeys.
Adam advised all travellers should be mindful of the instruments of bloodletting – especially leeches – while on the road. His writing included warnings to distinguish between leeches: good (round and shiny) and bad (black or blue in colour and found near fetid water).
There were also warnings about crocodiles in Egypt and poisonous serpents in the holy land. Travellers took with them theriac, an antidote made in part from snake flesh in case of a bite.
The actions and remedies available to medieval pilgrims and other travellers may seem limited and perhaps dangerous to modern readers. But like all travellers, medieval people used the knowledge they had and tried hard to maintain good health in sometimes difficult conditions.
The urge to remain well is a very human one, and its long medieval history reminds us that good health has always been carefully managed through prevention just as much as cure.
Q: What were the main health concerns for medieval travellers?
A: The main health concerns for medieval travellers were disease, lack of good nutrition and water, injury, accident and poisoning.
Q: What were some of the remedies used by medieval travellers to prevent illness?
A: Some of the remedies used by medieval travellers to prevent illness included bloodletting, using leeches, taking theriac to treat snake bites, and wearing charms and amulets.
Q: Why did medieval travellers take precautions against illness?
A: Medieval travellers took precautions against illness because they believed that taking care of one’s physical and spiritual health was important for maintaining overall well-being and avoiding serious illness or even death.
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