Another widespread remedy involved hanging onions or carrying sponges soaked in vinegar. Some believed these pungent odors could cleanse the air and keep plague at bay. People would even wave them in front of their faces while walking through the streets. Despite its popularity, this method offered no real defense but illustrates the creative—and desperate—attempts at survival. Discover more unusual plague cures
In an early form of disease control, Venetian authorities established lazarettos—isolation stations for ships and travelers. Anyone arriving from plague-stricken areas was required to remain isolated for forty days, a period that gave rise to the word quarantine (from the Italian “quaranta,” meaning forty). While not a perfect system, this practice did slow the spread of the plague and laid the groundwork for modern quarantine measures. Learn more about the history of quarantine
In an odd twist, many believed that bathing made you more vulnerable to the plague by opening the skin’s pores. As a result, people avoided washing themselves for weeks or even months. Unfortunately, this practice only worsened living conditions and likely contributed to the rapid spread of disease. Why medieval people shunned bathing
In a world ruled by fear and uncertainty, many people turned to charms, amulets, and religious relics for protection. Some wore small bags containing written prayers, while others clung to dried toads or bones as magical defenses against the plague. Though these items couldn’t stop the disease, they offered a sense of hope and control during chaotic times. Read about magic in medieval medicine
In their desperation, some people turned to potions made with mercury or arsenic, convinced these powerful substances could drive out the plague. Medieval apothecaries sold these dangerous remedies, promising miraculous recoveries. Sadly, such treatments were not only ineffective but also highly toxic, often causing severe illness—or even death. The use of poisonous metals highlights just how far people would go in search of hope. Explore more on medieval medical practices
Guided by the humoral theory, medieval physicians believed the plague stemmed from an imbalance of bodily fluids. Bloodletting and leech therapy were standard treatments, intended to draw out “bad blood” and restore health. Unfortunately, these procedures did far more harm than good—often leaving patients even weaker and more susceptible to infection. More about bloodletting in medical history
Fearing that fresh air was laced with plague, many people tightly sealed their homes—shutting windows, doors, and even chimneys. This practice was meant to keep out the so-called “bad air,” but in reality, it trapped families in poorly ventilated, disease-ridden spaces. Ironically, this attempt at protection often made conditions even more hazardous. Read more about Black Death medicine myths
In an effort to halt the spread of the plague, authorities ordered the mass killing of stray cats and dogs, mistakenly believing these animals were to blame for the outbreak. This policy backfired, as it led to a rise in the rat population—the true carriers of plague-infested fleas. By disrupting the natural balance, this measure tragically worsened the crisis. Learn more about the origins of the plague
In a bid to protect themselves, some families blocked out all sunlight and lived in total darkness, convinced that daylight could worsen the plague’s effects. This extreme isolation had no scientific basis and only added to the misery and fear people experienced. Explore more medieval plague beliefs
Out of fear that possessions carried the plague, people burned the clothes and bedding of those who were sick or had died. This drastic action sometimes helped eliminate sources of infection, such as fleas. However, it left many survivors destitute and without basic necessities, compounding their suffering. Find out more about plague transmission
In one of the most bizarre approaches, some healers applied dried human feces or even placed dead animals—such as pigeons—directly onto plague sores, known as buboes. The hope was that these unpleasant substances would “draw out” the toxins or poisons causing illness. Rooted in the humoral theory, these treatments often led to further infection and suffering. Read more about strange plague remedies
As panic gripped cities, many wealthy individuals fled to rural estates, convinced that isolation could protect them from the plague. While some managed to avoid infection, others unknowingly carried the disease with them, spreading it to previously untouched villages. This mass exodus highlights how fear and privilege shaped the movement—and sometimes the fate—of entire communities. Discover more about the Black Death’s impact
The bizarre methods people used to survive the Black Plague reveal a world gripped by fear, superstition, and desperation. With little understanding of disease, communities turned to anything that offered hope—no matter how strange or risky. Yet, even amid chaos, these experiences sparked the beginnings of modern public health, from quarantine practices to improved sanitation. The legacy of the plague endures, reminding us how societies adapt in the face of the unknown.
This article is intended for historical and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified professionals for health concerns. Explore history to learn, not to treat!
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