Anglo-Saxon
Anglo-Saxon Medicine
Anglo-Saxon medicine (pronunciation: /ˈæŋɡloʊ ˈsæksən mɛdɪsɪn/) refers to the set of practices and beliefs used to cure illnesses in the Anglo-Saxon period. The term is derived from the Old English words "Angelcynn" meaning "Angle-kin" and "Seaxe" meaning "Saxon", combined with the Latin word "medicina", meaning "the art of healing".
History
Anglo-Saxon medicine was a blend of folklore, herbalism, spirituality, and magic. It was heavily influenced by the Celtic and Germanic traditions, as well as the Roman and Greek medical knowledge that was preserved by the monastic communities.
Practices
Anglo-Saxon medicine involved a variety of practices. Herbal remedies were commonly used, with plants such as mugwort, nettle, and garlic being particularly popular. Prayer and ritual were also important aspects of Anglo-Saxon medicine, with many treatments involving the invocation of Christian saints or pagan deities.
Legacy
While many aspects of Anglo-Saxon medicine have been superseded by modern medical science, some elements, such as the use of certain herbs in alternative medicine, continue to be used today. Furthermore, the Anglo-Saxon period is of historical interest as it represents a time when Christianity and paganism coexisted and influenced each other, including in the realm of medicine.
Related Terms
- Leechcraft: The Anglo-Saxon term for medicine, derived from the Old English word "lǣcecræft".
- Bald's Leechbook: An Old English medical text that contains a variety of Anglo-Saxon medical advice and recipes.
- Nine Herbs Charm: An Old English charm recorded in the 10th-century lacnunga manuscript that was used as a spell for healing.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anglo-Saxon
- Wikipedia's article - Anglo-Saxon
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