Historians have recently uncovered surprising parallels between medieval health practices and modern TikTok wellness trends, suggesting a timeless human fascination with natural remedies. The Corpus of Early Medieval Latin Medicine, a research project by Binghamton University, has revealed that medieval Europeans used herbal detox drinks, vinegar face treatments, and barley water remedies—many of which are now popular on social media platforms. These health hacks, dating back to the 600-1000 AD period, reflect a worldview shaped by spiritual and cosmic beliefs rather than modern scientific understanding.
The study highlights how medieval medical texts often attributed illness to spiritual imbalances, moral transgressions, or cosmic forces, rather than infectious agents like bacteria or viruses. While some remedies, such as cinnamon and fennel-based detoxes, may offer minor digestive benefits, others, like the use of dead vultures or goat dung, are considered both repulsive and potentially dangerous. Experts caution that these ancient practices lack scientific validation and emphasize the importance of modern medical care for serious health conditions. The findings serve as a reminder of the evolution of medicine and the enduring human desire to seek health through natural means.