The Middle Ages were a fascinating time, but hygiene practices back then were… let’s just say very different from what we enjoy today. With limited access to clean water, medical knowledge, and proper sanitation, people came up with creative (and often bizarre) ways to stay “clean.” Here are 10 hygiene practices from the medieval era that will make you extra thankful for modern showers and toothpaste.
1. Bouquets Were Used to Mask Odors
Instead of deodorant or body spray, people carried small bouquets of flowers to cover up unpleasant smells. Personal hygiene wasn’t a priority, so scent became a survival tool.
2. Nut Shells as Toothbrushes
To maintain “fresh” breath, some ladies brushed their teeth using powdered nut shells. While it was a natural option, it wasn’t exactly effective at fighting cavities.
3. Lavender Oil for Parasites
Lavender oil wasn’t just for fragrance. It was believed to help get rid of lice and other parasites that were very common in those times.
4. Herbal Pouches Against Lice
If lavender oil wasn’t enough, people wore small pouches filled with herbs around their necks or in their clothing to ward off parasites.
5. Rosemary as a Cure-All
Rosemary was the go-to herb of the Middle Ages. It was used for everything — from improving mood to “purifying” the body and even freshening the air.
6. Dogs as a Banquet Cleanup Crew
At feasts, dogs were often allowed to roam the halls and eat scraps off the floor. Believe it or not, this was seen as a form of “sanitation.”
7. Clothes Hung in Moonlight
Instead of washing clothes often, people sometimes hung them outside overnight under the moonlight, believing it had a cleansing effect.
8. Shoe Polishing With Twigs and Wax
Shoes were polished with oil, wax, and rowan twigs. While it made them shine, it certainly didn’t help much with hygiene.
9. Fear of Water Among Aristocrats
Some aristocrats avoided bathing altogether because they believed water carried diseases. Perfumes and powders replaced soap and showers.
10. Family Baths
For ordinary folks, a rare bath was usually a family affair. Everyone used the same tub of water — from father down to the youngest child. Needless to say, it wasn’t the cleanest method.
Final Thought
The Middle Ages may have been rich in history, but definitely not in hygiene. These strange practices remind us how lucky we are to live in a world of daily showers, clean clothes, and fresh toothpaste. Modern hygiene isn’t just about comfort — it’s about health, too.
Credit:brightside.me
