In this episode, Nate and Mike dive into the fascinating world of Anglo-Saxon medical leech books, with a focus on the 9th-century Bald’s Leech Book. Between smokes of the Quorum Classic cigar (which they agree tastes terrible), the hosts explore historical remedies and medical knowledge from medieval England. They discuss the origins and meaning of “leech book” (where “leech” means doctor), the blend of herbal, magical, and practical treatments recorded, and how some ancient cures surprisingly showed real effectiveness.
Nate and Mike share a range of bizarre and intriguing remedies from the texts, such as treatments involving burnt animal parts, plant-based concoctions, animal guts, and ritualistic incantations aimed at ailments from headaches to snake bites, madness, and more. The hosts highlight how some remedies may have worked due to their ingredients, while others border on superstition or downright strange.
They also touch on medical advancements of the era like early plastic surgery, suturing wounds with silk, and even brain surgery evidence from skulls. A modern twist reveals that a recipe from Bald’s Leech Book was recreated and tested by University of Nottingham researchers, showing a 90% effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant MRSA bacteria—an exciting reminder that ancient knowledge can still surprise us today.
Throughout the episode, Nate and Mike balance humor, skepticism, and curiosity, reflecting on how far medical science has come while appreciating the mix of science, folklore, and trial-and-error that shaped early medicine. They close with candid impressions of the cigars smoked during the recording and encourage listeners to enjoy the curious history of leech books—even if some of the cures sound like Dungeons & Dragons quests gone wild.
