How did people try to prevent or treat the Black Death?

During the time of the Black Death, people employed various methods to prevent or treat the disease, although their understanding of the causes and transmission of the plague was limited. Some of the measures taken included:

1. Quarantine: Infected individuals and their families were often isolated from the rest of the community in an attempt to prevent the spread of the disease. This was done by confining them to their homes or designated areas, sometimes even entire towns or villages were placed under quarantine.

2. Sanitation: Efforts were made to improve cleanliness and hygiene in an attempt to reduce the spread of the disease. Streets were cleaned, waste was disposed of properly, and contaminated areas were disinfected.

3. Avoiding contact: People tried to limit their exposure to the disease by avoiding contact with infected individuals or areas. This included avoiding crowded places, such as markets or gatherings, and staying away from the sick.

4. Herbal remedies: Various herbal remedies were used as treatments for the Black Death. These included concoctions made from herbs like garlic, rosemary, and juniper, which were believed to have medicinal properties.

5. Bloodletting: A common medical practice at the time, bloodletting involved the removal of blood from the body in an attempt to balance the humors and rid the body of the disease. However, this practice often weakened the patients further, making them more susceptible to the infection.

6. Religious practices: Many turned to religious practices and prayers as a means of protection and healing. Some believed that the plague was a punishment from God and sought repentance and divine intervention.

7. Isolation and self-quarantine: Some individuals chose to isolate themselves from society, either by retreating to remote areas or by living in self-imposed quarantine. This was done in the hope of avoiding contact with infected individuals and reducing the risk of contracting the disease.

It is important to note that while these measures were taken, they were often ineffective in stopping the spread of the Black Death. The lack of understanding about the true causes and transmission of the disease hindered the effectiveness of these preventive and treatment methods.