How the Vikings Treated Illnesses vs. How We Treat Them Today

The Vikings were a group of Norse seafarers who raided and explored Europe from the 8th to the 11th century. They are best known for their exploration of the Atlantic and their settlement of Greenland and Iceland. The Viking Age was a period of great expansion for the Norse culture, and their legacy is still evident in the cultures of Scandinavia and the British Isles today. Many traditions and practices that the Vikings discovered are still in use today, and they made significant advances for their time in medicine and healthcare. If you want to learn more, keep reading to find out about the differences between how Vikings treated illnesses and how we treat them today.

What are the differences between how Vikings treated illnesses and how we treat them today?

img

Vikings likely treated illnesses in many ways, depending on the individual case. Some common treatments included herbs, potions, and spells. If a Viking believed that an illness was caused by a curse or the work of a witch, they might use different methods to try to remove the curse. If a Viking thought that an illness was caused by bad air, they might try to improve the air quality in the area or use herbal remedies to help the person get better. While some of the spiritual or fantastical elements may no longer be relevant, we have research to support their idea that environmental factors like air pollution could cause illness.

There are many types of illnesses that we are now aware of due to years of research, and they are all treated differently. Some illnesses are treated with surgery, while others are treated with medication. Some illnesses require a combination of surgery and medication. Generally, the primary difference between our medical treatments and those of our ancestors relies on modern medical technology and advances in the field. We still look at diseases in a holistic way, like the Vikings, but we have more tools to manage their effects.

One cool way to learn more about Vikings and their traditions is to do a genetic test to see if you have any Viking DNA. A quick search for “DNA vikings” can provide you with more information. If you have access to a raw file of your genetic data, it can be compared to other samples to determine its historical origins.

How can you take better care of your health and wellness?

img

If you want to protect your health to avoid illness, then there are some simple steps you can take. For example, lack of sleep can have a significant effect on your overall health and well-being. Lack of sleep can lead to a number of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. It can also lead to decreased productivity and mood swings. If you’re having trouble sleeping, you may want to try some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or yoga. If these methods don’t work, talk to your doctor so you can find a solution.

Maintaining a healthy diet is a key part of protecting your health and wellness. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, providing the body with the nutrients it needs, and keeping your energy levels up. There are plenty of different foods that you can include in your diet to improve your overall health, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. You should try to vary your diet and eat a variety of different foods to get the most benefit. If you’re struggling to come up with a meal plan, a dietician can help.

While some of the Vikings’ methods may seem strange to us today, you need to remember that the Vikings did not have access to modern medical treatments like we do. Their methods may not have been scientific, but they were able to admirably protect the health of their people in a time without access to medical technology. Now that we have made major medical advances, we use medication, surgery, and various testing equipment to diagnose and treat a broad range of health conditions. We are also researching how to treat illnesses that are currently incurable. If you follow the tips in this article and you can protect yourself from avoidable illnesses and diseases.