Traditional European Medicine: The colonists brought with them the medical practices of Europe, which were based on the theories of ancient Greek and Roman physicians such as Hippocrates and Galen. These practices included bloodletting, purging, and the use of herbs and other natural remedies.
Native American Remedies: The colonists also learned from the Native Americans about their traditional healing practices, which included the use of herbs, roots, and other natural remedies. Native American healers also used spiritual practices, such as rituals and ceremonies, as part of their healing methods.
Folk Medicine: In addition to traditional European and Native American medicine, the colonists also relied on folk medicine, which was passed down from generation to generation. Folk remedies often involved the use of herbs, spices, and household items to treat various illnesses.
Physicians: While there were some trained physicians in the northern colonies, they were often expensive and not easily accessible to everyone. As a result, many colonists relied on local healers, such as midwives, herbalists, and traditional healers, for medical care.
Despite these efforts, medical care in the northern colonies was often limited and many people died from preventable illnesses. The lack of knowledge about microbiology and the causes of diseases, as well as the limited access to medical resources, made it difficult to effectively treat many illnesses.