1. Bloodletting: This involved drawing blood from the patient through cupping, leeching, or venesection. It was believed that removing "bad" blood would restore balance and promote healing. However, bloodletting weakened patients further, contributing to their vulnerability to infection.
2. Herbal Remedies: Various herbs were used for their purported medicinal properties, such as yarrow, chamomile, and garlic. However, these herbs lacked the necessary antibacterial or antiviral properties to combat puerperal fever effectively.
3. Charms and Amulets: Superstition played a significant role in Medieval medicine, and many people believed that wearing amulets or performing specific rituals could ward off evil spirits or diseases. These rituals had no scientific basis and did not contribute to treating puerperal fever.
4. Religious Intervention: Prayer and religious rituals were commonly used to seek divine healing. While religious faith could provide comfort to patients, it did not provide a cure for puerperal fever.
5. Rest and Isolation: Some medical practitioners recognized the importance of rest and isolation for patients with puerperal fever. Keeping the patient in a clean environment and avoiding contact with infected individuals could reduce the risk of spreading the disease, but it did not cure the underlying infection.
It is important to note that the high mortality rate associated with puerperal fever during Medieval times underscores the limited medical knowledge and resources available at the time. Significant advances in medical science, hygiene practices, and the understanding of infectious diseases occurred in later centuries, leading to more effective treatments and improved outcomes for women affected by puerperal fever.