Was superstition a strong influence on medieval medicine?

Answer 1

Yes, superstition was a significant influence on medieval medicine. During this period, many medical practices were intertwined with religious beliefs and folk traditions, leading to the use of charms, amulets, and rituals as treatments for ailments. Illnesses were often attributed to supernatural forces or divine punishment, which shaped the understanding of health and disease. Consequently, medical practitioners frequently relied on these superstitions alongside more empirical methods, reflecting the era's limited scientific knowledge.