In this episode, Nate and Mike dive into the fascinating world of Anglo-Saxon medical leech books, with a focus on the 9th-century Bald’s Leech Book. Between smokes of the Quorum Classic cigar (which they agree tastes terrible), the hosts explore historical remedies and medical knowledge from medieval England. They discuss the origins and meaning of “leech book” (where “leech” means doctor), the blend of herbal, magical, and practical treatments recorded, and how some ancient cures surprisingly showed real effectiveness.

Nate and Mike share a range of bizarre and intriguing remedies from the texts, such as treatments involving burnt animal parts, plant-based concoctions, animal guts, and ritualistic incantations aimed at ailments from headaches to snake bites, madness, and more. The hosts highlight how some remedies may have worked due to t ...