One of our most interesting sources for medieval medicine is Bald's Leechbook, an Anglo-Saxon medical textbook of sorts, likely dating from the late ninth century and potentially a result of Alfred the Great's literary and educational reforms. The book itself is the only surviving copy, and was written by a scribe called Cild on Bald's behalf.

The text itself is split into two sections, dealing with external and internal maladies and afflictions respectively. As one might expect from an early medieval source, much of the 'medicine' therein is of a 'folk' nature and involves ritual almost as often as it does actual remedy, coming dangerously close in some places to the kind of 'witchcraft' proscibed by contemporary penitentials like the Scrifboc. Some afflictions, for example, may be caused by Elves and cured by carving runes into a ceremonial dagger hilt. However, we must as always be wary of presentism and accusing the Anglo-Saxons of a 'primitive' or even dangerous superstition or lack of medical awareness. The Leechbook appears to be the result of a genuine attempt to compile the best and most effective medical treatments from a variety of Anglo-Saxon, British, Roman and Greek sources, and we must assume that the cures it provides appeared to be in some way effective at the time, even if only through the power of placebo. Indeed, the text gained some passing fame in 2015 when researchers at Nottingham found that one of its cures for dealing with an eye infection was surprisingly effecacious against antibiotic-resistant MRSA.

Many different afflictions of organs are discussed, particularly of the maw and wamb (stomach and intestines) and the liver, which is discussed in surprising detail. Many remedies appear designed to flush out an organ, or to reduce swellings. Crushed poppy seeds in wine or in a poultice are regularly prescribed as a painkiller. Wormwood is a particularly popular panacea, one which is somewhat born out by modern medicine, as is vinegar. Refined honey mixed with vinegar is prescribed for an 'evil humour' of the upper belly, which may indicate ulcers. For symptoms of 'maw' pain which may be gallstones, great importance is made of diet: fatty meats are to be avoided, bread and water and fruit should be eaten instead. Vinegar and oil should also be ingested.

In cases of liver disease, the Leechbook recommends forgoing medical treatment until diet is properly examined, and especially until fat is given up. Then a medicine of dill, wormwood, marchseed, pepper and costmary should be taken. Vinegar and wine and other 'cure-alls' should be avoided.

An online archive of the Leechbook can be found here.