Medieval cure for infertility included weasels' testicles

Medieval women were encouraged to use pills made from weasel's testicles to help them conceive.
The infertility cure was discovered in a 15th-century manuscript compiled by a Carmelite friar, and translated from Latin.
It said: 'Take three or four weasel testicles and half a handful of young mouse-ear [a plant] and burn it all equally in an earthenware pot.
'Afterwards, grind and combine with the juice of the aforementioned herb, and thus make soft pills in the manner of a hazelnut kernel, and place them so deeply in the private parts that they touch the uterus, and leave there for three days, during which she should abstain entirely from sex.
'After these three days, however, she should have intercourse with a man and she should conceive without delay.'
The manuscript forms part of Curious Cures, a new exhibition of unusual medieval treatments at Cambridge University Library.
Dr James Freeman, a medieval manuscripts specialist in the library, said medieval medicine 'wasn't simply superstition or blind trial-and-error'.
He added: 'It was guided by elaborate and sophisticated ideas about the body and the influence upon it of the wider world and even the cosmos.
'The wide variety of manuscripts in Curious Cures also shows us that medicine wasn't practised just by university-educated physicians, but by monks and friars, by surgeons and their apprentices, by apothecaries and herbalists, by midwives, and by women and men in their own homes.'
Other documents digitised by the project include instructions on treating gout using rendered fat from a roasted puppy stuffed with snails and sage, or baked owl ground to a powder and mixed with boar's grease.
The majority date from the 14th and 15th centuries, although the oldest is from 1,000 years ago. The project was made possible by £500,000 of funding from the Wellcome Trust.
A medieval Briton afflicted with cataracts is advised by one recipe to blend a hare's gall bladder with honey and apply it to the affected eye with a feather.
But not all treatments administered in the medieval period were ineffective.
In 2015, a 1,000-year-old remedy for eye infections made from garlic, onion or leek mixed with wine and bile from a cow's stomach was found to clear styes and tackle the deadly superbug MRSA.
Dr Christina Lee, an Anglo-Saxon expert, recreated the 10th-century potion and presented her findings at the annual conference of the Society for General Microbiology.
In 2018, academics at Swansea University analysed soil from an area of Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, known as the Boho Highlands, reputed to have healing qualities.
There they found a new strain of bacterium, which proved effective against four different types of superbug.
The display will also feature astronomical instruments, surgical diagrams and some of the earliest anatomical images in western Europe.
A particularly striking manuscript contains illustrations of 'Vein Man' and 'Zodiac Man', illuminating how medicine and astrology were entwined in medieval times.
One of the manuscripts on display belonged to Elizabeth of York, Queen of England, wife of Henry VII and mother of Henry VIII, while it also contains a copy of the Regime Du Corps, a guide to healthy living originally composed 200 years earlier for a French noblewoman by her personal physician.
It was written in French, the language of royalty and aristocracy, and spread quickly across western Europe.
'Such a detailed health regime was out of reach for all but the most wealthy,' said Dr Freeman.
'However, the medical recipes that were added later at the back of the book use the same spices and common herbs that are found time and time again in more common recipe books.
'There is even a recipe for a laxative powder, which makes you wonder about Elizabeth and Henry's diet!'
The free exhibition will open to the public on March 29 until December 6.

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Wales Online

08-06-2025

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I hid from the world when cancer changed my body until dancing transformed my life Despite radiotherapy, appointments, exhaustion and pain, Rachael Anderson never missed a training session Rachael Anderson could no longer recognise herself, after her devastating breast cancer diagnosis in 2021 (Image: Rachael Anderson ) After being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 37, Rachael Anderson withdrew from the world—overwhelmed by the changes to her body and mind. Looking in the mirror became difficult, and the idea of facing others felt impossible. She certainly never imagined herself as a dancer. Yet four years after her initial diagnosis, sandwiched between her dance instructor Louise Evans and fellow dancer Emma Llewellyn, Rachael has found the courage not only to dance, but to share her story. ‌ The mum-of-two's path with Creazione Dance Company in Caerphilly didn't begin with choreography or costumes. It started as a search for healing—physically and emotionally. ‌ After completing her treatment and ringing the bell to mark the end of her breast cancer treatment on World Cancer Day 2022—a year after her diagnosis—Rachael shared her experience on Facebook. That post would change everything. Among the responses was a message from Louise, whom Rachael knew from previous fitness classes. Louise had a proposal. "She invited me back to her classes," Rachael recalls. "At first, I wasn't sure I could do it. Article continues below "T o be honest, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I hid from the world, I was a bit embarrassed. And I know I shouldn't be, but it's one of those things. Your body changes, your mindset changes, everything does." Chemotherapy had taken Rachael's hair. Steroids had changed her body. "I didn't recognise myself in the mirror," she says. "I didn't see the old Rachael anymore." 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The team's hard work and determination paid off when they placed fourth at the World Championships—a huge achievement for everyone involved. ‌ Rachael (left) dancing with her partner Kerry in Blackpool Tower (Image: Emma Llewellyn ) Thankfully, in the spring of 2025, Rachael received some long-awaited good news. "We found out it wasn't cancer," she explained. "But my spine is wearing away from all the treatments. When I had my breast cancer treatments, I was also part of a trial drug programme. You never know how those drugs will affect you—and in my case, they think the trial drugs weakened my bones. So, while it wasn't cancer, it's still taken a toll." "Between placing fourth and Rachael's news, it was a massive confidence boost," Louise said. Spurred on by their progress, the team set their sights on the Welsh Alliance Championships in May 2025 — a competition they went on to win, marking a major milestone in their journey. ‌ Creizione Dance's Latin Senior team placed fourth at their first competitive event at Blackpool Tower (Image: Emma Llewellyn ) Since then, the team has only grown in strength, expanding into multiple formation teams. "We started with just one senior formation team of eight," Louise says. "Now, we have 25 members and three different teams... but it feels like we've only just begun." Rachael's journey hasn't been easy, and her battle with cancer is ongoing. "I have head scans every three months to monitor the tumour and make sure it's not growing," Rachael shared. ‌ "After my last scan, because it's remained stable, they've now moved me to scans every four months. It might not sound like a big difference, but to me, it's huge—it's one less scan a year. "They're still scanning my spine regularly, though, just to make sure whatever's there doesn't develop into something more serious. It could be anything—osteoporosis, arthritis—they're just keeping a close eye on it." Yet through it all, dance has been a constant source of healing, confidence, and community. ‌ For Louise, Creazione's mission has always been rooted in building a supportive environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together through the power of dance. "We've always been about the community," Louise explains. The Senior Latin Team have gone onto win the Welsh Alliance Competition - an incredible achievement (Image: Emma Llewellyn ) Creazione Dance Company, which has been thriving in Caerphilly for the past 20 years, began as a community-focused initiative to get young people active through dance. ‌ Over time, the company has expanded its offerings to cater to all ages—from toddlers to seniors—and all skill levels. Today, the studio is home to a wide range of styles, including street, ballet, and contemporary dance. The company has carved out a particular niche in Latin American dance—think Strictly Come Dancing, with Paso Doble, Salsa, and more. It's this energetic and expressive style that Rachael and Emma have come to embody with pride. For Rachael, dance has become an essential part of her healing journey. "It's funny, because I hate getting dressed up and doing all the costumes," she admits. "But now, I love having my make up done. The first time I had my hair and makeup done for a competition, I couldn't believe the compliments. So I do like that side of it because I never wear makeup normally." And although her journey is far from over, Rachael's story continues to inspire those around her. Emma, has seen first-hand how dancing has not only transformed her own life but also brought together a group of people with similar struggles. ‌ "We've all been through so much," Emma shares. "And with everything Rachael's been through, she's still the first one knocking on the door, encouraging us to keep going... It just shows that you can live with it and do things. "She's inspired all of us, and that's what makes this so powerful. We've found a family here, and that's something I'll always be grateful for." Looking ahead, the team is preparing for the next level of competition, with new members joining in, including men. The team is set to compete in the British Championships in Blackpool later this year, as well as the World Championships in February 2026. "It's ambitious, but we've come so far. And I believe in this team," Louise says. ‌ As the dance company continues to grow, Louise hopes more people will find the kind of healing and connection that Rachael, Emma and so many other's have discovered. " I think that it's important for our community to know that there are groups out there— partnerships and programs that you can get involved in — that can genuinely enhance your mental health and give you more of a positive outlook on whatever it is you're going through. "Whether it is cancer like Rachel or something else... strokes, heart attacks, divorces— there's lots of support out there," she says. "And for me, dance is a really good outlet for expressing yourself showing feeling emotion and being allowed to do that, with a group of people who are likeminded." Article continues below

Daily Record

04-06-2025

• Daily Record

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Professor Stebbing went on: "Some experts are exploring a different approach - active surveillance. This strategy involves closely monitoring low-grade lesions without immediate treatment." ‌ While promising for some patients, it's still controversial since there's always a risk the cancer could progress silently. "The prognosis for stage 0 cancer is overwhelmingly positive," Stebbing said. "The five-year survival rate for stage 0 breast cancer approaches 99 per cent and most people diagnosed at this stage will never experience a recurrence. "This remarkable outcome is a testament to the power of early detection and effective treatment. Mammograms and other screening tools like colonoscopies are vital for catching cancers at the earliest, most treatable stages." ‌ Screenings There are several methods to diagnose cancer or assess cancer risk earlier, thereby improving the chances of successful outcomes, such as screening programmes. Various screenings are available on the NHS for early cancer detection. Breast cancer Breast cancer screening involves an X-ray being taken of both breasts, called a mammogram. ‌ "Routine mammograms help detect cancers in breast tissue that might not otherwise be found," Lester Barr, consultant breast surgeon and founder of the charity Prevent Breast Cancer, explains. "This is either because they're too small to be felt or because they are deep within the breast. "Finding these cancers before they present symptoms usually means less aggressive treatment and a higher chance of going back to a completely normal life after cancer." ‌ You have to be registered with a GP to be automatically invited for screening. "You will be automatically invited for screening every three years from age of 50 up to your 71st birthday as part of the breast screening programme," says Sally Kum, associate director of nursing at Breast Cancer Now. "This may not happen the year you turn 50, but it will happen by the time you're 53. ‌ "If you're 71 or over, while you won't automatically be sent an invitation for screening, you can continue to have breast screening every three years if you contact your local breast screening unit and ask for it." Lung cancer In 2022, the UK National Screening Committee, an independent body of experts, recommended lung screening for people at high risk of lung cancer. ‌ "It will take some time for this to be rolled out, but when it is, people will be invited if they are 55-74 years old and they currently smoke or used to smoke," says Lenza. "If eligible, you'll be invited for an initial assessment where a health professional will ask some questions. "Based on this you may then be offered a low-dose CT scan to check for changes in the lungs. ‌ "For a screening programme to be introduced there needs to be a test that can accurately identify cancer at an early stage, before someone has symptoms," says Lenza. "Research is still ongoing to find these tests for other cancers, but it's important that any harms from the test are outweighed by the benefits." Cervical cancer "Cervical cancer develops from abnormal cell changes in the cervix and can affect anyone with a cervix at any age, although it is more common between the ages of 30 and 34," explains Helen Hyndman, Ask Eve nurse at gynaecological cancer charity The Eve Appeal. "Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer by testing for high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), found in more than 99 per cent of all cervical cancers and which can cause abnormal cells to develop on the cervix. ‌ "If HPV is found on a sample, a further test is done for abnormal cells as they can, over time, turn into cancer if left untreated or unmonitored." Cervical screening, also known as a smear test, is free for individuals with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 in Scotland. "All eligible individuals who are registered with a GP (as female) automatically receive an invitation by post," explains Hyndman. "Trans men (assigned female at birth) do not receive invitations if they are registered as male with their GP but are still entitled to screening if they have a cervix. ‌ "Screening is offered every three years from age 25 to 49 and every five years from age 50 to 64. If high risk HPV or abnormal cells are found, screening is offered more frequently." Bowel cancer "The bowel cancer screening programmes use a test called a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) which is sent to you through the post," explains Rachel Rawson, lead cancer nurse at virtual cancer clinic Perci Health. ‌ "For the test, you'll collect a small amount of poo and this is sent to a lab where they'll test for blood in your poo. "Screening can also help to find polyps (non-cancerous growths) which may be growing in the bowel. Polyps can become bowel cancer over time, screening can help to find them so they can be removed before they do. "Bowel cancer screening is offered to people in Scotland every two years between the ages of 50 and 74," says Maxine Lenza, health information manager at Cancer Research UK. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.