The Medieval Guide to Healthy Living

by Katherine Harvey

We often think of medieval medicine as strange, unhygienic and unscientific, but The Medieval Guide to Healthy Living reveals a far richer story. Long before modern wellness trends, people in the Middle Ages were actively thinking about how to live well. They followed detailed health regimens, balanced diet with exercise, considered the effects of emotions and sought to avoid illness through environmental awareness and routine care. This book sheds light on the practical and surprisingly relatable ways medieval individuals cared for body and mind. Drawing from historical sources that echo today’s wellness concerns, it offers a fresh, thoughtful view of a misunderstood era. In understanding their world, we might see our own in a new, more connected light.

Genres: History

336 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication July 6, 2026

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: This book has already been published in the UK.

I enjoyed this book, but not quite as much as I expected to. Some of the chapters were really interesting, but there were a couple which dragged for me. Also, it did get a little repetitive at times. That being said, there are some fascinating details in this book, and I learnt a lot from it.

[Sarah Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent well informed piece of writing