Urine: Multi-Purpose Marvel?
In the annals of historical hygiene, urine served a multitude of purposes. It was employed as a cleaning agent for clothes, a practice that likely seemed
reasonable at the time. Consider that access to soap was limited and expensive, and the chemical composition of urine (ammonia being a key component) provided a degreasing effect. However, its applications extended beyond mere laundry. Some historical sources suggest urine was even used as mouthwash, mixed with things like goat milk, a practice that would likely cause any modern individual to cringe. It highlights a time when understanding of hygiene and sanitation was vastly different from today's norms, with practicality often taking precedence over sanitation standards.
Odour Combat: Strange Solutions
Combating body odor in the past was a challenging task, and people employed a variety of unconventional methods. One particularly strange approach involved using ostrich eggs as deodorant. The exact methods behind this practice are obscure, but it underscores a willingness to experiment with available resources. Another unusual solution involved the use of porridge. The exact mechanism or effectiveness of porridge as a deodorant remains unclear, however, both practices highlight the lengths people went to in order to smell 'fresh'. These examples emphasize how people used whatever they had to hand to manage their personal scent, reflecting the constraints of limited resources and a different understanding of hygiene.
Oral Care: Unusual Choices
Maintaining oral hygiene in ancient times presented a distinct set of challenges, leading to some unexpected choices. Perhaps one of the most astonishing practices was cleaning teeth with burnt ox hooves. This abrasive material would have served as an early form of a toothbrush, albeit one that was quite harsh. Another less than appealing choice included the use of mouthwash made from urine and goat milk. This concoction, a product of a lack of modern understanding and ingredients, illustrates how far back the quest for oral health goes. These methods show how even the most basic needs were addressed with the resources and understanding of the time.
Fighting Lice with Whey
One of the more unexpected historical remedies involved the consumption of cheese whey to eradicate lice. The specifics of how this remedy was believed to work are unclear. The idea reveals an attempt to solve an unwelcome health problem through diet. Given that lice infestations were common because of limited sanitation and hygiene practices, people were willing to try even unusual methods. This peculiar approach adds another layer to our understanding of the challenges people faced, and the resourcefulness they showed.
Perfume: A Stinky Business
In an era without modern perfumes, making scents was a difficult yet necessary task. Making perfume out of cow and sheep fat was a common practice. Considering that raw materials were hard to come by, people still found ways to create something to mask odors. These practices highlight how individuals improvised to achieve both cleanliness and attractiveness in the face of resource limitations. The process was likely less glamorous than the perfumes we know today but nonetheless a testament to the desire to smell pleasant, regardless of the available resources.
Bathroom: Novel Alternatives
Considering the absence of the conveniences of modern life, the ways people handled bathroom needs were often highly inventive. When it came to wiping, the choices included corn cobs or a _Farmers’ Almanac_ as toilet paper. These items, likely chosen for their accessibility, reveal how people adapted to challenges. Moreover, the lack of modern hygiene standards is once again highlighted. This is in contrast to the modern luxury of soft, scented toilet paper. The choices underscore the resourcefulness and pragmatism that were crucial for daily survival.
Rear-End Hygiene: Crude Methods
When it came to personal cleanliness, people had to make do with what they had. Scraping your rear end with pottery shards was also a practice used for personal hygiene. It is difficult to imagine today what it must have been like; however, this demonstrates that people in the past were willing to go to extremes in order to stay as clean as possible. This highlights a stark contrast to the modern-day expectation of soft, specialized products, and it emphasizes the ingenuity that was often needed to manage daily necessities.
Douching with Lysol: A Warning
One of the most alarming practices listed in historical records is douching with Lysol. Fortunately, the severe hazards associated with the use of Lysol are well known today. However, this highlights the danger of using dangerous chemicals to try and keep clean. People had little to no knowledge of the possible negative impacts on their health. This example serves as a potent reminder of the importance of scientific knowledge in health and safety, and how vital it is to have good information and not be taken in by poor practices.
