What did the BLack Plague do? And what were some attempts at cures?

  

Chances are you have heard of the Black Plague, the Black death etc. a nasty flu epidemic killing one-fourth of Europe's population. In October 1347, 12 Genoses ships sailed into the Mesina, Sicily harbor full of dying men. Authorities ordered the ships to leave but by then it was too late, people had already had contact with the plague. The unknown disease swelled the tongue and the arms and turned the skin purple. Between 1348 and 1351, 25 million people died, one-forth of Europe's population. Whole towns were wiped out, all normal life ended. With no guards criminals left with no one to stop them, women who's husbands had died became nuns. With doctors having no knowledge of the Plague or how to cure it, there were many vain attempts to stop the epidemic. Infected victims were told to wash their bodies down with vinegar and water and just stay in bed. Other desperate efforts were cutting open the wound in hopes of the disease flowing out. With the doctors having no clue how to cure it, special medicines went on sale. One was made of ground eggshells, chopped Marigold petals and treacle boiled ale to be taken twice a day. Folk healers recommended drinking urine and holding a live hen to the swellings in hope of drawing the disease into the bird. Nothing worked. most victims died within three days.