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Medieval Deodorant

Medieval Deodorant

I was passing through the market today and after catching a whiff of some of the underarm smells of the workers around I could not help but think about their knowledge of the existance of Deodorant. Then after looking at the surroundings another thought came to my mind about Medieval times and how such smelly issues were handled. Was there a Medieval Deodorant?

Deodorant Medieval

Actually perfumes and oils were the original deodorant. There were even recipes for making the oils and where to place them in Egyptian culture. It was 1888 that the something close to the deodorant that we know today came about. Here is a interesting powerpoint presentation on the subject:

www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~mpt3/Deodorant.ppt

The author certainly is not in favor of its use!

Medieval Deodorant History & Civil Business Politics

I think the only form of "deodorant" was soap...and you were lucky if you got to use that more than once a week. If you happen to be one of the upper crust, you could also afford to douse yourself in expensive cologns and oils. Overall, the whole place must've smelled pretty bad though. No regular baths for most folks, no proper sewer system, mud and gunck everywhere. Pee-yew!

Deodorant Medieval

I only remember reading this somewhere so I cannot give you any references but I believe underarm smell was considered natural and more acceptable than it is now.

Deodorant Medieval

Yes and everyone was used to it because everyone smelled a little. Especially during the winter months. That is how June weddings came about and the flowers. It was usually june before warm enough to take a bath and the flowers were to cover some of the smells of those who did not get their baths yet.

Oh to go back to those times and be more at ease and able to carry a sword