Royal Touch Remedies

The practice of the royal touch emerged as a popular, albeit misguided, remedy for tuberculosis, with thousands seeking the monarch's healing hands. While many patients benefited from improved nutrition and rest during their stay at royal castles, the contagious nature of the disease remained unknown. As tuberculosis spread widely by the early 1700s, it disproportionately affected those living in cramped conditions, highlighting the social implications of this persistent illness.