Periods can cure leprosy

The Benedictine abbess Hildegard of Bingen (c.1098 - 1179 CE) was born in Modern-day Germany and is famous for being a herbalist, philosopher, writer, composer and mystic. She prescribed menstrual blood as a cure for Hansen’s disease (formerly known as leprosy) for its fertile and nourishing properties. She wrote : 

“If a person becomes leprous from lust or intemperance… He should make a bath…and mix in menstrual blood, as much as he can get, and get into the bath...”

It was believed that the menstrual blood could be cleansing, perhaps even as a symbol of rebirth. 

(IMAGE CAPTION) Hildegard of Bingen receiving a vision and dictating to her scribe whilst sketching,  Liber Scivias, Rupertsberger Codex, 12th Century