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Orgasms & Skincare According to a Medieval Nun

Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society

11-10-2024 • 38 mins

Hildegard of Bingen, the 12th century nun, was a certified genius and a true polymath.


From her many side hustles to her skincare recommendations, she wrote about everything from what happens when the world ends to what the female orgasm feels like.


Why would a celibate nun know about this? What did she have to say about swollen testicles? And why were her achievements so significant?


Joining Kate today is the one and only Eleanor Janega, co-host of History Hit podcast Gone Medieval. You can also check out her website here: https://eleanorjanega.com/


This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.


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Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.