Natural - To begin with, physicians tried bleeding and purging, as that was how they would normally treat an imbalance in the four humours. But that didn't work, instead it seemed to make people die more quickly. Physicians also recommended strong-smelling herbs like aloe and myrrh, which were believed to have cleansing properties. they often prescribed theriaca, as it was believed to work for lots of ailments. Lighting a fire and boiling vinegar could also drive off the bad air. Physicians or surgeons sometimes lanced the buboes - occasionally, when they burst, people survived.