Buzz
Throughout much of human history, medical practitioners often operated in the dark, lacking crucial knowledge about diseases and ailments. However, one truth remained clear: the human body possesses an incredible ability to heal itself over time. Yet, when ailments persisted, intervention was necessary. Frequently, these interventions were as uncomfortable for the physician as they were for the patient, as evidenced by these 10 peculiar natural remedies that might unsettle your stomach.
Reader beware: These alleged 'remedies' range from being utterly baseless to downright disgusting, hazardous, unethical, or even toxic. Under no circumstances should you attempt these at home or elsewhere. If you're easily queasy, it's best to stop reading now.
10. Relieve a Toothache Torture a Mole
Originating from a 17th-century medical guide, this remedy suggests curing a toothache by capturing a live mole, placing it in a brass container, sealing it, and allowing it to perish from dehydration or starvation. After the mole's demise, its body is to be dismembered, gutted, and dried by a fire. The preserved remains are then applied to the aching area. For those unwilling to endure the mole's frantic attempts to escape, an alternative involves severing a mole's foot and wearing it as a necklace. This gruesome method was also employed to comfort teething infants, offering a grim expression of maternal affection.
9. Treat Eye Inflammation Spit and Polish
Historically, fasting spittle—the saliva collected upon waking—was a common remedy for ailments like ringworm, warts, and even eye inflammation. Inspired by biblical accounts (Mark 8:23-25), physicians believed in its healing power. The saliva, often from another person, was applied directly to the affected eye. For those averse to this method, alternatives included snail slime or the liquid from snails boiled alive in vinegar.
8. Stop Breast Milk Production Visit the Blacksmith
In 19th-century Europe, nursing mothers seeking to dry up their breast milk often turned to 'smith’s water'—the water blacksmiths used to cool their tools. This water was splashed onto the breasts and left to dry, believed to be infused with heat from the forge. The same remedy was also used to treat runny sores, based on the idea that heat promotes drying.
7. Relieve Gout Inflict Pain on Yourself
Gout is undeniably excruciating, but the old remedy of fighting pain with more pain is baffling. Historical physicians advised gout sufferers to whip themselves with stinging nettles until their skin blistered. Some opted for a servant or doctor to administer the treatment, or even sought the services of a local bordello worker. While ineffective, it certainly distracted patients from their original ailment.
6. Treat Gingivitis Gargle with Urine
In the 18th century, dental hygiene was rare, and treatments often involved painfully extracting rotten teeth. For those with bleeding gums and loose teeth, a French doctor suggested gargling with urine—preferably one’s own morning urine or, if available, fresh urine from a baby or a woman of good health. Despite claims of its antiseptic properties, this remedy remains unappealing to most.
5. Address Liver Issues A Unique Injection
Centuries ago, doctors used enema syringes to treat various ailments, injecting substances like water, broth, opium, or even tobacco smoke. For liver conditions such as cirrhosis, urine enemas were the preferred treatment. In severe cases, a mix of urine and strong coffee was used, offering a peculiar blend of supposed healing and caffeine.
4. Address Jaundice Search for Dung
In the 18th century, jaundice was treated with a peculiar remedy: white wine mixed with sheep droppings, saffron, and turmeric. This unappetizing concoction was consumed before bed, with warnings to avoid catching a cold as it induced sweating. For those unwilling to wait, sheep dung could be steeped in beer overnight and consumed the next morning—a truly revolting start to the day.
3. Relieve Asthma Consume a Frog
Asthma sufferers in the 18th and 19th centuries were advised to swallow a live frog daily, often buttered for easier consumption. Alternatively, a live frog could be tied to the throat until it died, with its struggles believed to alleviate symptoms. For the less squeamish, swallowing live spiders was another option, though equally unsettling.
Historically, some cures were more gruesome than the ailments themselves. Thankfully, modern medicine has moved beyond such practices, though treatments like leeches and maggots are seeing a resurgence.
2. Relieve a Cough Slug and Earthworm Brew
In the 17th century, a persistent cough was treated with a concoction made from garden slugs and earthworms. These were mashed, boiled with candied sea holly root, and mixed with milk. Snails could substitute for slugs, though their shells had to be removed. This unappetizing remedy was also believed to cure tuberculosis, with the option to strain out the remains of the creatures.
1. Cleanse the Blood A Dose of Aphid Secretions
A syrup made from 'pine honey'—aphid secretions—mixed with sarsaparilla and flowers was used to purify the blood. This treatment was often paired with strong laxatives, leaving patients exhausted but theoretically cleansed. The lingering taste of insect excrement was an unfortunate side effect of this peculiar remedy.
