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The use of leeches in medicine, some of which continues to this day, is widely recognized. However, being swarmed by bloodsuckers doesn’t come close to the grotesque treatments of the past explored in this fascinating piece on io9.
Imagine something more horrifying than becoming a feast for leeches. How about consuming powdered mummy as a remedy?
Between the 12th and 17th centuries, no respectable European apothecary would be without a stock of mummy powder. This macabre substance was the medieval cure-all, believed to treat ailments ranging from migraines to stomach ulcers, and pastes made from it were frequently applied to tumors.
If the taste of ancient mummies isn’t your thing, perhaps you’d prefer something a bit fresher—like, for example,
In ancient Rome, the liver and blood of humans were hailed as potent remedies for epilepsy, especially when sourced from individuals who were healthy, strong, and courageous (no weaklings allowed). Epilepsy sufferers were advised to linger near the colosseum, hoping a valiant gladiator might provide the necessary ingredients after an unfortunate encounter with a sword.
As medical practices evolved, gladiator livers were replaced by more refined treatments, such as distilled brain concoctions:
By the 17th century, distilled brains became the go-to remedy for epilepsy. English physician John French and German chemist Johann Schroeder both documented recipes for brain-based cures. French’s method involved grinding the brains of a violently deceased young man, soaking them in wine and horse dung for six months, and then distilling the mixture. Schroeder, on the other hand, proposed a more aromatic approach, blending three pounds of human brain with lily water, lavender, and malmsey.
While leech therapy might seem unpleasant, it’s far less gruesome than resorting to cannibalism. For more chilling details on historical medical practices, head over to io9.
