People's view of the world used to be very strange. Consider the most incredible medical procedures from the past.
10. The Web From Malaria
Before, a lot of people died from malaria, and for a long time no one even imagined how to cope with this disease. Before the use of quinine and modern medicines, people began to use a very unusual remedy for malaria: a spider web. It was not consumed in its pure form, but was mixed with medicines. In Italy, a special remedy for malaria was popular: a walnut shell with a spider inside, which you had to carry with you. The spider web ceased to be in demand when quinine was brought to Europe in the 17th century.
9. Worm Diet
More than a century ago, among the fair sex in fashion was a strong thinness. For this reason, weight loss products began to be actively produced, which included tapeworms. However, the ladies did not immediately realize that such drugs not only contribute to weight loss, but also cause many problems: malnutrition, sleep problems, lack of nutrients, diarrhea. At present, the existence of such a strange way to lose weight is confirmed only by rumors and old advertisements.
8. Cannibalism cures all diseases
During the Renaissance in European countries, many were treated with human flesh for colds, nausea, vomiting and epilepsy attacks. Even the clergy and members of the royal families were wiped with fat and consumed human meat, and some drank blood. In the 16-17th centuries, such treatment was as demanded as the use of various means created on the basis of herbs. It is possible that ancient Romans and Greeks spread cannibalism in European countries. This method of combating diseases has existed in Europe for a long time, but in the 18th century, people still stopped using human flesh.
7. Crocodile litter
Crocodile excrement used to be used to avoid conception, to neutralize sperm. Such remedies have been described in ancient Egypt. Crocodile excrement could well help in preventing pregnancy, because they differ in alkaline properties (which, however, are not very pronounced).
6. Bat blood from blindness
Places along the Nile River have an environment that is ideal for the occurrence and development of various eye diseases. In ancient times, they suffered greatly from the inhabitants of Egypt. All the time they were looking for various means to combat such ailments. One of the most unusual treatments is to bury bat blood directly into your eyes. People thought that the vision of such animals is ideal, because they are remarkably oriented in the dark, and they would like to take this ability through the blood.
5. Hysteria in women
In ancient times, the inhabitants of Greece believed that the wandering womb moves through the body of a woman, following attractive aromas and hiding from not very pleasant smells. Many were convinced that the movement of the uterus was caused by a lack of sex and excessive fatigue. Due to the wandering of the uterus, the ladies had emotional and physical problems, which were called "hysteria." Doctors identified the main signs of this ailment: heartburn, breathing problems, dizziness, pain in the head. There were the following main ways to combat hysteria: pregnancy, eating something nasty (like feces) and using vaginal suppositories that have a pleasant aroma.
4. Moldy bread
In ancient times, the Egyptians used mold bread to disinfect wounds. There was a certain sense in this, because dangerous bacteria cease to develop as a result of exposure to some fungi.
3. Smoking tobacco for asthma and cancer
Arriving in America, Europeans learned about tobacco, began to contact with its indigenous people. The Indians smoked it in order to cope with various diseases, as well as during religious holidays. Residents of Europe brought tobacco home in the mid-15th century, and it quickly gained great popularity. Some doctors convinced people that with its help you can fight a wide variety of diseases, including cancer. Many were convinced that tobacco helps cope with asthma. People thought so until the 20s of the last century, and then doctors noticed that smoking does not fight diseases, but becomes the cause of their occurrence.
2. Shark cartilage
Previously, people acquired shark cartilage in order to cure cancer. In the middle of the last century, doctor John Pruden began to study the possibilities of using cartilage to combat various diseases. Then he claimed to have learned how to deal with cancer.
No one checked the doctor’s studies and did not try to repeat them, however, in the early 90s of the last century, the use of shark cartilage to fight cancer gained great popularity. This happened when a book was released about the fact that sharks do not get cancer. It was written that such fish are protected from a terrible disease due to cartilage, of which their skeleton is almost entirely composed. Then experts found out that this was not so, and several fish with cancer were discovered.
1. The healing properties of canine feces
Problems with the throat periodically occur in all people, and nowadays no one is trying to cope with such diseases with the help of dog excrement. However, in the Middle Ages, things were completely different: many treated the sore throat in this unusual way. Dog feces were dried, ground and consumed with honey. It was believed that this method of treatment can cope with a sore throat.