Strange and dangerous medical treatments from history

Throughout history, medical practices have evolved dramatically, but not all treatments were based on science or logic. Many bizarre and downright strange remedies were once considered cutting-edge solutions to ailments. From ingesting questionable substances to performing painful or risky procedures, these historical treatments reflect the lengths to which people went in their quest for healing.

Click on to discover bizarre medical treatments from the past.

Cure rabies with raw veal

In ancient Rome, Pliny the Elder, a naturalist and author, suggested treating rabies by cutting open the wound, applying raw veal, consuming lime and hog's fat, and drinking wine with boiled badger dung...

Heroin as cough medicine

Cough medicines included heroin in the late 19th century, marketed as a "non-addictive morphine substitute." Despite its addictive nature, it remained available in the United States until the FDA banned it in 1924.

Cure rabies with ground liverwort and a cold bath

In the 1700s, 'The Book of Phisick' recommended treating rabies by taking 40 grains of ground liverwort and 20 grains of pepper in milk for four mornings, followed by cold baths every other day for a month.

Treat asthma with cigarettes

Asthma cigarettes, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contained toxic ingredients like stramonium, belladonna, and tobacco, despite their dangerous effects on health.

Cure everything with radium

Radium was once used to treat ailments like arthritis and aging. However, we now know that it causes radiation sickness and contamination from arsenic and lead.

Treat asthma with boiled carrots

In his 1740s book 'Primitive Physick,' British evangelist John Wesley recommended treating asthma with "a fortnight on boiled carrots only."

Cure toothaches with electricity

Wesley suggested electrifying toothache patients. Electrotherapy, new in the 1700s, was used until the early 1900s for epilepsy, paralysis, impotence, tapeworms, and more.

Milk transfusions

In the late 19th century, milk transfusions were believed to replace blood, with the fats forming white blood cells. While a few succeeded, many, like one requiring morphine and whiskey, resulted in death.

Treat malaria with a magic word

In the 3rd century CE, a Roman physician recommended writing "Abracadabra" in a triangular pattern on paper, wearing it for nine days, then tossing it in a stream. If ineffective, rub with lion fat.

Treat colic with "soothing syrup"

Between the mid-1800s and early 1900s, Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup, sold for 25 cents, was advertised for colic, teething, and pain relief. It worked due to its high morphine content.

Treat hay fever with cocaine

Dr. Thomas Jefferson Ritter's 1910 book 'Mother’s Remedies' recommended remedies like spraying a "four-percent solution of cocaine" for hay fever.

Treat chapped hands with sour cream

Dr. Ritter also recommended treating chapped hands by placing sour cream in a cloth, burying it overnight, and then applying the cream the next day after unearthing it.

Use nux vomica for headaches

Dr. Ritter recommended mixing a drop of tincture of nux vomica with water for certain headaches. Today, nux vomica is known as the primary source of strychnine, a toxic rat poison!

Cure a hangover by eating pickled sheep's eyes

During Genghis Khan's reign, Mongols ate pickled sheep's eyes for breakfast to cure hangovers. The tradition continues today, though it's now typically followed by a glass of tomato juice.

Cure swollen eyes with the eyes of a crab

According to the same text, swollen eyes were treated by removing a live crab's eyes, throwing the crab back in the water, and applying the eyes to the neck of the affected person.