Have you ever wondered what medieval doctors prescribed for a headache? Perhaps a spoonful of mercury (terrible idea) or maybe a relaxing session of bloodletting (equally unpleasant). Thankfully, medicine has come a long way, leaving behind some truly bizarre and often harmful treatments in its wake. Let’s explore some of history’s most fascinating (and sometimes cringe-worthy) medical practices, revealing the logic (or lack thereof) behind them and the advancements that thankfully replaced them. So, prepare to wince, be amazed, and feel grateful for modern medicine as we revisit a time when leeches and cocaine were all the rage.

Bloodletting

Bloodletting, i.e., intentionally bleeding a patient, has roots in ancient medical practices dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece. It was based on the belief that balancing the body’s humors would restore health. However, as medical understanding advanced, the practice fell out of favor due to its lack of efficacy and the recognition of its harmful effects on patients. While it persisted into the 19th century, the rise of evidence-based medicine finally led to its abandonment as a medical treatment.

Trepanation

Trepanation, or drilling holes in the skull, has been practiced for thousands of years across various cultures. It was believed to release evil spirits or alleviate pressure in the brain. However, with the advent of modern neurosurgery and anesthesia, trepanation fell out of favor due to its high mortality rate and lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness.

Mercury Laxatives

Mercury has a long history of use in medicine, dating back to ancient China and Egypt. It was believed to have purgative effects and was used to treat constipation. However, the toxic nature of mercury became apparent over time, leading to its discontinuation as a medical treatment. The development of safer and more effective laxatives further contributed to its obsolescence.

Lobotomy

Lobotomy emerged in the early 20th century as a treatment for various mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and depression. Developed by Portuguese neurologist Egas Moniz, the procedure involved severing connections in the brain’s prefrontal cortex. While initially hailed as a breakthrough, lobotomy fell out of favor due to its severe side effects, including personality changes and cognitive impairment. The advent of psychotropic medications and psychotherapy led to its decline in the mid-20th century.

Cocaine Anesthesia

This may sound ridiculous to us today, but cocaine was first used as a local anesthetic in the late 19th century by Austrian ophthalmologist Carl Koller. Its numbing properties made it ideal for surgeries and dental procedures. However, concerns soon arose about its addictive nature and potential side effects, such as cardiovascular problems and psychosis, which led to its replacement with safer alternatives like lidocaine and procaine.

Embalming Fluids for Internal Use

Embalming fluids containing alcohol and other toxic substances were once believed to have medicinal properties. In the 19th century, they were marketed as a cure for various ailments, including tuberculosis and cancer. However, the ingestion of embalming fluids proved deadly, leading to their eventual prohibition and replacement by safer pharmaceuticals.

X-Ray Shoes

In the early 20th century, shoe-fitting fluoroscopes were used in shoe stores to measure children’s feet and sell shoes. However, prolonged exposure to X-rays was later found to increase the risk of cancer and other health problems. With the introduction of safer and more accurate shoe-fitting methods, such as Brannock devices, X-ray shoes fell out of favor and were eventually banned in many countries.

Heroin for Coughs

Heroin, a derivative of morphine, was initially marketed by Bayer as a non-addictive alternative to morphine and codeine. It was widely prescribed for various ailments, including coughs and respiratory infections. However, its addictive properties soon became apparent, leading to widespread abuse and addiction. The passage of the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act in 1914 regulated its production and distribution, ultimately leading to its replacement by safer cough suppressants.

Smoking for Health

Cigarettes were once promoted as a cure-all for various ailments, including asthma and anxiety. However, the harmful effects of smoking, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems, became widely recognized in the mid-20th century. Public health campaigns and regulations aimed at reducing smoking prevalence contributed to its decline as a recommended medical treatment.

Radium Treatments

Radium, discovered by Marie Curie in 1898, was initially hailed as a miracle cure for various ailments, including arthritis and cancer. Radium therapy gained popularity in the early 20th century, with radium-infused products like radium water and radium-laced cosmetics becoming widely available. However, the harmful effects of radiation exposure soon became apparent, leading to its discontinuation as a medical treatment. The development of safer and more effective cancer therapies further contributed to its decline.

Sugar Water for Infants

Sugar water was once used as a substitute for breast milk in infants, particularly when breastfeeding was impossible. However, the introduction of infant formula and the recognition of the importance of breast milk in infant nutrition led to its decline as a recommended feeding practice. The World Health Organization now recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life to ensure optimal infant health and development.

Alcohol for Snakebites

The use of alcohol to treat snakebites has been practiced for centuries in various cultures around the world. It was believed that alcohol could neutralize snake venom and prevent its spread in the body. However, medical research has shown that alcohol can worsen the effects of snake venom by increasing blood flow and tissue damage at the bite site. Modern snakebite treatment focuses on immobilization, wound care, and the administration of antivenom to neutralize venom toxins.

Swallowing Live Spiders for Tarantula Bites

Swallowing live spiders as a treatment for tarantula bites has its roots in folklore and superstition. Some cultures believed ingesting live spiders could counteract the venom and prevent systemic effects. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this practice, and it can pose risks of choking, allergic reactions, and infections from ingesting harmful bacteria or parasites carried by the spider.

Wearing Mercury-Filled Colloidal Silver Products

Colloidal silver products containing tiny silver particles were once promoted as a cure-all for various ailments, including infections, wounds, and skin conditions. However, the ingestion or topical application of colloidal silver can lead to a condition called argyria, which causes the skin to turn a permanent blue-gray color. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings against the use of colloidal silver products due to their potential health risks.

Treating Depression with Electroshock Therapy (EST) Without Anesthesia

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), formerly known as electroshock therapy, has been used since the 1930s to treat severe depression and other mental illnesses. In its early days, ECT was often performed without anesthesia or muscle relaxants, leading to significant discomfort and potential injury to patients. However, advancements in anesthesia and the development of modified ECT techniques have made the procedure safer and more tolerable for patients.