People are occasionally tricked into believing some strange health myths and remedies that are not only misleading but also dangerous. This has been happening for centuries, and science has debunked many of them. In today’s article, we will be exploring the most outrageous health myths and remedies that exist. These bizarre health myths and remedies were once believed to be true until science proved otherwise. You should stay away from these health remedies because they will do more harm than good, if any.
1. Mummy Powder: A Macabre Medicine
The mummy powder is no doubt one of the most bizarre and disturbing health remedies to exist. It involved consuming the ancient preserved remains of dead people because they were believed to have healing properties. This myth existed during the 16th and 17th centuries. Mummy powder, known as the “copse medicine,” was practised by Europeans who believed that mummies from ancient Egyptian tombs could cure many health conditions. The mummies were ground into a powder, and people were consuming it for various ailments, whether they had a headache or internal bleeding. This practice was proven to be ineffective.
2. Leeches and Bloodletting: Bleeding Away Illness
Leeches have been used in medical treatments for centuries, but the way they are used has changed drastically. Centuries ago, it was believed that having an excess of “bad blood caused diseases. A strange health myth claimed that getting rid of bad blood could cure diseases and almost any ailment. This absurd myth led people to use blades or leeches to suck out the blood. However, losing so much blood left patients weak and increased the risk of infections. In modern times, leeches are put to different uses, such as aiding in reconstructive surgery.
3. Smoking for Asthma: A Breath of Fresh Smoke?
In the early 1900s, a bizarre health myth claimed that smoking was the answer to asthma and other respiratory conditions. Some doctors even recommended smoking to their patients, claiming that it could treat their conditions by clearing the airways. This bizarre myth was, of course, proven to be false. Inhaling smoke does not make you breathe better; it makes your breathing worse because it damages the lungs. Additionally, respiratory conditions worsen when you smoke.
4. Urine Therapy: The Ultimate DIY Skincare?
For centuries, some people believed that urine could treat conditions like acne, wounds, and diseases, and they used urine therapy. The myth claimed that urine contained healing properties that could cleanse the skin and ward off infections. Research indicates that urine contains antimicrobial compounds. However, people now have more effective and pleasant ways to improve their skin and treat conditions like acne.
5. The Tapeworm Diet: A Weight Loss Nightmare
Losing excess weight has been a health concern for many people. For centuries, people have tried to find quick remedies that will shed fat. In the 20th century, the bizarre tapeworm diet was believed to work wonders in shedding a few pounds. This remedy involved people swallowing a tapeworm for it to eat excess calories and help them maintain a slim physique. However, swallowing a parasite came with terrifying side effects like malnutrition, intestinal blockages, and even death. People later understood that they did not have to indulge in something so horrific to lose weight because all that is required is a balanced diet and exercise.
6. The Tooth Worm: A Dental Horror Story
The toothworm myth sounds more like a horror story than a real-life event. This strange myth claimed that tiny worms were responsible for toothaches. In mediaeval times, some people believed that worms were burrowing into their teeth and causing pain. To get rid of the so-called worms, mediaeval dentists burnt their teeth or drilled into them. Luckily, modern dentistry helped everyone to understand that bacteria caused cavities and tooth decay, which manifested as toothaches.