Medical history, a fusion of science, culture, belief, and desperation, chronicles humanity's ceaseless pursuit of wellness and pain relief. It showcases fascinating past treatments, underlining medical science's immense evolution.
Bloodletting, or phlebotomy, was a medical procedure of withdrawing blood to remove toxins causing illness. Often, it caused more harm than good, leading to many deaths.
Trepanation was a surgical practice in which a hole was drilled into the skull to dispel illness-causing pressure or evil spirits, observed in societies from Incas to Europeans.
Lobotomy, a procedure severing connections in the brain's prefrontal cortex, was once used for anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. It often led to severe side effects and vegetative states.
In the 1800s, snake oil was a popular cure-all—made from herbs and minerals, claimed to cure everything, even cancer. In truth, it had no medicinal value and was often harmful.
Treacle, a syrup from molasses, was thought to have healing properties and was used as a remedy for the Bubonic Plague and Black Death, with no evidence of effectiveness.
Ancient Chinese doctors used fart therapy, believing illnesses were caused by excess "bad air" in the body. Patients inhaled farts of healthy people for cure.
In the late 1800s, Vin Mariani, a tonic from Bordeaux wine and coca leaves, was marketed as a cure for illnesses but led to addiction and health problems.
Early 20th-century doctors found malaria could treat diseases like syphilis. Patients were purposely infected with malaria, then treated with quinine, though the method was risky.
In the early 20th century, radioactive water was falsely believed to have healing properties, even curing cancer. This was abandoned after radiation's harmful effects were discovered.
Hearing loss greatly impacts life quality. Unfortunately, most are unaware of the common habits causing it. Here are 14 Bad Habits That Could Make You Deaf