Six Of History’s Most Outrageous Medical Treatments

Source: World’s Strangest

The Thomas Jefferson Ritter methods

Originally published in 1910, the Mother’s Remedies: Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Dr. Thomas Jefferson Ritter had a host of peculiar panaceas for common ailments. Among the bizarre medical treatments, Dr. Ritter prescribed cocaine for nasal congestion; an olive oil, ammonia, egg and turpentine concoction or cocaine for sore throat; inhaling chloroform for asthma; and a mixture of cannabis and lard for acne.

Removing cataracts

Source: The List Cafe

In the Middle Ages, cataracts were removed by inserting a sharp instrument – a knife or large needle – through the cornea and forcing the lens of the eye out of its capsule. So if your only Ophthalmological woe is in regards to your uncomfortable contacts, be thankful.

Source: Medicine Throughout Time

Malaria treatment

Source: Mobile Health 360

Centuries ago, malaria was treated with various primordial drugs, one of which included a tablet laced with spider webs. Needless to say, the treatment was not very effective.

Source: Taringa

Eye infection

Source: Now Hear

In Ancient Egypt, eye infections were treated by dripping bat blood in the patient’s eyes. The logic behind the treatment was that bats have sharp eyes, thus would have the force to cure the inflicted individual’s fuzzy vision.

Sore throat lozenge

Source: Wikipedia

In ancient times, “Album graecum” – or more colloquially known as dog poo – was a popular treatment for a sore throat. In these days, feces was usually mixed with honey and was believed to treat inflamed throats better than Ricola.