Five Disgusting Medical Treatments From the Past

The history of medicine is a fascinating and often gruesome one, marked by a variety of treatments and techniques that now seem barbaric and bizarre. From trepanation to bloodletting, humans have long been willing to subject themselves to some truly disgusting medical treatments in the hopes of curing illness and disease. In this article, we will explore five of the most gross medical treatments that were once commonly used.\r \r 1. Leech Therapy\r \r Today, the thought of having leeches placed on your skin to suck out blood seems revolting. However, leech therapy was once a popular medical treatment that was believed to cure a range of ailments, from headaches to infections. The practice of using leeches for medical purposes dates back to ancient Egypt, and it continued to be a common treatment well into the 19th century. The idea behind leech therapy was that by removing "bad blood" from the body, the patient's health would be improved. Leeches were also believed to have medicinal properties, and were sometimes used to treat more serious conditions such as cancer.\r \r 2. Mercury\r \r Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that is now known to cause a range of serious health problems. However, for many centuries, it was used as a medical treatment for a variety of conditions, including syphilis, tuberculosis, and even constipation. In the 16th century, Paracelsus, a Swiss physician, believed that mercury was a universal panacea that could cure all diseases. Mercury was administered in a variety of ways, including as a topical ointment, a pill, or an injection. Unfortunately, the use of mercury as a medical treatment resulted in many cases of mercury poisoning, which could cause neurological damage and death.\r \r 3. Tobacco Smoke Enemas\r \r Believe it or not, tobacco smoke enemas were once a legitimate medical treatment for a range of conditions, including respiratory problems, stomach cramps, and even headaches. The idea behind this treatment was that the nicotine in tobacco would act as a stimulant and help to clear the patient's system. The treatment involved inserting a tube and pumping smoke from a tobacco pipe into the body. While the practice was eventually discredited, it continued to be used in some parts of the world well into the 19th century.\r \r 4. Trepanation\r \r Trepanation, or the practice of drilling a hole in the skull, has been used for thousands of years as a medical treatment for a range of conditions, including head injuries, seizures, and even mental illness. The idea behind trepanation was that by creating a hole in the skull, pressure could be relieved and the patient's health could be improved. In some cases, the hole was left open permanently, while in others, a bone flap was replaced over the opening. While the practice is still used in some rare cases today, it is generally considered to be a last resort treatment.\r \r 5. Bloodletting\r \r Bloodletting, or the practice of deliberately removing blood from the body, was once one of the most commonly used medical treatments. The idea behind bloodletting was that by removing "bad blood," the patient's health would be improved. Bloodletting was used to treat a variety of conditions, including fever, headaches, and even mental illness. The practice was performed in a variety of ways, including using leeches, making incisions, or using a special tool called a scarificator. Unfortunately, bloodletting often did more harm than good, and it resulted in many cases of severe bleeding, infection, and even death.