OLD MEDICAL TREATMENTS
Added on: 7th May 2015
URINE DIAGNOSIS
Ok, this one is used today for very legitimate purposes. The urine
diagnosis that was performed in Medieval hospitals was much
different though. It consisted of little more than a smell test that
was sometimes even followed by a taste test.
VIN MARIANI
Invented in 1863 by Italian chemist Angelo Mariani, it consists of
red wine mixed with cocoa leaves. The thing about cocoa leaves
is that they contain cocaine. You can bet this drug was a hit and
it even inspired the invention of Coca-Cola.
SHEEP LIVER
Without modern technology, physicians in Mesopotamia relied on
inspecting the livers of sacrificed sheep for their diagnosis rather
than inspecting the patients themselves.
TONGUE CUTTING
Also known as hemiglossectomy doctors in the 18th and 19th tried
to cure stuttering by cutting large chunks of their patients tongues.
This is actually still practiced today for treatment of oral cancer.
ELECTROCUTION
An often used but controversial treatment has been electroconvulsive
therapy or ECT. Invented in the 1930s it is still used today as an
effective remedy for depression.
KETCHUP
In the 1830s Dr. Archibald Miles declared that he found a substance
in tomatoes that could cure diarrhea. His compound was famously
known as “Dr. Miles Compound Extract Of Tomato” and
was eventually declared a hoax.
DOG POOP
At one point in time the home remedy for sore throats was
album graecum, or dried dog dung.
SWEATING
Used as a group counselling and psychotherapy technique, this
has existed in numerous cultures to promote well-being.
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