10 Worst Treatments in the History of Medicine

Last Updated on January 7, 2021

Well, this didn’t only result in losing weight but also in vomiting and diarrhea.

Once the dieter attained their desired weight, they took an anti-parasitic pill which would hopefully kill the tapeworms. Excreting these worms could cause rectal and abdominal complications.

This was too risky in various ways. In fact, a tapeworm can grow up to 30 ft (9 m) in length and can also cause many conditions including epilepsy, dementia, meningitis, eye problems, and headaches.

9. Virgin Cleansing

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The perplexing myth that a person who’s infected with an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) can cure themselves through transferring the disease by having sex with a virgin, dates back to the 16th century.

This myth probably continues to exist in some parts of Africa. Not to mention that this ‘treatment’ results in the exact opposite of what it’s supposed to accomplish.

Instead of healing, the intentional and unprotected intercourse will spread the STD at an alarming rate.

10. Mummies Powder

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Corpses were ground into powder and used as medicine across the Middle East and medieval Europe.

This powder was believed to cure several common illnesses such as stomach ulcers, coughs, and headaches. It was even used as a poisoning antidote.

During the mummy powder craze, Ambrose Pere, a 17th-century French surgeon, reported that this drug is doing no good and causes severe vomiting, foul-smelling breath, and serious stomachaches. Even worse, the diseases that may be lurking in the corpse of an ancient mummy can be easily transmitted to the person using it.