5 Creepy Ancient Medical Procedures (PART 2)

When we think of medicine today, we picture cutting-edge surgical tools, life-saving antibiotics, and robotic-assisted procedures. But not long ago, medical treatments were based more on myth, superstition, and straight-up horror than science.

In this article, we’re diving into five ancient medical procedures that were not only widely practiced—but in some cases, eerily resemble treatments still used in parts of the world today. From mercury tonics to tooth worms, these disturbing remedies will make you grateful for every modern hospital visit.

1. Mercury Treatments for Disease (Yes, That Mercury)

Today, mercury is known as a toxic heavy metal. But for centuries, it was considered a miracle cure.

From ancient China to 19th-century Europe, physicians used mercury to treat everything from syphilis to melancholy. In Renaissance Europe, patients were rubbed with it, inhaled mercury vapors, and even injected with the substance. The result? Mercury poisoning—leading to tremors, hallucinations, kidney failure, and death.

Is Mercury Still Used Today?

While it’s no longer used to treat disease, trace amounts of mercury can still be found in dental amalgam fillings and in some scientific equipment. Most developed countries have now banned or limited their use, especially in children and pregnant women.

2. The Miasma Theory: When "Bad Air" Was the Villain

Long before the discovery of bacteria or viruses, doctors believed that foul smells caused disease. This theory, known as miasma, dominated global medicine from ancient Greece through the 1800s.

To "cleanse" the air, people burned incense, wore plague masks stuffed with lavender, and built cities with better ventilation—ironically helping sanitation without knowing why.

Why It Still Matters

Although germ theory has since replaced miasma, concerns about air quality remain. Proper ventilation is still crucial in preventing airborne illnesses like measles and tuberculosis.

3. Animal Dung Ointments: The Ancient “Healing” Paste

In ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and even medieval Europe, doctors used animal feces—yes, poop—as a healing salve.

Crocodile, donkey, and dog dung were mixed into topical ointments to treat wounds, ulcers, and even as a form of contraception. While these cultures believed dung had antiseptic qualities, we now know it was more likely to cause infection, sepsis, and death.

Do Any Cultures Still Use It?

Shockingly, some rural communities still use cow dung in traditional medicine today. However, health experts strongly advise against it due to bacterial risks.

4. Tooth Worms: A Creepy Explanation for Cavities

Before bacteria were discovered, people believed toothaches were caused by tiny worms burrowing into teeth. Treatments included smoking herbs in the mouth or dripping hot oil into cavities to “lure the worm out”—often destroying the tooth in the process.

The idea persisted in some cultures into the 18th century, only disappearing once microscopes revealed plaque and bacteria as the real cause.

Worms in the Human Body Today?

While tooth worms were mythical, real parasites like tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms are still a serious medical issue. Thankfully, they’re treatable with modern antiparasitic medication.

5. Hysteria: When Women’s Emotions Were a “Diagnosis”

One of the darkest chapters in medical history is the diagnosis of female hysteria. From Ancient Greece through the early 20th century, women could be diagnosed for things like anxiety, mood swings, or simply being "too emotional."

Some doctors believed the uterus could wander around the body, causing symptoms. Treatments ranged from herbal compresses to surgical hysterectomies—and even non-consensual sexual stimulation to “relieve symptoms.”

Modern Medicine Moves Forward

The diagnosis of hysteria wasn’t removed from official medical texts until the 1980s. Today, doctors recognize real conditions like PMDD, PCOS, and endometriosis as serious issues deserving real medical care—not dismissal.

Keyword targets: hysteria medical history, wandering uterus myth, women’s health inequality

Final Thoughts: Be Glad for Modern Medicine

Looking back at these disturbing ancient treatments shows just how far medicine has come—and how crucial science and evidence-based care are. Whether it’s rejecting outdated beliefs like miasma or mercury tonics, or fighting to properly diagnose women’s health conditions, modern healthcare continues to evolve.