6 Bizarre Ancient Medical Practices You Won’t Believe Were Real

Journey back in time to explore some of the most unusual and unexpected medical treatments ever used. These ancient practices may seem strange today, but they played a significant role in their respective cultures' healing methods.

One of the oldest surgical practices, trepanation involved removing a piece of the skull to treat conditions like epilepsy, migraines, or to release evil spirits. Evidence from ancient skulls shows successful healing, indicating this risky procedure was more common than previously thought. Source: Archaeological studies of prehistoric remains.

In medieval Europe, ground-up mummies were used in remedies believed to cure everything from headaches to impotence. This bizarre practice, known as 'mumia,' was based on the mistaken belief that mummies held medicinal properties. Source: Historical pharmacology texts.

Ancient Greek and Roman physicians, following the humoral theory, believed that removing blood could restore balance and health. Tools like leeches and lancets were commonly used, a practice that persisted well into the 19th century despite questionable efficacy. Source: Writings of Hippocrates and Galen.

Many ancient cultures, including the Babylonians and Greeks, believed that toothaches were caused by tiny worms. Treatments involved various methods to extract these imaginary pests, such as using tweezers or concocting herbal remedies to drive them out. Source: Ancient medical texts and folklore.

From crushed lizards for skin conditions to bat wings for respiratory issues, ancient healers often incorporated animal parts into their medicines. These ingredients were thought to harness the animal's inherent powers to heal the human body. Source: Ethnobotanical studies and historical records.

Medical treatments in ancient Egypt often involved reciting spells and incantations alongside physical remedies. These magical practices were believed to invoke divine intervention for healing, illustrating the blend of spirituality and medicine in their culture. Source: The Edwin Smith Papyrus and other Egyptian medical papyri.

Ancient medical practices were as fascinating as they were bizarre. If these historical treatments amazed you, share this list with friends and spark a conversation about how far medical science has come!