13 Strange Medical Treatments People Once Believed In

History is full of unusual medical treatments that people once trusted but are now seen as ineffective or harmful.

Sophia Zapanta
October 30, 2025
4 min read

13 Strange Medical Treatments People Once Believed In — DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ on Pexels

Before modern medicine, people relied on practices that today seem strange or dangerous. These treatments came from cultural beliefs, limited knowledge, or trial and error. Looking back at them shows how far medicine has advanced and how ideas about health have changed.

1. 1. Bloodletting

Doctors believed that illness was caused by an imbalance of bodily fluids. They often cut patients or used leeches to drain blood. This practice was common for centuries, even though it weakened many patients. It was finally abandoned once modern medicine showed it did more harm than good.

2. 2. Trepanation

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Ancient healers drilled holes into people’s skulls to release supposed evil spirits or cure headaches. Evidence shows this was practiced in many cultures worldwide. Some patients even survived, as skulls show signs of healing. Today, it is seen as one of the earliest surgical procedures.

3. 3. Mercury Treatments

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Mercury was once used to treat conditions like syphilis. Doctors believed it could cleanse the body of disease. Instead, it poisoned patients and caused severe damage to their organs. Its dangers became clear only after years of use.

4. 4. Snake Oil

Salesmen promoted snake oil as a cure for pain and many illnesses. Most versions contained little or no real medicinal ingredients. People would often spend money on useless mixtures. The term “snake oil” is still used today to describe false cures.

5. 5. Radium Therapy

In the early 20th century, radium was added to medicines, water, and even cosmetics. People thought it boosted energy and cured illness. Instead, it caused radiation poisoning and cancers. Its dangers became clear after many deaths.

6. 6. Mummy Powder

Crushed remains of Egyptian mummies were sold in Europe as medicine. People believed it could cure a variety of illnesses. The practice became so popular that fake mummies were even made to keep up with demand. It eventually stopped when its ineffectiveness was recognized.

7. 7. Tobacco Smoke Enemas

Doctors once blew tobacco smoke into patients’ rectums to revive them from drowning or unconsciousness. It was thought to stimulate breathing and circulation. Medical kits for this purpose were even placed near waterways. The practice disappeared after it was proven useless.

8. 8. Heroin Cough Syrup

In the late 19th century, heroin was marketed as a safe alternative to morphine. It was commonly given to children for coughs and colds. Instead, it caused addiction and severe health problems. Regulations eventually banned it as a medicine.

9. 9. Animal Dung Remedies

Ancient cultures sometimes used animal dung as a treatment for wounds and infections. They believed it had healing properties. Instead, it often caused more infections. Modern science has shown it to be extremely unsafe.

10. 10. Arsenic Medicine

Arsenic was once included in tonics to boost energy and improve skin. Doctors also prescribed it for conditions like syphilis. While small amounts gave a temporary “healthy glow,” arsenic slowly poisoned the body. Its risks far outweighed any benefits.

11. 11. Electric Shock Therapy for Everything

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, electric devices were sold as cures for almost every illness. People believed electricity restored balance and strength. These devices were often misused and caused injuries. Only controlled medical uses of electricity remain today.

12. 12. Treacle and Syrup Mixtures

Thick syrups made from herbs, honey, or molasses were once believed to cure poison and disease. People trusted them as universal medicine. Most had little effect beyond comfort or sweetness. They show how people turned to simple mixtures in times of fear.

13. 13. Lobotomy

In the mid-20th century, doctors treated mental illness by surgically cutting connections in the brain. At first, lobotomies were seen as a breakthrough. Over time, it became clear that they caused permanent damage and loss of personality. Safer psychiatric treatments eventually replaced them.