15 Cures Found and Forgotten in Old Medical Journals

Old medical journals contain treatments that were once trusted but later replaced by safer and more effective methods. These records show how doctors used plants, minerals, and early medical tools to treat common illnesses. They also reveal how medical progress came through slow correction and closer study.

1. 1. Willow Bark

Early doctors used willow bark tea to ease fever and pain because it contained salicin, which became the basis of aspirin. Many physicians recommended it for headaches and joint pain. It helped some patients, though the dose was inconsistent. Modern medicine later refined it into stable forms.

2. 2. Leeches

Leeches were widely used to reduce swelling and calm infections. Doctors believed controlled blood removal helped balance the body. In some cases, it lowered pressure in injured tissue. Cleaner surgical methods later replaced the practice.

3. 3. Mercury Treatment Treatment

Mercury was once given to treat syphilis, though it often harmed patients. Doctors used ointments or pills made with mercury. It sometimes slowed symptoms but caused poisoning as well. Antibiotics made the treatment unnecessary.

4. 4. Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil was recommended for weak bones and poor immunity. Doctors saw that it helped children with rickets due to vitamin D. It became a recorded remedy in many journals. Modern supplements offer the same benefits with safer dosing.

5. 5. Quinine Bark

Physicians used quinine from cinchona bark to treat malaria. It lowered the fever and reduced chills for many patients. It was important in regions where malaria spread quickly. New antimalarial drugs later provided stronger protection.

6. 6. Turpentine Compress

Turpentine compresses were used to ease lung congestion. Doctors believed the vapors helped open the airways. Some patients felt easier breathing after use. Modern inhaled treatments replaced this risky method.

7. 7. Garlic Paste

Garlic was used as an infection fighter. Doctors noted its antibacterial effect on wounds. It reduced swelling in some cases. Stronger antibiotics later took over.

8. 8. Foxglove Extract

Foxglove extract was used for dropsy, now known as heart failure. Doctors found it increased urine output and reduced swelling. The active compound led to digitalis, a modern heart drug. Dosing the natural extract was difficult and risky.

9. 9. Vinegar Wash

Vinegar wash was used to bring down fever and clean small wounds. The mild acid limited bacterial growth on the skin. Hospitals used it often during crowded periods. Modern antiseptics replaced it.

10. 10. Charcoal Powder

Charcoal powder was used for stomach problems after poisoning or spoiled food. Doctors saw it trapped toxins in the gut. Some patients recovered faster when treated early. Activated charcoal today follows the same idea in a safer form.

11. 11. Nitrate Poultice

Nitrate poultices were applied to ease severe headaches. The cooling effect sometimes helped reduce pain. Doctors recorded mixed results. New pain medicines made it unnecessary.

12. 12. Ice Bath

Ice baths were used for extreme fevers during epidemics. Fast cooling lowered the chance of seizures. Doctors watched closely to avoid shock. Controlled cooling systems later replaced this method.

13. 13. Sulfur Ointment

Sulfur ointment was used for scabies and skin infections. Doctors noticed it killed mites and eased itching. It became common in rural and military care. Modern creams replaced it with faster action.

14. 14. Alcohol Rub

Alcohol rubs were used for muscle pain and cooling. Many journals describe their use after injuries. Increased blood flow to the skin gave temporary relief. Better topical treatments replaced them.

15. 15. Honey Dressing

Honey dressings were used for open wounds. Doctors saw that honey slowed bacterial growth and kept wounds moist. Many patients healed with fewer infections. Medical-grade honey is still used with strict standards.

• Tags:
• medical history
• traditional remedies
• archived treatments
• medical journals
• forgotten cures