The Scariest Ways People Treated Their Own Illnesses

When faced with illness, some individuals throughout history have taken matters into their own hands, resorting to self-treatments that were not only ineffective but also potentially dangerous. Desperate for relief, they turned to extreme measures and substances, often with little understanding of their true effects. This has inspired us to explore five of the scariest ways people self-treated their illnesses, revealing the risks and consequences associated with these misguided remedies.

1. Arsenic

Arsenic, a highly toxic substance, has a dark history as a self-treatment for various ailments. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was widely believed to possess medicinal properties. People would consume small doses of arsenic, believing it could cure everything from skin conditions to digestive disorders and even cancer. Unfortunately, the use of arsenic as a self-treatment had severe consequences. Arsenic poisoning can lead to a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, organ failure and death. Over time, medical professionals recognized the dangers of arsenic, leading to its removal from the pharmacopeia and the development of regulations to prevent its use in medical treatments.

2. Mercury

Mercury, another highly toxic substance, was also a common self-treatment throughout history. People believed that mercury could cure various illnesses, including syphilis, skin conditions, and even mental disorders. It was consumed orally, applied topically, or even inhaled as vapor. However, the use of mercury as a self-treatment had devastating consequences. Prolonged exposure to mercury can lead to severe neurological damage, kidney problems, and even death. The toxicity of mercury is well-documented, and its use as a self-treatment showcases the ignorance and desperation of individuals seeking relief from their ailments.

3. Bloodletting

Bloodletting, a medical practice widely believed to rebalance bodily humors, was also adopted as a self-treatment method by some individuals. The idea was to remove "impure" or "stagnant" blood from the body, which was thought to cause illness. People would use lancets, leeches, or even perform venesection on themselves to drain these illnesses out of their bodies. Engaging in self-bloodletting was a dangerous endeavor. Without proper medical knowledge or sterile instruments, individuals risked severe bleeding, infections, and death. Although bloodletting as a medical treatment has been largely abandoned in modern times, its historical prevalence as a self-treatment demonstrates the extreme measures people were willing to take to alleviate their suffering.

4. Homeopathy

Homeopathy, a system of alternative medicine founded in the late 18th century, employs highly diluted substances to treat various conditions. The principle of "like cures like" is central to homeopathic theory, suggesting that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can cure similar symptoms in an ill person when diluted to extreme levels. While homeopathy is still practiced today, many homeopathic remedies lack scientific evidence of efficacy and rely on extremely diluted substances. In severe cases, individuals may choose homeopathic remedies instead of seeking appropriate medical attention, putting their health at risk. Delaying or avoiding proper medical treatment can have serious consequences, particularly for conditions that require immediate attention.

5. Trepanation

Trepanation, the act of drilling or scraping a hole into the skull, was historically used as a self-treatment method for various ailments, including headaches, mental disorders, and even spiritual enlightenment. Individuals believed that creating an opening in the skull would relieve pressure or allow evil spirits to escape, resulting in improved health or higher consciousness. Self-trepanation is an incredibly dangerous practice with a high risk of infection, severe bleeding, and brain damage. Surviving the procedure without professional medical assistance was unlikely, and those who attempted self-trepanation often faced devastating consequences.