Fertility has been a significant concern for humans throughout history. Throughout history, people have developed various treatments and remedies to increase their chances of conception. However, some of these treatments were bizarre and even dangerous. Here are ten ancient fertility treatments that you wouldn’t want to use today.
1. Drinking Animal Fluids
Some cultures believed drinking fluids from various animals, such as bulls, goats, or stallions, could increase fertility.
However, there is no scientific evidence to support this practice, and it can also expose people to diseases.
2. Smoking Henbane
In ancient Greece, people believed smoking Henbane, a poisonous plant, could help women conceive.
The plant contains harmful chemicals that can cause hallucinations, seizures, and even death.
3. Wearing Amulets
Ancient Egyptians believed wearing amulets, such as the Eye of Horus or the Scarab, could bring fertility and protect the unborn child.
While these amulets may have some cultural significance, they have no scientific basis for improving fertility.
4. Drinking Mercury
Ancient Chinese texts suggest drinking mercury, a highly toxic substance, could help men overcome infertility.
But, mercury exposure can cause severe neurological damage and even death.
5. Using Crocodile Dung
Some ancient cultures believed that inserting crocodile dung into the vagina could increase fertility.
This practice is not only unproven but also carries significant health risks, such as infection and toxic shock syndrome.
6. Taking Opium
In ancient Rome, opium was believed to be a potent fertility aid for both men and women.
Opium is a highly addictive substance that can cause numerous health problems and even death.
7. Drinking Gold Water
Ancient Chinese texts recommend drinking water infused with gold powder as a fertility treatment.
However, gold ingestion can cause severe side effects, such as liver damage and kidney failure.
8. Wearing Animal Parts
Some cultures believed wearing animal parts, such as the horns of a deer or the skin of a snake, could increase fertility.
These practices have no scientific basis and can also expose people to zoonotic diseases.
9. Using Hemlock
Ancient Greeks used Hemlock, a poisonous plant, to regulate menstruation.
But, hemlock ingestion can lead to paralysis, convulsions, and death.
10. Taking Lead
In ancient Rome, lead was believed to increase fertility, and women often applied lead-based cosmetics to their faces and bodies. Lead exposure can cause severe health problems, such as anemia, neurological damage, and even death.
Based on Superstition, Not Science
Ancient fertility treatments were often based on superstitions and beliefs, rather than scientific evidence. While some of these treatments may have cultural significance, many of them are dangerous and harmful to health.
Today, modern medicine offers safe and effective treatments for fertility problems, and it is essential to seek professional medical advice rather than rely on ancient remedies.
A Fun Day Out
In today’s world, we often face situations that challenge us to stand up for ourselves and push back against injustices. This is especially true for those with disabilities, who often fight for their fundamental rights in a world that doesn’t always accommodate their needs. She Was Told to Leave Her Wheelchair in the Wheelchair Bay and “WALK Onto the Ride.” So She Parked Herself in the Bay to Shed Light on This Guy’s Misinterpretation of the Rules
She Was Getting Married
Weddings can be stressful enough without dealing with entitled family members who want to make demands. Unfortunately, Lily’s cousin is one of those people. Let’s find out how Lily dealt with her cousin. Her Entitled Cousin Invited Herself to the Wedding and Then Starting Dishing Out Her Demands. She Was in for a Rude Awakening!
She Had a Big Yard
Have you ever had a neighbor who thinks they’re entitled to your property because it’s adjacent to theirs? Well, Izzy sure has, and it’s not a pleasant experience. Let’s take a look at her situation. Her Nextdoor Neighbor Thought She Had the Right to Use Her Garden While She Was Away…
A Plastic Dream
Heather, a 35-year-old plastic surgeon, was at the center of a family drama after snapping back at her aunt, who disparaged her profession. Her Aunt Thinks Her Career Is a Joke and Keeps Insulting Her, So She Finally Retaliated! Was She in the Wrong?
A Second Family Home
A frustrated father recently asked Reddit for advice after he threw his son and future in-laws out of a house he was paying for when they uninvited the family from their wedding. Here is the whole story. Dad Threw Out His Son and Future In-Laws After They Uninvited His Family from the Wedding
The post Thinking of Starting a Family? Check Out These 10 Ancient Fertility Treatments. You’ll Be Grateful for Modern Medicine! first appeared on Mama Say What?!
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Cast Of Thousands.
Source: Listverse
Brandon Grayson is a passionate and influential writer who specializes in issues of equality, health, and human rights. Their work, characterized by its depth and empathy, delves into complex social issues, advocating for change and understanding.
