A toothache sufferer knows that a toothache sufferer will do almost anything to find a solution and relieve the pain. Since toothache is not something new, people have resorted to strange solutions to relieve toothache throughout history. If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know very well what an agonizing experience it can be. Today, when we have a toothache, we consult the dentist. But in the past the situation was much more difficult!
Throughout history, people suffering from toothache have resorted to incredible methods. Among them, there are interesting methods from gnawing a worm to extracting the spider’s juice and drinking it.
Take a look at these unusual historical toothache cures and ask yourself, “Would I go this far?” Be sure to ask!
TOOTH Worms
The idea of ”tooth worms” originated in Mesopotamia around 1800 BC and continued into the 18th century. A small worm was believed to cause pain by getting between the teeth. They rubbed honey on a sore tooth as a treatment against these ‘invisible worms’.
ONION CURE
Ancient Egyptians preferred to wear amulets first to prevent pain. Afterwards, they believed that the pain would go away by preparing a bulbous dough containing various herbs and chewing it until the toothache went away.
DEAD MOUSE
Another Egyptian treatment was to mix dead mice with other ingredients and apply them to the painful area.
DOG MILK
Ancient Greek people used donkey milk as a mouthwash to strengthen teeth and relieve pain. In medieval Germany, people believed that kissing a donkey would heal them.
Frog spit
The Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder advised those suffering from toothache to catch a frog in the moonlight, spit it into his mouth, and ask him to relieve the pain.
Potato Amulet
The Irish prepared the potato as an amulet for the sufferer to carry in his pocket. It was believed that the person who carried the potato as an amulet would be relieved of his pain as soon as possible. They also tried to cure a rotten tooth by stuffing it with tobacco.
CHIP CHIPPER
The Aztecs chewed cayenne pepper against toothache. The capsaicin found in hot peppers has some pain-relieving properties, so it doesn’t sound crazy like other methods.
BODY Amulet
Another remedy for medieval Britain was to steal a corpse’s tooth from its grave and wear it as an amulet!