Vinegar face masks and barley water? Medieval 'health hacks' mirror today's TikTok trends
The database, called the Corpus of Early Medieval Latin Medicine, offers a wealth of information about how people in the so-called "Dark Ages" viewed health, science and medicine. It was announced by Binghamton University in July.
Meg Leja, an associate professor at the university, told Fox News Digital that she helped catalog hundreds of medieval medical texts, particularly focusing on all surviving Latin manuscripts up to the year 1000.
Wearable Hydration Monitor Could Help Prevent Heatstroke, Scientists Say
"This means that we covered most of Continental Europe, but not England, where many early medieval medical writings were in the vernacular (i.e., Old English)," she said.
"Because very few manuscripts survive from before the year 600, effectively our date range is 600 to 1000."
Read On The Fox News App
Some of the cures, researchers said, could fit into in modern wellness circles. Below are six examples they found.
Historians repeatedly came across a 12-month detox plan that included drinking herbs like cinnamon, sage, ginger and fennel – one for every month.
The drinks were said to purge the body of buildup like mucus and "unwanted matter," much like modern juice cleanses.
World's Most Premature Baby Defies All Medical Odds To Reach 1St Birthday
Another recipe in the database recommended a vinegar remedy "so that your face is radiant."
"Grind wheat flour with vinegar [and] put this on as a plaster mixed with oil," the tip advises.
Barley water occasionally pops up on TikTok as a "natural remedy" — and centuries before influencers promoted it, early medieval writers recommended its use.
According to a text written before 1000 A.D., a healer claimed that mixing barley with hot wine would aid digestion.
Other hacks were not TikTok-like at all, featuring ingredients that are both unpleasant and difficult to obtain.
One text written before 1250 swore by dead vultures being a one-size-fits-all cure for a myriad of health issues.
"You capture a vulture and decapitate it with a reed while saying 'Angel, Adonai Abraham, on your account the word is complete,'" the text advises.
The dead bird's skull was said to prevent migraines, while its eyeballs "relieve pain of the eyes." Tying the vulture's feathers to a pregnant woman's legs was also said to help speed up labor.
One late 9th-century tip – found in a priest's personal manuscript – suggested using green lizard ashes for fuller hair.
Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter
"For flowing hair, cover the whole head with fresh summer savory and salt and vinegar," the translated instructions read. "[Then] rub it with the ashes of a burnt green lizard, mixed with oil."
The most repulsive recipe, from an 11th-century text, offered the following tip for chest pain.
"You dissolve goat dung in water and, sieved, you give it to drink," the tip advises. "It soon relieves the pain, however intensely it hurt."
J. Matthew Knight, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, urged caution for those considering trying these cures.
The Florida-based medical expert told Fox News Digital that, while barley, cinnamon and fennel may offer minor digestive benefits, the idea of detoxing over 12 months isn't backed by science.
Knight, the founder of the Knight Dermatology Institute, also noted that the vinegar facial mask "could lead to irritant contact dermatitis," though vinegar has antibacterial effects.
As for the more extreme remedies – like using goat dung for chest pain – the doctor warned they are "unsanitary and dangerous," and emphasized that anyone experiencing chest pain should go straight to the emergency room.
Though Knight said he appreciates the novelty of the list, they exist "somewhere between funny and completely ineffective."
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
"All of these schemes predate the microscope, germ theory of disease and modern medicine, and rely on the idea that maladies were due to spiritual imbalance, moral transgression or cosmic forces," he told Fox News Digital. "Illness wasn't seen as bacterial or viral, but as a disturbance in unseen forces, like 'body humors.'"
"Unfortunately, when it comes to TikTok trends, or medieval remedies, there is painfully little to no scientific basis for their use."Original article source: Vinegar face masks and barley water? Medieval 'health hacks' mirror today's TikTok trends
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wall Street Journal
20 minutes ago
- Wall Street Journal
Eli Lilly to Raise U.K. Price of Mounjaro for Out-of-Pocket Patients
Pharma giant Eli Lilly said it is negotiating to raise drug prices in Europe, starting in the U.K. with the weight-loss drug Mounjaro, so that it can comply with the Trump administration's goal of bringing down prices in the U.S. Lilly said Thursday that it has an agreement with the U.K. government to raise the list price of Mounjaro for patients who pay for it out-of-pocket. Lilly will more than double the list price of Mounjaro's highest dose from about $165 to about $446. The new price is in line with the prices paid in the rest of Europe and other developed countries, Lilly said.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Why racehorses might hold the key to saving human lives
After a routine gallop on the morning of October 31 2023, the American thoroughbred racehorse Practical Move collapsed and died. A necropsy – the animal equivalent of a human autopsy — suggested sudden cardiac death. More than a decade earlier, on March 17, 2012, Bolton footballer Fabrice Muamba collapsed during a televised FA Cup match, 41 minutes into play. His heart had stopped due to sudden cardiac arrest. For 78 minutes, Muamba was clinically dead. He was revived after 15 defibrillatory shocks and later fitted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator – a device that monitors heart rhythms and delivers shocks when dangerous arrhythmias occur. Muamba's story captured global attention, as did Christian Eriksen's collapse during Euro 2020. But for every elite athlete whose sudden cardiac event makes headlines, there are countless others – both human and animal – who collapse without cameras, coverage, or answers. Horses suffer many of the same heart conditions as humans, including arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest. Like elite athletes, they push their cardiovascular systems to the limit. Their extraordinary physiology makes them a unique, underused model for studying how the heart performs – and sometimes fails – under extreme physical strain. If we're serious about improving health outcomes across species, we need to rethink the artificial divide between animal and human medicine. That's where the One Health, One Medicine agenda comes in. This approach recognises that human, animal and environmental health are deeply interconnected. It calls for collaboration between doctors, veterinarians, scientists, policymakers and environmental experts to tackle shared challenges — from zoonotic pandemics and antimicrobial resistance to chronic disease. While it's often associated with infectious threats such as avian flu or COVID-19, One Health is equally vital in addressing non-communicable diseases (ones that can't be passed from person to person), which are now the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. At its core, One Health starts with a simple idea: humans and animals share the same biological systems. Studying one helps us better understand the other. And, when it comes to cardiovascular health, racehorses offer a powerful example of why that matters. From stable to surgery As a cardiac electrophysiologist – a specialist in the heart's electrical activity in both humans and animals – I see cases every year of horses collapsing during or after races, potentially due to undiagnosed cardiac issues. Exercise-associated sudden death is notoriously hard to predict and devastating when it strikes – not only for the horses and their handlers, but for the racing world more broadly. Alongside my research team, I'm working to identify subtle electrical abnormalities in the equine heart that could act as early warning signs. Our goal is to understand what causes these sudden cardiac events — and ultimately, to predict which horses are most at risk. And this research could save lives. Not just equine ones. What we learn from equine hearts could help transform human cardiac medicine — particularly in athletes or others under intense cardiovascular stress. If we can recognise, manage and prevent rhythm disturbances in high-performing horses, we may find new ways to prevent sudden cardiac arrest in people. Unlike many lab animals, horses share heart anatomy and disease patterns that closely mirror our own. Their ability to shift from resting heart rates as low as 20 beats per minute to over 200 during exertion offers a natural model of extreme cardiac adaptability. And the benefits of equine research go far beyond the heart. Studies of horse physiology are also yielding insights into gut health, immune response and metabolism. As prey animals – species that have evolved to survive being hunted – horses are finely attuned to their environment. Their survival has long depended on their ability to detect and react quickly to potential threats, which has resulted in a highly sensitive nervous system. This heightened reactivity extends to their gastrointestinal tract, making them especially vulnerable to stress-related gut issues. Environmental changes, emotional distress and social disruption can all trigger digestive problems in horses, including colic and gastric ulcers. Because of this sensitivity, horses have emerged as a surprisingly valuable model for studying the gut-brain axis – the complex communication network between the digestive system and the brain. They also offer insight into how chronic stress and inflammation can affect long-term health, with potential applications not only in veterinary care but also in understanding human conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression. When we invest in equine health, we're not just helping animals. We're expanding what's possible in human medicine, too. Breaking down the silos Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, even some cancers — these aren't just human problems. They're shaped by shared genetic, environmental and behavioural forces that cut across species. By dismantling the silos between human and animal health, One Health allows us to share knowledge, pool data, and develop cross-species innovations that benefit us all. Too often, animal health is treated as separate — or even secondary — to human health. That's a mistake. Our wellbeing is tightly bound to the health of the animals we care for and the environments we share. A renewed focus on equine wellbeing doesn't just improve outcomes for horses. It sharpens our understanding of physiology, strengthens public health, and helps prevent avoidable deaths — on and off the track. If we want to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death in athletes — or anyone pushing their body to its limits — we need to widen the lens. That means recognising the value of research in veterinary medicine. It means turning the stethoscope toward the stable. Because when a horse collapses on the track, it's more than a tragedy. It's a missed opportunity — to understand, to prevent and to save. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Kamalan Jeevaratnam receives funding from British Heart Foundation, Horseracing Betting Levy Board, Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation, Petplan Charitable Trust, Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Medtronic, Olympus, and CapsoVision Lead with Minimally Invasive and AI-Enhanced Medical Technologies
The 360 Quadrants analysis highlights the leaders in the global Smart Pills market, evaluating over 102 companies. Smart pills, also known as ingestible sensors or digital pills, offer revolutionary diagnostic functions and medication adherence monitoring by transmitting real-time data wirelessly. Key players include Medtronic, Olympus Corporation, and CapsoVision. The market's growth is driven by the demand for less invasive diagnostics and addressing medication non-adherence issues. Challenges include data privacy concerns, high costs, and regulatory complexities. Companies employ strategies like partnerships and tech integration to enhance market presence. Dublin, Aug. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Smart Pills Company Evaluation" report has been added to offering. The Smart Pills Companies Quadrant is a comprehensive industry analysis that provides valuable insights into the global market for Smart Pills. This quadrant offers a detailed evaluation of key market players, technological advancements, product innovations, and industry trends. 360 Quadrants evaluated over 102 companies, of which the Top 14 Smart Pills Companies were categorized and recognized as quadrant pills, also known as ingestible sensors or digital pills, are revolutionary medical devices designed in the form of a swallowable capsule. Once ingested, these high-tech pills travel through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to perform diagnostic functions or monitor treatment adherence. Common applications include capsule endoscopy, where a tiny camera captures images of the digestive system, and medication monitoring, where an embedded sensor signals when a pill has been taken. The data is transmitted wirelessly from inside the body to an external receiver, providing clinicians with unprecedented, real-time market for smart pills is primarily driven by the demand for less invasive diagnostic tools. Capsule endoscopy provides a patient-friendly and effective method for examining the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. Another major driver is the pressing need to solve the multi-billion-dollar problem of medication non-adherence, especially for patients with chronic conditions. By providing objective confirmation that medication has been taken, smart pills can significantly improve disease management and clinical trial data accuracy. Continuous technological advancements are also making these devices more capable and their potential, smart pills face significant challenges. The security and privacy of the sensitive health data they collect and transmit are paramount concerns that must be rigorously addressed. The high cost of the pills and their associated monitoring systems can be a major barrier to widespread clinical use and reimbursement from insurance providers. The regulatory approval pathway for such novel devices is complex and lengthy. Technical hurdles, such as ensuring reliable data transmission through body tissue and extending the device's battery life, also remain areas of active 360 Quadrant maps the Smart Pills companies based on criteria such as revenue, geographic presence, growth strategies, investments, and sales strategies for the market presence of the Smart Pills quadrant. The top criteria for product footprint evaluation included Target Area (Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Esophagus, Stomach), Application (Capsule Endoscopy, Patient Monitoring, Targeted Drug Delivery), Disease Indication (Crohn's Disease, Occult Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Small Bowel Tumors, Celiac Disease, Other Disease Indications), End User (Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, Outpatient Settings, Other End Users) Key Players: Major vendors in the Smart Pills market are Medtronic (US), Olympus Corporation (Japan), and CapsoVision, Inc. (US), IntroMedic (South Korea and Shangxian Minimal Invasive Inc. (China), Shenzhen Jifu Medical Technology Co., Ltd. (China), JINSHAN Science & Technology (China), and AnX Robotics (US), etectRx (US), Check-Cap (Israel), and BodyCap (France). The key strategies major vendors implement in the Smart Pills market are partnerships, collaborations, product launches, and product enhancements. Medtronic Medtronic plc is a global titan in healthcare technology, with a dominant market position across its Cardiovascular, Neuroscience, Medical Surgical, and Diabetes portfolios. The company is a leader in everything from pacemakers and insulin pumps to advanced surgical instruments. Strategically, Medtronic is focused on integrating AI, data analytics, and robotics - spearheaded by its HugoT surgical robot - into its offerings. Through active portfolio management and innovation in less-invasive technologies, the company aims to transform chronic disease management and surgical care worldwide, including in key growth markets like India. Olympus Corporation Olympus Corporation is the world's dominant leader in medical endoscopy, leveraging its legendary optical and digital expertise. The Japanese company provides a comprehensive range of endoscopes and therapeutic devices crucial for minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment in gastroenterology and other specialties. Strategically, Olympus has focused on becoming a pure-play medical technology company, divesting non-core assets. It is now heavily invested in integrating AI into its systems to enhance diagnostic accuracy and expanding its portfolio of therapeutic tools, solidifying its leadership in GI and beyond. CapsoVision, Inc CapsoVision, Inc. is an innovative medical device company specializing in gastrointestinal diagnostics through capsule endoscopy. Its flagship product, the CapsoCam Plus, sets itself apart with a unique 360-degree panoramic lateral camera, designed to provide a more comprehensive view of the small bowel. The company's strategy is to challenge established market players by leveraging this technological advantage and a simplified, data-recorder-free system for enhanced patient convenience. By focusing on improving diagnostic yield, CapsoVision aims to capture a growing share of the non-invasive GI imaging market. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction1.1 Market Definition1.2 Stakeholders2 Executive Summary3 Market Overview3.1 Introduction3.2 Market Dynamics3.2.1 Drivers3.2.1.1 Rising Demand for Non-Invasive Diagnostic Monitoring Devices3.2.1.2 Technological Advancements in Capsule Endoscopy3.2.1.3 Increasing Incidence of Colon Cancer3.2.2 Restraints3.2.2.1 High R&D Costs for Technological Developments and Advancements3.2.2.2 Low Accuracy and Reliability of Sensors and Cameras in Smart Pills3.2.3 Opportunities3.2.3.1 Innovations in Sensor Technologies and Wireless Communication3.2.3.2 Rising Need for Rapid Drug Delivery and Development3.2.4 Challenges3.2.4.1 Increased Patient Privacy and Data Security Concerns3.2.4.2 Shortage of Skilled Healthcare Professionals3.3 Industry Trends3.3.1 Advancements in Sensor Technologies3.3.2 Integration with Ai and Ml3.3.3 Integration with Wearable Devices3.4 Technology Analysis3.4.1 Key Technologies3.4.1.1 Wireless Communication Systems3.4.1.2 Sensor Technologies3.4.1.3 Self-Powered Ingestible Smart Pills3.4.1.4 Adaptive Frame Rate Technologies3.4.1.5 Imag3.4.1.6 Ai and Ml3.4.2 Complementary Technologies3.4.2.1 Robotic Technologies3.4.2.2 Data Analytics 3.4.3 Adjacent Technologies3.4.3.1 Iot3.4.3.2 Cloud Computing3.5 Trends/Disruptions Impacting Customer's Business3.6 Pipeline Analysis3.7 Porter's Five Forces Analysis3.8 Ecosystem Analysis3.9 Value Chain Analysis3.10 Patent Analysis3.10.1 Patent Publication Trends for Smart Pills3.10.2 Insights: Jurisdiction and Top Applicant Analysis3.10.3 List of Key Patents3.11 Key Conferences & Events, 2025-20263.12 Impact of Ai/Gen Ai on Smart Pills Market3.12.1 Key Use Cases3.12.2 Case Studies of Ai/Gen Ai Implementation3.12.2.1 Capsocam Sv-1 Versus Pillcam Sb3 to Detect Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding3.12.2.2 Aardex Group Partnered with Etectrx, Inc. to Track Medication-Taking Behaviors3.12.3 Impact of Ai/Gen Ai on Interconnected and Adjacent Ecosystems4 Competitive Landscape4.1 Introduction4.2 Key Player Strategies/Right to Win4.2.1 Overview of Strategies Adopted by Key Players in Smart Pills Market4.3 Revenue Analysis, 2019-20234.4 Market Share Analysis, 20234.5 Company Evaluation Matrix: Key Players, 20234.5.1 Stars4.5.2 Emerging Leaders4.5.3 Pervasive Players4.5.4 Participants4.5.5 Company Footprint: Key Players, 20234.5.5.1 Company Footprint4.5.5.2 Region Footprint4.5.5.3 Application Footprint4.5.5.4 Target Area Footprint4.5.5.5 Disease Indication Footprint4.5.5.6 End-User Footprint4.5.5.7 Region Footprint4.6 Company Evaluation Matrix: Startups/Smes, 20234.6.1 Progressive Companies4.6.2 Responsive Companies4.6.3 Dynamic Companies4.6.4 Starting Blocks4.6.5 Competitive Benchmarking: Startups/Smes, 20234.6.5.1 Detailed List of Key Startups/Sme Players4.6.5.2 Competitive Benchmarking of Key Startups/Sme Players4.7 Company Valuation & Financial Metrics4.7.1 Financial Metrics4.7.2 Company Valuation4.8 Brand/Product Comparison4.9 Competitive Scenario4.9.1 Product Launches, Approvals, and Enhancements4.9.2 Deals4.9.3 Other Developments5 Company Profiles Medtronic Olympus Corporation Capsovision, Inc. Intromedic Jinshan Science & Technology Anx Robotics Shenzhen Jifu Medical Technology Co., Ltd. Etectrx Bodycap Check-Cap Shangxian Minimal Invasive Inc. Veloce Corporation Biocam Endiatx Rf Co., Ltd. Celero Systems Biora Therapeutics, Inc. Innurvation Rani Therapeutics Motilis Medica Sa For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Sign in to access your portfolio
