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.
"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."
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.
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.
"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.
"When it comes to TikTok trends, or medieval remedies, there is painfully little to no scientific basis for their use."
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."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Medscape
an hour ago
- Medscape
Coronary Sinus Reducer Shows Promise, With Caveats
The coronary sinus reducer, an hourglass-shaped stent that narrows the coronary sinus to increase coronary sinus pressure, has shown some promise in treating patients with refractory angina. But a meta-analysis published today in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions found the benefits of the intervention are likely smaller than those early studies predicted. 'There have been lots of unblinded single-arm studies [of the procedure] but only three randomized controlled trials, so we wanted to look at the different effect sizes to better understand the overall potential efficacy,' said Rasha Al-Lamee, MD, a cardiologist at the National Heart and Lung Institute, part of Imperial College London, London, England, who led the meta-analysis. Al-Lamee and her colleagues looked at data from a combined total of 180 patients in the three trials, as well as 13 single-arm studies with 668 total patients. They found the coronary sinus procedure to be safe, with a success rate of 98.3%. But while both the single-arm and the controlled trials demonstrated improvements in symptoms of angina, the effect size was much smaller in the controlled trials. In the more rigorous trials, 26% of patients experienced at least a one-class improvement and 17% had at least a two-class improvement on the Canadian Cardiovascular Society classification of angina. Those figures were about one third of the gains reported in the single-arm trials. What's more, the randomized controlled trials found no evidence of benefit based on continuous measurements such as the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. Nor did they find improvements in objective measures such as myocardial perfusion associated with the intervention. Deepak Bhatt, MD, a cardiologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, who co-wrote an editorial accompanying the journal article, said more treatment options are needed for patients with refractory angina, who have often exhausted all other medical therapies and surgical procedures. But while coronary sinus reduction shows promise, the meta-analysis demonstrates why more, and larger, trials will be needed before clinicians can use it more broadly. 'It's not an inexpensive procedure, so we want substantial, objectively quantified evidence that it helps patients,' he told Medscape Medical News . 'History is littered with examples of things we were convinced worked but really didn't.' Percutaneous laser therapy, for example, seemed to show benefits for refractory angina at first, but more rigorous randomized trials found no benefit from the procedure, he said. The coronary sinus reducer device is already approved in the UK and Europe and its use is on the rise there, said Al-Lamee, but it has not yet been approved in the US. The ongoing COSIRA-II trial, with an estimated enrollment of 380 patients, should be well-powered enough to provide definitive results and support US approval, she said. Should COSIRA-II show definite benefit, she added, the device may become more of a frontline treatment, used before riskier revascularization options. 'Why have a redo of coronary artery bypass surgery if you have a device that is safe and effective?' she said. Al-Lamee had received consulting and speaker fees from Shockwave Medical, which makes the CSR device. Bhatt reported no relevant financial conflicts.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Booking Health Unveils New Study: Role of Immunotherapy in Extending Life Expectancy for Stage4 Cervical Cancer Patients
Langenfeld, Germany, Aug. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Booking Health, a global leader in medical treatment coordination, today unveiled a new study titled Role of Immunotherapy in Extending Life Expectancy for Stage 4 Cervical Cancer Patients. The report outlines how cutting-edge immunotherapy is reshaping care for women with advanced cervical cancer, offering new pathways to longer survival and improved quality of life, particularly in cases resistant to standard Cancer Immunotherapy is redefining how doctors treat women diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer – offering hope where traditional treatments often fall short. According to global cancer statistics provided by the World Health Organization, cervical cancer is still ranking as the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, with over 350,000 deaths reported in 2022 alone. Therefore, the need for more effective therapies is urgent. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy remain standard for locally advanced and metastatic cervical cancer. However, they often come with harsh side effects and limited long-term benefit – especially in recurrent or PD-L1-positive cases. This is where immunotherapy is beginning to transform the way we treat cervical cancer. By training the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells, this innovative approach is extending survival, improving quality of life, and reshaping the future of gynecologic oncology, according to the American Cancer Society. Leading the way in connecting patients with advanced treatment abroad is Booking Health, a global medical coordination platform that offers access to advanced cervical cancer treatment in the best European clinics. Why Is Stage 4 Cervical Cancer So Hard to Treat? Stage 4 cervical cancer is difficult to treat because it involves metastatic disease, where cancer has spread beyond the pelvis to distant organs, making it less responsive to traditional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation. In many cases, the disease becomes persistent or recurrent, with fewer effective treatment options available, as reported by the National Cancer Institute. Types of Advanced Cervical Cancer Understanding the different stages helps clarify why some cases are more complex than others: Term Definition Treatment Challenge Locally advanced cervical cancer Cancer has spread beyond the cervix to nearby tissues (e.g., vagina, parametria) but not to distant organs Often treated with chemoradiation, but recurrence risk remains Recurrent cervical cancer Cancer returns after a period of remission May resist previously used therapies and require new approaches Metastatic cervical cancer Cancer spreads to distant organs like lungs, liver, or bones Hard to target; systemic therapies often have limited success Most Common Cervical Cancer Types Squamous cell carcinoma – accounts for 80-90% of cases; originates in the ectocervix Adenocarcinoma – about 10-20% of cases; arises from glandular cells in the endocervix Adenosquamous carcinoma – a rarer subtype with mixed features As reported by Cancer Research UK, each type may behave differently in terms of spread, immune response, and treatment sensitivity. Limitations of Traditional Treatments Standard treatments for advanced cervical cancer include: Chemotherapy: Often platinum-based; effectiveness diminishes over time; Radiation therapy: Can control local disease but may not impact distant metastases; Systemic therapies: Cause significant side effects, with limited survival benefit in persistent cervical cancer. Moreover, the American Cancer Society reports that patients with persistent or metastatic disease often experience poor outcomes, with 5-year survival rates below 20% in stage 4 cases. As such, gynecologic oncology experts have increasingly turned to immunotherapy to improve response rates and extend survival. What Is Immunotherapy and How Does It Work for Cervical Cancer? Immunotherapy for cervical cancer stimulates the body's own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells by targeting specific immune pathways. This approach is especially useful for patients with PD-L1–positive, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer who may not respond well to conventional treatments. Approach Description Relevance to Cervical Cancer Immune checkpoint inhibitors Block proteins (PD-1, PD-L1) that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer Reactivates exhausted T cells to fight cervical cancer cells Monoclonal antibodies Lab-made antibodies designed to target specific tumor markers Some bind PD-L1 or deliver cytotoxic agents directly to tumor cells Cancer vaccines Stimulate immune response to HPV or tumor-associated antigens Promote lasting T cell activation and memory Adoptive T cell therapy Infuse engineered T cells that can attack tumor cells Under investigation for recurrent cervical cancer The PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway PD-1 is a receptor on T cells that regulates immune response PD-L1 is often overexpressed on cervical cancer cells When PD-L1 binds to PD-1, it "switches off" the immune attack Checkpoint inhibitors block this interaction – reactivating T cells to destroy cancer cells Why It Matters Many cervical tumors exhibit high PD-L1 expression, making them ideal candidates for immunotherapy. Successful treatment leads to greater T cell infiltration into tumors, enhancing immune surveillance. Patients often experience improved immune response and more durable control of the disease than with chemotherapy alone. This therapeutic shift reflects a broader move toward personalized medicine in gynecologic oncology, targeting tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and immune checkpoints rather than relying solely on cytotoxic drugs. Findings from the Latest Clinical Trials Recent phase III clinical trials have shown that combining immunotherapy with standard chemotherapy – or using it as a second-line option – can significantly extend survival and delay disease progression in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer. These studies demonstrate that there has occurred a major shift in how advanced cervical cancer is treated, providing hope to patients who previously had limited options after conventional therapies failed. Highlights from the Trials Patients receiving immunotherapy lived significantly longer than those on chemotherapy alone. Survival benefit was observed regardless of PD-L1 status, especially in recurrent cases after platinum-based treatment. Delays in disease progression gave patients more time with better quality of life. Immune checkpoint inhibitors helped reactivate the immune system's ability to target and destroy cervical cancer cells. Clinical Trial Treatment Type Median Overall Survival (OS) Disease Control Outcome Notes Phase III Study Immunotherapy + Chemo Up to 28.6 months vs 16.5 months Longer survival in all groups Strongest benefit in PD-L1+ patients Randomized Phase III Trial Immunotherapy (2nd-line) 11.7 months vs 8.5 months Benefit seen in all PD-L1 levels Works even after chemo failure * Both studies confirmed survival advantages without significantly higher severe side effects compared to chemotherapy alone. What This Means for Patients For women with recurrent, persistent, or metastatic cervical cancer, these results signal a new standard of care. Immunotherapy is not only more targeted than traditional therapies but also better tolerated, offering: A longer window of disease control (median progression-free survival extended); Improved quality of life with fewer systemic side effects; Hope for those who did not respond to chemotherapy or radiation. This also opens the door for future therapies involving antibody drug conjugates, personalized immune profiling, and combination treatments that utilize both the immune system and conventional medicine. Today, cervical cancer cohorts worldwide are benefiting from a more individualized, immune-driven approach that redefines what is possible after recurrence or metastasis. Who Benefits Most from Immunotherapy in Cervical Cancer? Immunotherapy is most effective for patients with PD-L1-positive, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer, particularly when standard treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy have failed, as previously mentioned. These patients often have limited options, and immunotherapy provides a targeted approach that can activate the immune system to attack tumor cells more effectively. Common Eligibility Criteria for Immunotherapy Patients who may benefit from immunotherapy typically meet one or more of the following criteria: PD-L1 expression ≥1% (as determined by tumor biopsy); Recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer following standard treatment; Persistent squamous cell carcinoma that does not respond to initial therapies; Evidence of T cell infiltration or active immune cell presence within the tumor; No contraindications for immune checkpoint blockade (e.g., autoimmune diseases). Histology Type Prevalence Response to Immunotherapy Squamous Cell Carcinoma ~80-90% Better overall immune response; more PD-L1 expression; strong T cell infiltration Adenocarcinoma ~10-20% Slightly lower PD-L1 expression; emerging data still promising Adenosquamous/Mixed <5% Limited clinical data; under investigation While both subtypes may benefit, squamous cell carcinoma tends to respond more favorably due to its immunogenicity and higher prevalence of immune markers like PD-L1. Why This Is Important Understanding which patients are most likely to respond helps oncologists personalize therapy, avoid unnecessary toxicity, and improve overall outcomes in metastatic cervical cancer patients. As clinical trials continue to evolve, biomarkers like PD-L1, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and even genomic profiling are playing a larger role in guiding treatment selection. What Are the Current Limitations and Side Effects of Immunotherapy? While immunotherapy is an innovative option in cervical cancer treatment, it is not without limitations. Not all patients experience a positive immune response, and treatment can lead to side effects caused by overstimulation of the immune system. Main Limitations of Immunotherapy for Cervical Cancer Variable response rates: Only patients with specific tumor profiles (e.g., PD-L1-positive tumors or high T cell infiltration) tend to respond. Delayed response: Unlike chemotherapy, benefits may take weeks or months to appear. Immune hyperactivation: Some patients may develop autoimmune-like reactions when the immune system attacks healthy tissue. High costs: Immunotherapy is expensive, and coverage varies widely by country and provider. Limited access: Not all regions offer advanced immune-based therapies or diagnostic testing. Side Effect Type Description Frequency Colitis Inflammation of the colon causing diarrhea Moderate Thyroiditis/Hypothyroidism Immune attack on the thyroid Common Dermatitis or skin rash Immune-related skin inflammation Common Fatigue and joint pain General inflammatory response Mild to moderate Pneumonitis Lung inflammation (rare but serious) Rare Cleveland Clinic highlights that these side effects are often immune-related and differ from those of chemotherapy, which typically causes nausea, hair loss, and bone marrow suppression. Most immune-related reactions are manageable with corticosteroids or immunosuppressive agents when diagnosed early. Importance of Tumor Profiling and Biomarker Testing Before initiating immunotherapy, tumor profiling is crucial. Tests that assess PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden, and immune cell markers help determine whether a patient is a good candidate. This ensures that patients treated are those most likely to benefit from therapy while minimizing unnecessary risks. Why Are More Patients Going Abroad for Cervical Cancer Immunotherapy? Many cervical cancer patients choose to go abroad for immunotherapy because of faster access, broader treatment options, and advanced clinical expertise – especially in countries known for innovation in gynecologic oncology. In many parts of the world, patients face long wait times, outdated systemic therapies, or limited access to next-generation immune system-based treatments. This is especially critical for women with advanced or recurrent cervical cancer, where timely intervention can directly affect survival and quality of life. In contrast, specialized cancer centers in countries like Germany offer accelerated treatment pathways, advanced diagnostics, and access to experimental options not yet widely available elsewhere. Primary Reasons Patients Travel Abroad for Treatment Limited access at home: In some countries, immune checkpoint inhibitors and personalized immunotherapy are not yet standard care – or are cost-prohibitive without insurance support. Delays in diagnosis or therapy: Long waitlists for oncology consultations or biopsy testing can result in treatment delays that worsen outcomes. Patients who choose to treat cervical cancer abroad often report improved outcomes, better coordination, and more comprehensive care – especially when guided by experienced facilitators like Booking Health. From Research to Results: How Immunotherapy Extends Life Expectancy Recent clinical advances highlight the growing role of immunotherapy in improving life expectancy for patients with stage 4 cervical cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and other immune-based treatments are showing encouraging results, particularly for recurrent, metastatic, and PD‑L1‑positive cervical cancers, where traditional chemotherapy offers limited benefit. By stimulating the body's own immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells, these therapies have been linked to longer survival and improved progression-free outcomes in international studies. Access to such innovative care remains uneven, prompting patients to seek specialized oncology centers abroad. Through coordination platforms such as Booking Health, individuals are able to connect with leading hospitals in Germany and other countries that offer advanced cervical cancer immunotherapy programs. These multidisciplinary approaches combine personalized treatment planning, modern diagnostics, and targeted immune modulation to address late‑stage disease. As immunotherapy research continues to expand, it represents a significant shift in the management of advanced cervical cancer, giving more women a realistic chance at extended survival and an improved quality of life. Key Takeaways: Immunotherapy's Impact on Advanced Cervical Cancer Immunotherapy offers hope for women with stage 4 cervical cancer, especially when other treatments have failed. It works by strengthening the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells more effectively. Most effective in patients with PD-L1-positive, recurrent, metastatic, or invasive cervical cancer. Recent phase III clinical trials show longer survival and improved median progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy alone. Booking Health connects international patients with leading European hospitals that specialize in cervical cancer immunotherapy and personalized care. These breakthroughs represent a major advancement in the treatment of metastatic cervical cancer – delivering not only longer survival, but also a significantly improved quality of life. To explore your personalized treatment options, contact Booking Health today and take the next step toward advanced cervical cancer care. Side_Effects About Booking Health Booking Health™ is the international platform for rapid access to innovative treatments in the world's leading certified clinics. Our network features over 250 top-tier hospitals across the globe, all distinguished by the exceptional levels of medical accreditation and expertise. By arranging care with the help of Booking Health company, you benefit from comprehensive medical support based on the latest innovations and personalized coordination. We offer cost saving up to 70% compared to direct booking via clinics — all without compromising on quality. Choosing Booking Health means more than just acquiring access to innovative world-class therapy - it means saving valuable time knowing that every detail is handled by professionals. Headquartered in Bad Hönningen, Germany and officially registered in Düsseldorf under HRB 106466, Booking Health proudly consults patients from over 75 countries for over a decade, offering services in 11 languages. Press inquiries Booking Health Lena Hanten marketing@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Fox News
3 hours ago
- Fox News
Woman's snoring was symptom of rare form of cancer: 'Don't ignore it'
A mother in the U.K. who began snoring for the first time in her life was stunned to learn the unexpected symptom was a sign of a rare and potentially life-threatening cancer. "I started snoring, which I'd never done before," she recalled. "I was waking myself up, breathing through my mouth rather than my nose." Claire Barbery, 51, initially brushed off the blockage on one side of her nose, blaming it on the after-effects of COVID-19 or irritation from frequent testing while working at a care facility, as reported by SWNS. It wasn't until the persistent congestion worsened and she started snoring in her sleep that she sought medical advice. "I very nearly canceled that appointment because I didn't want to be wasting NHS time," Barbery said, per SWNS. "There's nothing wrong, I thought. But looking back, that decision could have cost me my life." Barbery tried using a steroid spray without success before being referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist in January 2023. After undergoing scans and a biopsy, she was diagnosed with olfactory neuroblastoma, a rare type of cancer that develops in the upper part of the nasal cavity. Doctors discovered a 5-centimeter tumor that had already begun eroding the bone at the base of Barbery's skull. It was a dangerous and complex case requiring urgent intervention. The surgery was performed at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham by consultant surgeon Shahz Ahmed, a skull base specialist, SWNS reported. "If there's something wrong, don't ignore it." The procedure, which was featured in the Channel 5 documentary "Surgeons: A Matter of Life or Death," involved removing the tumor along with Barbery's olfactory bulbs, leaving her with a permanent loss of smell. "Claire had a very rare form of cancer that needed to be removed," Ahmed said in the report. "Untreated, it could have metastasized and spread into the neck and the rest of the body." Because the tumor had already spread through the skull base into the bottom of the brain, the surgery posed serious risks due to the proximity to vital structures. "The key worries were operating between the left and the right eye," Ahmed said. "The main blood supply to the brain is in very close proximity, so the risk of seizures, stroke, injury to the brain and loss of life were all very real." The surgery was a success and there were no complications. Following the procedure, Barbery underwent six weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She is now under regular medical monitoring and continues to recover, gradually returning to work and enjoying time with her husband and daughters, SWNS reported. Now living in Newquay, Cornwall, Barbery is using her experience to advocate for awareness of head and neck cancers. She recently partnered with the Get A-Head Charitable Trust to raise awareness for World Head and Neck Cancer Day. "If you know your body, then you've got to push," she said. "If there's something wrong, don't ignore it." According to SWNS, Barbery's case is a reminder that even minor or unusual symptoms, like snoring, can sometimes be signs of something far more serious. For more Health articles, visit Looking back, Barbery said she's grateful she went to the appointment she almost canceled. "Even then, I didn't want to waste anyone's time," she admitted. "But that decision ended up saving my life."
