Weird Cures (that work!)

Powdered earthworms, mouse dung, hare’s tooth, dried toads—for years before modern medicine, people used all sorts of unusual remedies in the attempt to cure themselves. But some of the odd cures really worked.

The Toothbrush Tree

Before toothbrushes were invented,, or “toothbrush tree.” Recent studies have discovered that the wood of this tree releases a bacteria-fighting liquid that helps prevent infection and tooth decay. It even contains fluoride, which helps keep teeth strong.