When chronic back pain from a herniated disc outlasts all reasonable treatment options, desperation can lead people down strange paths. That’s exactly what happened in Hangzhou, eastern China, where an 82-year-old woman decided to try one of the most extreme folk remedies ever reported. South China Morning Post+2Hindustan Times+2
She believed she’d heard that swallowing live frogs could somehow “cleanse” her body and relieve spinal pain. Over two days, she consumed eight small frogs (three the first day, five the next) — all alive. South China Morning Post+2www.ndtv.com+2
The Horrible Consequence: Pain, Parasites & Hospitalization
Unsurprisingly, the attempt quickly backfired. She developed excruciating abdominal pain and nausea. Within days, she could scarcely walk. Her family rushed her to a hospital in Hangzhou. www.ndtv.com+3South China Morning Post+3Hindustan Times+3
Medical scans and tests revealed serious complications: her digestive system was damaged, and she had contracted a parasitic infection known as sparganosis, caused by tapeworm larvae found in amphibians and other raw animals. Hindustan Times+3UNILAD+3South China Morning Post+3
One local doctor warned:
“Swallowing frogs has damaged the patient’s digestive system and resulted in some parasites being present in her body, including sparganum.” Hindustan Times+1
After about two weeks of careful treatment, the woman began recovering and was discharged. The Times of India+2Hindustan Times+2
What This Story Teaches Us
1. Folk Remedies Can Be Dangerous
Many traditional remedies originate from cultural beliefs, not scientific proof. Ingesting raw animals — especially live amphibians — is a major risk for parasite infection. Doctors strongly caution against following unverified tips from social media or hearsay.
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2. “Natural” Doesn’t Always Mean Safe
Just because something is “natural” or rooted in folklore doesn’t guarantee it’s harmless. In this case, nature’s creatures turned into medical menaces inside her body.
3. Talk to Licensed Medical Professionals
If your pain is unrelenting, the best route is consulting orthopedic specialists, pain management clinics, or physical therapists. They may suggest physical rehab, nerve blocking injections, or surgery — none of which involve swallowing frogs.
4. Be Skeptical of Miracle Claims Online
Stories about “cures” involving raw organisms, extreme diets, or exotic substances should immediately trigger caution. Always look for reputable medical sources or peer-reviewed research before trying anything drastic.
This bizarre case may sound almost fictional, but it’s a stark reminder: when it comes to health, evidence-based medicine is your safest bet. Before trying anything outlandish, consult a professional — your body (and stomach) will thank you.
External references & further reading:
- South China Morning Post: Chinese woman hospitalized after swallowing live frogs South China Morning Post
- Hindustan Times: Doctors warn about parasite infection from frog swallowing Hindustan Times
