The Everlasting Pill

So, so gross

The Potentially Poisonous "Cure": Medieval Antimony Pills

In the often-gruesome world of medieval medicine, antimony pills gained notoriety as a harsh yet "effective" treatment. Made from the metallic element antimony, these pills were believed to address a range of ailments, primarily constipation. However, their use came with a hefty dose of danger.

A Poisonous Purgative:

Antimony, while possessing some medicinal properties, is also a heavy metal with toxic effects. Ingesting an antimony pill triggered violent vomiting and diarrhea, essentially forcing the body to expel the irritant (the pill itself) along with any other contents. This harsh purgative action was seen as a way to cleanse the body of "bad humors," a prevalent medical theory of the time.

The "Everlasting" Pill:

One unsettling aspect of these pills was their reusability. Due to the metallic nature of antimony, the pill would often remain intact after passing through the digestive system. Unsanitary practices often led to the "recovered" pill being reused by the same person or even passed down to others, posing significant health risks.

A Risky Remedy:

Despite their popularity, antimony pills were not without their critics. Some physicians recognized the potential for harm and advocated for safer alternatives. Additionally, the unpredictable nature of antimony's effects, often leading to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, further highlighted the dangers of this "cure."