In a shocking incident, an 82-year-old woman in China swallowed eight live frogs, believing it would cure her lower back pain caused by a herniated disc, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
The unusual remedy, based on folklore rather than medical evidence, had serious consequences. The woman, identified by the surname Zhang, experienced severe abdominal pain and was hospitalized in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.
“My mother ate eight live frogs. Now the sharp pain has made her unable to walk,” her son reportedly told the doctor.
The Backstory
Zhang had been suffering from a herniated disc for a long time. Upon hearing that swallowing live frogs could relieve back pain, she asked her family to catch some for her. Unfortunately, this unproven folk remedy caused major complications.
Medical Complications
After consuming the frogs, Zhang’s digestive system collapsed, and she became infected with parasites, including sparganum, leading to intense pain and difficulty walking.
Doctors at the hospital conducted a physical examination and several detailed tests. They found a dramatic increase in oxyphil cells, which can indicate conditions such as parasitic infections or blood disorders.
“Swallowing frogs has damaged the patient's digestive system and resulted in some parasites being present in her body, including sparganum,” a hospital doctor told the media.
Recovery
After receiving two weeks of treatment, Zhang recovered and was discharged from the hospital.
This bizarre incident highlights the dangers of relying on folk remedies with no medical basis.
