In China, unconventional medical practices are not unheard of, but a recent case has captured attention due to its extreme nature. An elderly woman from Hangzhou, aged 82, sought an unusual remedy for her chronic back pain, a result of a herniated disc. After traditional treatments failed to provide relief, she resorted to a peculiar folk practice she believed would alleviate her pain and restore her internal balance.
According to her family and friends, she was informed that live frogs had healing properties capable of cleansing the body. Desperate for relief, she decided to attempt this unorthodox method.
The approach she took was undeniably extreme, even by unconventional wellness standards. Over a span of two days, the woman consumed eight live frogs—three on the first day and five on the following day—in the hope that this would improve her condition.
However, her efforts quickly proved counterproductive. She began to experience severe abdominal pain and nausea, prompting her family to take her to the hospital.
Medical professionals were taken aback by her actions. Diagnostic tests revealed that her digestive system had suffered damage, and she was diagnosed with a serious parasitic infection. The infection, known as sparganosis, is caused by tapeworm larvae that can be contracted through the consumption of raw or live amphibians.
A doctor at the local hospital in Hangzhou stated, “Swallowing frogs has damaged the patient’s digestive system and resulted in some parasites being present in her body, including sparganum.”
This incident has ignited a broader conversation about the risks of traditional remedies still prevalent in rural regions. Although these remedies are often based on ancient beliefs about natural healing, contemporary medical experts advise against using raw animal treatments.
Past incidents have shown similar risks. In 2015, a woman who consumed live frogs from a young age had a 10-centimetre parasite extracted from her head. In 2018, a mother was filmed feeding live tadpoles to her child.
Experts are advising the public to reconsider before attempting unverified folk remedies, whether suggested by acquaintances or found on social media. This case serves as a reminder that the pursuit of relief can rapidly escalate into a health crisis.
The woman has received medical treatment and is reported to be recovering. Doctors have emphasized that frogs, regardless of their supposed benefits, should remain outside the realm of medicinal use.