Folk Healing Tricks: Do They Really Work?

Folk medicine has been around as long as mankind itself. Before the advent of modern medicines and medical technology, people used improvised remedies: coins, cobwebs, mold, herbs, and even kerosene to relieve pain, speed healing, and fight disease. Some of these methods have been passed down from generation to generation and are still of interest today: were they really effective or just superstition?

Interestingly, antique objects such as coins were often at the center of such beliefs - for example, ancient coins were used for healing and water disinfection. These days, collectors' attention is also drawn to rare coins, but no longer because of their healing properties, but because of their value. For example, some people, studying 1966 quarter value, find not only historical worth, but also the financial potential of this artifact. But today, it is very interesting to find out whether the value of a coin can be both material, as well as therapeutic and do these folk methods really work?

What of them are confirmed by science, and which ones are long debunked by modern medicine? Well, today we would like to examine the most popular methods of treatment from the past and see if they can be useful today.

Silver and Copper Coins as Healing Tools: Ancient Wisdom or Pure Coincidence?

The belief: Coins were used to purify water, heal bruises, and even treat umbilical hernias in infants.

For a long time, metals like silver and copper are associated with healing properties. Healers and ordinary people used to put silver coins in drinking water to purify it, a practice still mentioned in survival manuals today. Similarly, copper coins were often applied to bruises to promote healing. In some cultures, midwives even recommended taping a copper coin to a newborn's navel to prevent umbilical hernia.

The science behind the myth

The antimicrobial power of silver: Modern research confirms that silver has antibacterial properties, that is why silver-added bandages and water filters are now used in hospitals. However, dipping an old silver coin into a cup of water is not a reliable way to purify it - modern purification methods are much more effective.
Potential benefits of copper: Historically, copper has been thought to reduce inflammation and promote circulation. While some evidence suggests that copper-laced tissues can help with arthritis, simply putting a coin on a bruise is unlikely to have a significant impact.

So do these tricks still work? Silver still plays an important role in modern medicine, but in strictly controlled applications (wound dressings and medical coatings). Copper's ability to treat bruises remains questionable: while the cold metal can provide a cooling effect, a much better solution is to apply ice. As for the umbilical hernia remedy, there is no medical evidence in favor of this practice, and today parents should consult a doctor rather than rely on specious arguments.

Bonus Tip: If you come across old copper coins, resist the urge to use them for first aid - some of them might be worth far more in a numismatic collection! The Coin ID Scanner app can help you determine their historical and monetary value.

An antique wooden table with various historical folk medicine items: an old silver coin placed near a glass of water, a piece of moldy bread on a cloth, a spider web stretched between wooden sticks.

Spider Webs as Natural Bandages: A Sticky Situation

The belief: Spider webs were used as natural wound dressings, believed to have antibacterial properties and help with clotting.

Before the invention of sterile gauze, people relied on natural materials to cover wounds. For example, the Greeks and Romans used spider silk to stop bleeding and prevent infection. Even in rural areas of Europe, some families continued this practice well into the 19th century.

Well, spider silk contains vitamin K, which theoretically can help with blood clotting. This means that, at least in theory, spider webs could have played a role in stopping minor bleeding. What about antibacterial effects? Some claim that spider webs contain antimicrobial compounds, but actually there is no reliable evidence to support this theory. On the contrary, webs can contain and carry bacteria, dirt, and environmental contaminants, which makes them a risky choice for wound care.

Should you use spider webs for wounds?

While the idea of using spider webs in emergencies has a fascinating historical basis, medical professionals strongly advise against it. Today, sterile gauze and antiseptics are far safer and more effective options for wound treatment.

Pro Tip: If you find yourself in a survival situation without medical supplies, the best attitude is to clean the wound with clean water and apply pressure with a clean cloth rather than relying on questionable folk remedies.

Moldy Bread as a Natural Antibiotic: Accidental Science or Dangerous Gamble?

The belief: Before antibiotics were discovered, people used moldy bread to heal wounds, believing it sped up recovery and prevented infections.

Centuries before modern medicine, healers and common folk noticed something peculiar - when moldy bread was applied to wounds, the affected area sometimes healed faster, and infections seemed less likely. This practice was particularly common in ancient Egypt and medieval Europe, where people unknowingly stumbled upon the early principles of antibiotic therapy.

The mold found on some types of bread belongs to the genus Penicillium, the same one that led to the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928. The active compounds found in Penicillium mold are capable of killing bacteria, explaining why the use of moldy bread may have actually worked in some cases.

But as you can guess, not all molds are beneficial - some produce harmful toxins (including mycotoxins), which can cause severe infections or even poisoning. Thus, if you apply the wrong type of mold to an open wound it could have disastrous consequences. Thus self-medicating with moldy bread is not a substitute for proper medical care. You should better visit your pediatrician and get a prescription for a modern, proven antibiotic

Fun fact: The discovery of penicillin - the first true antibiotic - was entirely accidental. Alexander Fleming left out a Petri dish containing bacteria, and when it was exposed to Penicillium mold, he noticed that the bacteria around the mold had died. This chance observation finally changed the course of medical history!

Kerosene Gargles for Sore Throat: A Toxic Tradition

The belief: Gargling kerosene was thought to disinfect the throat, kill bacteria, and relieve pain caused by infections such as tonsillitis.

This strange and dangerous remedy was once used in some rural communities where medical knowledge was scant and antiseptics were unavailable. Some people believed that the intense burning sensation of kerosene was a sign that it killed bacteria and relieved sore throats.

The truth or myth?

Kerosene is highly toxic: Gargling or swallowing even a small amount of kerosene can cause chemical burns, poisoning, lung damage, and even death if inhaled. It is a petroleum-based product designed for fuel, not medicine.
No antibacterial benefits: Unlike medical antiseptics, kerosene does not have any proven antibacterial effects in the human body. The irritation and burning sensation people felt was simply a sign of severe tissue damage, not healing.

Thus, never try this at home! This is one of the most dangerous folk remedies ever recorded. If someone ingests kerosene, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Do not induce vomiting, as this can cause the substance to enter the lungs, leading to life-threatening aspiration pneumonia.

A mother opts for modern medicine and uses a reliable throat spray to treat her young child.

Heritage or Naivety?