An 82-year-old woman in eastern China landed in the hospital after attempting a bizarre folk remedy for her chronic lower back pain—swallowing eight live frogs.
The woman, surnamed Zhang, from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, was rushed to Zhejiang University No. 1 Affiliated Hospital in early September, unable to walk due to severe abdominal pain. Her son revealed, “My mother ate eight live frogs. Now the sharp pain has made her immobile.”
Zhang, who suffers from a herniated disc, believed consuming live frogs could ease her pain. Without telling her family, she swallowed three frogs on the first day and five more the next—live, uncooked, and each smaller than an adult’s palm.
Initially, Zhang felt only mild stomach discomfort, but it escalated over several days. Only then did she confess to her family.
Doctors confirmed she had contracted parasites, including sparganum, which had damaged her digestive system. She underwent a two-week treatment and was eventually discharged.
Senior physician Wu Zhongwen warned that Zhang’s case isn’t unique. “We’ve seen elderly patients consuming raw frogs, snake gall, fish gall, or even applying frog skin to their bodies. Many wait until their condition becomes severe before seeking help.”
Wu stressed that these so-called remedies are dangerous. “They can introduce parasites or toxins, leading to serious complications such as infections, vision problems, or even life-threatening conditions.”
Folklore cures continue to circulate online, sometimes with alarming consequences. In one recent case, a six-month-old baby suffered lead poisoning after her mother followed an internet tip involving lead acetate to treat eczema.
Medical experts urge the public to avoid risky traditional remedies and seek professional treatment instead.
