Category: Historical medicine

Originally derived from the Taino word for the *Guaiacum* tree, **what does the word guaiac mean** today in a medical context? This term refers to the substance used in the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), a crucial screening tool for gastrointestinal health.

Dating back to ancient Egypt, castor oil was a staple of household medicine, used for a wide range of ailments. This oily concoction, rich in ricinoleic acid, has a long and varied history, which explains **Why did people take castor oil in the old days?** and its prominent role in folk remedies.

While the term 'milk fever' is most famously associated with dairy cows experiencing a sudden calcium deficiency, its use in human health is outdated and misleading. Understanding **what is milk fever in people?** involves exploring historical medical terminology and clarifying the distinct postpartum conditions it once described.

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, the 'father of microbiology,' is celebrated for his incredible discoveries, but few know he also documented his own rare, debilitating illness. Van Leeuwenhoek's disease refers to the rare condition he experienced firsthand, which is now more commonly known by other names.