2,000 year old parasite cleanse

Hua Tuo, a renowned Chinese physician in Eastern Han Dynasty

In the Records of the Three Kingdoms, there is a story about Hua Tuo, the legendary physician, using herbal medicine to save a man’s life.

One day, Hua Tuo heard agonized groans while walking along a road. He saw a man being rushed on a cart by his family, his throat blocked and face twisted in pain. Though he desperately wanted food, he couldn’t swallow.

Moved by compassion, Hua Tuo examined the man and said, “Ahead is a noodle shop. Ask for three pints of their special garlic vinegar broth and have him drink it. He’ll recover.” Trusting Hua Tuo, the family followed his advice. After drinking the broth, the man vomited a two-to-three-foot-long parasite.

Overjoyed, the family rushed to Hua Tuo’s home to thank him. When they arrived, Hua Tuo wasn’t there, but his young son noticed the parasite and remarked, “They must have met my father. This proves his work.” Inside, the family saw many similar parasites on the walls, deepening their admiration for Hua Tuo’s skills. Even simple remedies at the right dose can be effective for terrible diseases.

By Karen Ko

Edited by Andrew Miles