In a shocking incident from Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, an 82-year-old woman, identified as Zhang, swallowed eight live frogs in an attempt to relieve her chronic back pain caused by a herniated disc. The unusual act, based on a folk remedy, had serious consequences for her health.

According to reports, Zhang believed that consuming live frogs would alleviate her lower back pain and asked her family to catch some small frogs. Shortly after ingestion, she experienced severe stomach pain and discomfort, which worsened to the point where she could not walk. Her son rushed her to the hospital, leaving doctors astonished at the reason for her condition.

Medical Findings
Upon admission, doctors discovered that Zhang had suffered extensive damage to her digestive system. Tests revealed the presence of a parasite called Sparganum, which can enter the body through contaminated water, undercooked meat, or in this rare case, by swallowing a live frog. The parasitic infection also caused an increase in oxyphil cells, signaling blood disorders and other complex conditions. Doctors warned that even a slight delay in treatment could have allowed the infection to spread further.

Treatment and Recovery
Zhang received immediate medical treatment. After two weeks of care, her condition stabilized, and she was discharged. Medical staff strongly cautioned against using folk remedies or unproven home treatments, emphasizing that such practices can be ineffective or even life-threatening. Experts advise anyone with health issues to seek scientific diagnosis and professional medical treatment rather than relying on traditional or anecdotal remedies.