Ancient societies suffered from several diseases that we have eliminated or controlled and several that they could not treat but that we can now cure. One super common infestation that we usually don’t talk much about is the scourge of parasitic worms in ancient India.
Parasitic worm infections were particularly widespread in tropical and subtropical regions like the Indian subcontinent. Poor sanitation, untreated water sources, and agricultural practices exposed populations to these infections, which were almost universal and caused widespread malnutrition and debilitating illnesses.
Traditional medicine had no cure, and most people who had it were probably never treated. Interventions like neem, turmeric, and pomegranate bark in the Indian subcontinent could, at best, control but not cure. Cultures in other parts of the world relied on garlic, pumpkin seeds, or black walnut hulls, and they, too, lacked the reliability of modern anthelmintics.
The 20th century brought synthetic drugs like albendazole and mebendazole, which revolutionized treatment by targeting worms efficiently and with fewer side effects. Today, large-scale public health initiatives, such as India’s National Deworming Programme, treat over 250 million children biannually, dramatically reducing worm prevalence.
The short-term effects of worm infections include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating. Worms consume nutrients, leading to anemia and stunted growth. Energy levels drop as the body fights the infection. Some worms cause itchy skin or inflammation.
The long-term effects of malnutrition are due to nutrient theft and impaired absorption, leading to stunted growth and wasting. Micronutrient deficiencies lead to low immunity and impaired cognitive development, reducing IQ and learning capacity. Some infections, like schistosomiasis, can cause permanent damage to the liver, lungs, or intestines. Hookworm-induced anemia in pregnant women increases the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight. Chronic parasitic infections would leave the person vulnerable to secondary infections, perpetuating a vicious cycle of illness and poverty.
Traditional remedies may have provided temporary relief and reduced worm loads but rarely eradicated infections and delivered inconsistent results.
Modern drugs target infections precisely, are safe for mass deworming programs, and effectively eliminate worms, breaking the cycle of malnutrition and cognitive delays.
Today, we have improved sanitation, which has significantly reduced the burden. However, unlike in the developed world, hygiene is still a huge problem in India, and millions need regular deworming.
If you lived in ancient India, it would be quite unlikely that you would have avoided a chronic, life-long worm infection.