My entomology book tells that cockroaches have mainly been used as cataplasm for earache (that goes back to Pliny), with minor use for ulcers, irritations, indigestion, pericarditis, pleurisy, weak sight and dropsy. It is not mentioned that it was a diuretic. Perhaps it was a kind of anti-inflammatory agent. I do not see what is a big deal about it. The Spanish fly is being used to this day.
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Date: 2010-08-01 07:15 pm (UTC)