Why do you think people used the common treatments of time if they harmful?

People used common treatments of the time, even if they were harmful, for several reasons:

1. Limited Knowledge: In the past, medical knowledge was much more limited compared to today. People, including doctors, relied on traditional practices and remedies passed down through generations, often without a full understanding of their effects.

2. Lack of Alternatives: In many cases, there were no widely available or effective alternatives to common treatments. Limited access to advanced medical technologies and pharmaceuticals meant that people had to rely on what was available at the time.

3. Cultural Beliefs: Cultural beliefs, traditional practices, and folklore have a significant impact on people's healthcare decisions. Some treatments could have cultural symbolism or be rooted in spiritual beliefs, and individuals might have felt obligated to follow them despite potential risks.

4. Desperation: When faced with serious illnesses or conditions, people may become desperate and willing to try anything that offers a chance for relief or cure, even if the evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited.

5. Placebo Effect: Some common treatments may have provided a perceived benefit through the placebo effect. Patients' belief in the treatment's effectiveness might have led to psychological or psychosomatic relief.

6. Limited Regulation: In the past, regulations governing medical practices and product safety were often less stringent. This allowed harmful treatments to persist as there were fewer mechanisms in place to ensure patient safety.

7. Economic Factors: Access to effective medical care can be influenced by socioeconomic factors. For some individuals, common treatments were the only affordable options they could afford.

With advancements in medical research, development of evidence-based practices, and improved healthcare systems, many once-common treatments have been replaced by safer and more effective options.