i see various english translations/explanations for "brukti" [the first word on the page], one of which is "cataract." Is there a generally accepted meaning of the word? is this an actual remedy? with that in our times cataract surgery is commonplace, should we first look to use this torah remedy of eyedrops [if the word does in fact mean cataract] before going thru surgery? do you know of any people/organizations that look to use torah remedies, that perhaps isolate whatever chemical(s) are used [for instance, here, it seems there would be some chemical found in the shade-dried old scorpion]. and even if this remedy would fall under the 'segula' category, would we still look to use it?
much appreciated,
gedaliah
The Tamei Minhagim (pg. 566) quotes the Maharil as stating that all of the manners of healings and "whispers" (phrases that would be said to ward off disease and demons) in the Gemara are forbidden to try, as a person will not know their essence (how to do them), and when they will not work people will scorn and make fun of the words of Chazal (besides one from Shabbos 67a). This is probably one of the reasons why you do not see Torah pharmacies and doctors based on the methods of healing mentioned in the Gemara.
All the best,
Yaakov Montrose