Bizarre Ancient Practices and Beliefs

Ancient Romans used urine as mouthwash and teeth whitener because they believed the ammonia would

keep their teeth sparkling clean. While that sounds absolutely disgusting to us today,

it actually worked. The ammonia in urine does have antibacterial properties and can remove stains.

Roman poet Catullus even wrote about how Spanish urine was considered the highest quality

for dental care because of their diet. But here's where it gets even weirder.

Ancient Egyptians created the world's first pregnancy tests by having women urinate on

wheat and barley seeds. If the seeds sprouted, she was pregnant. If the wheat grew

faster, it would be a boy. If barley grew faster, a girl. Modern science has