Thousands queue up to swallow live fish in bizarre Indian treatment for asthma

Thousands flocked to Hyderabad in southern India for the annual 'fish prasadam’, a bizarre event that sees attendees swallowing live fish as a treatment for asthma.

Footage from the day (June 8) shows administers of the ‘fish medicine’ putting murrel fish stuffed with a yellow herbal paste into the patients’ mouths.

The patients then gulp down the fish and gag as the wriggling 5cm-long creatures slip into their throats.

The fish is believed to clear the throat on their way down and cure asthma along with other respiratory problems.

The Bathini Goud Family, which distributes the bizarre medicine, believes the fish clear the throat curing asthma along with other respiratory problems.