Approximately 1,700 years ago, the Chinese alchemist Ge Hong was renowned for his special soup that could cure diarrhea-stricken patients. This stew was deep yellow and had an intense aroma, and, like many family recipes, it had a secret ingredient - which, in this case, came from the bathroom, rather than the kitchen. Consuming feces may seem unwise, and today, few doctors would prescribe Ge Hong’s recipe. However, new research suggests that taking poop into the body in other ways might benefit our health. One such treatment is fecal microbial transplantation, which works by introducing new microbes into the intestine to reset the gut microbiome. This intricate balance of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea is essential for human life, as it helps to break down food, make vitamins, train the immune system and circadian rhythm, and protect us from infections. The microbiome starts forming in the womb, and is further diversified by exposure to various foods and environments. If poor nutrition, chronic disease or antibiotics disrupt this balance, the body can become vulnerable to infections and other issues. Fecal microbial transplants are currently only allowed by the US Food and Drug Administration for treating antibiotic-resistant Clostridiodes difficile, an infection that causes intermittent fevers, abdominal cramping, and extreme diarrhea. To start the process, a gastroenterologist retrieves a stool sample from a bank, which is then administered to the patient via a pill or tube. This treatment is successful in over 80% of cases, and is classified as an experimental treatment rather than a formal medication. New research in rodents suggests that fecal bacteriotherapy may be used in the future to treat conditions such as type 2 diabetes and anxiety. Studies in humans have even started finding different microbial patterns associated with various disorders. It appears to be a distinct possibility that changing a patient’s microbiome could open up a variety of new treatment methods. We still have much to learn about what constitutes an optimal gut microbiome or the most beneficial fecal transplants. However, at the present time we can be sure that our feces have a promising future.