Take It With a Grain of SaltHow an ancient poison remedy became modern advice.

From the show

History of Phrases

The common advice to be skeptical has its roots in a literal antidote for poison. Around 77 C.E., Roman author Pliny the Elder wrote about a secret recipe from King Mithridates VI, who famously made himself immune to toxins. The instructions included a mix of herbs, nuts, and one specific addition: a single grain of salt. This small, tangible ingredient, meant to protect from harm, evolved over centuries into the figurative expression we use for viewing information with caution.