Myth 13: Traditional Medicine Can Treat Snake Bites
In remote parts of India, many reckless methods are used to neutralize snake venom, from eating Kajara seeds to applying betel leaf extract and even hen’s anus to snake bites.
In the absence of awareness, inaccessible medical facilities, and deep-rooted traditional beliefs, the locals trust a village shaman to use witchcraft to heal snake bites rather than going to a hospital.
Only timely administration of anti-venom serum at the correct dosage can effectively treat a venomous snake bite.
Placing a molten hot iron rod on the bite or ‘sucking out the snake venom’ by making an incision are other bizarre methods that can cause more harm to the victim.
A Polyvalent Antivenom Serum in India neutralizes the envenomation by any of the Big Four Snakes – Common Krait, the Spectacled Cobra, Russell’s Viper, and Saw Scaled Viper.
Snake conservation depends on educating the rural public about basic avoidance behavior like wearing covered shoes at night and carrying a torch at night.
