Natural Home Remedies For Snake Bites

Snake bites can be everywhere, but will depend on the environment you are working on. Bushes, backyard of the house or Fields environment are most likely to have most kind of snakes because they prefer hiding habitat. People working in fields or forest can possibly bitten by snakes. Snake bites create fear and panic to victims and most of people didn't know how to handle the situation, Today I will show you some natural home remedies that can be used to remove or detoxify snake venom in human body as soon as you have snake bites. Follow me on this article, You are welcome!!.

Some snake bites are harmless while others are life threatening (Venomous snakes). Venomous snakes are species of the suborder Serpentes that are capable of producing venom, which is used primarily for immobilizing prey and defense mostly via mechanical injection by fangs. These snakes produce venom, the highly modified saliva containing zootoxins which facilitates the immobilization and digestion of prey, and defends against threats. It is injected by unique fangs after a bite, and some species are also able to spit.

Venom is a poisonous substance secreted by animals such as snakes, spiders, and scorpions and typically injected into prey or aggressors by biting or stinging.

Snake venom is the highly modified saliva made up of around 80% proteins and some 20% enzymes. Most of these enzymes are harmless to humans, but there are about 20 toxic enzymes known to man, and the unique mixtures of these zootoxins and proteins make for the lethal snake venom.

Most of people loose temper and panic after snake bites, but you have to know that under all circumstances, you must remain calm, as panic and shock are bigger will enhance the venom's effects. Some of the most important things to remember are, never make any incisions in the snake bite area and never try to suck out the venom; these actions can be more harmful than beneficial.

PRINCIPAL TYPES OF SNAKE VENOM

There are four principal types of venom that have been identified depending on the snake species. Venomous snakes may inject a mix of several types of venom (Zootoxins), with each venom type acting differently in the victim.

1. Cytotoxic

It causes the formation of red blisters near the bite area and blue/black spotting due to the limited blood circulation. It destroys cells, and attacks that everything in its path, blood vessels, cells, and tissues. This is a milder form of venom that usually causes only primary symptoms, like pain followed by severe swelling and bleeding.

Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting. If a bite left untreated within few hours, may lead to a need for an amputation. The Puff Adder uses this type of venom and is responsible for more fatalities than any other African snake.

2. Neurotoxic

It affects the nervous system and causes degeneration of the synaptic nerves, and results to blocking nerve impulses sent to and from the brain to the muscles. The symptoms are a progressive paralysis of the skeletal and peripheral muscles.

Human envenomation symptoms include drooping eyelids and a dazed, almost sleep like paralysis, sometimes followed by spasms, excess salivation and vomiting. Swelling and tissue damage do occur in some cases. Without treatment, death can result from respiratory or heart failure.

** Envenomation is the process by which venom is injected into some animal by the bite (or sting) of a venomous animal.

3. Myotoxic

Myotoxic affects muscle tissue and can lead to death from kidney and heart failure. The venom will rapidly disable muscle contractions, making it easier for the snake to hold and eat its prey. In humans, the bite results in pain in the legs, hips, and shoulders.

About 25% of victims will endure severe muscle and kidney damage, in some cases can cause muscle necrosis, the death of cells and tissue.

4. Haemotoxic Venom

It affects blood and circulation using up the clotting factors so it no longer coagulates. In the wild, the prey will die from cardiovascular failure and massive bleeding. If a human is bitten this will often result in great pain, drop of blood pressure, swelling and bruising, followed by extensive bleeding from the gums, nose, eyes and in the brain.

If not treated a bite can result in death, several snake species use this type of venoms like the Siamese Russell's Viper and Malayan Pit Viper or the boomslang (Dispholidus typus) one of the most venomous snakes in Africa.

NATURAL HOME REMEDIES FOR SNAKES BITES

The following are some natural remedies that can be used as soon as you have snake bites;

1. Curry Leaves

A porridge made of curry leaves helps in uprooting the poison and treating the snake bite. Curry leaves are used for the treatments of various health issues and is used to add flavor to various culinary dishes.

2. Mongoose Plant

This herb can neutralize the venom of the viper and is usually found in the forests of southern India where the instance of snake bites are also high. It acts as an antidote to a snake bite and is especially effective in treating the sting of the Russel’s viper.

3. Oil Of Oregano

It can be applied topically to the snake bite which will help in disinfecting and drawing out the venom from the body. It acts as a stimulant and has powers to fight infections and kill microorganisms in the body.

Photo: Oregano Plant

4. Activated Charcoal

This item should be kept handy in areas that are susceptible to snake bites. Damp activated charcoal should be applied on the affected area and be covered with a tape or cloth to secure the poultice. Also oral intake of 2 tsp damp activated charcoal gives quick relief. This method is effective for the first 24 hours so should be applied immediately after the snake has bitten.

5. Bentonite Clay

It effectively removes toxins from our body and eases the symptoms of the bite. Mix some echinacea powder with bentonite clay in some water to make a paste and apply over the wound. It is advised to drink ample water if we take this clay orally.

6. Echinacea Oil

It can be applied topically and also taken orally every 6 hours to help in treating the bites and neutralize the effect of the venom.  It boosts immunity and protects the body from common ailments like cold and cough.

Photo: Echinacea plant

Photo: Echinacea plant

7. Icy Water

Taking a bath in icy cold water is said to reduce the effect of the snake venom. Add a tsp of arnica salve to a jug of water and apply this mix to the affected area by dipping a cotton cloth in the solution. Repeat after a few hours.

8. Marigold

Is any garden flower plant of the genus Calendula, with orange, yellow or reddish flowers. They contain flavonoids that are compounds with antioxidant properties. They protect the body cells from harmful chemicals, decrease irritation along the affected area and help in fast recovery.

Photo: Marigold plants

Photo: Marigold flowers

9. Plantain Leaves

The leaves of this plant are very useful in treating various stomach problems. It looks like spinach and has an astringent flavor. A tincture of this leaf can be applied to a snake-bitten area which will help in drawing out the venom and lessening the pain associated with it.

10. Lavender Essential Oil

This oil is used to calm the senses and relieves stress. It speeds up recovery if applied to wounds and acts as a disinfectant that reduces the intensity of the venom till medical aid is administered.

Photo: Lavender plants

Photo: Lavender oil

NOTE:

After using some of the above natural remedies, it is important to see a doctor for further diagnosis and treatment. The doctor will determine treatment after a snake bite by the type of snake, whether it was venomous, and whether the victim is showing any signs of distress. When bitten by a venomous snake, the first course of action is typically to clean the wound and then monitor the patient for an extended period. The administration of an antivenin, or antivenom can be done by doctor depending on the severeness of the condition.

Posted by: Lusubilo A. Mwaijengo