Snake and Rabid Dog Bites: How to Handle and Traditional Remedies

Poisonous snake bites and rabid dog bites are common accidents, especially in rural and mountainous areas. If immediate first aid is not provided, they can lead to complications that result in disability or even death.

Each year, 30,000 to 40,000 people around the world are bitten by poisonous snakes, with around 2,000 fatalities. In the United States, 6,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by snakes annually, with 9% of deaths caused by cobra bites and 0.2% by pit viper bites.

At the intensive care unit of Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, the fatality rate due to cobra bites between 1987 and 1991 was 20%, 11.9% from 1991 to 1993 (out of 71 patients), and 7% from January to October 1998 (86 patients). No deaths were recorded from pit viper bites.

Plantain's Effectiveness in Poison Removal from Wounds

Traditional Remedy for Snake Bites Using Lemon Seeds

Snake bites typically occur in the summer, as snakes are hibernating animals. When looking at the bite marks left on the skin, one can distinguish venomous snakes from non-venomous ones. A non-venomous snake bite usually leaves a curved, even set of marks.

A venomous snake will leave two deeper puncture marks, which are the venomous fangs. The venom enters the body through the lymphatic system, so it is important to apply a tourniquet to the lymphatic vessels for effective treatment—not to arteries or veins.

However, if bitten by a snake or a rabid dog, it is important to remain calm, thoroughly clean the wound with a 9% saline solution. Avoid squeezing the wound excessively, as it can cause more venom to spread.

Traditional Remedy with Chili Leaves for Emergency Treatment

According to herbalist Âu Văn Định (Tuyên Quang Oriental Medicine Association), plantain is highly effective in absorbing toxins from snake and rabid dog bites.

Plantain, also known as plantago, plantain herb, or plantain leaves (scientific name: Plantago asiatica L.), belongs to the Plantago family. It is named “mã đề” (plantain) or “xa tiền” (farther-reaching) because it was believed to grow where horse-drawn carriages passed.

Plantain is a perennial herb with a short stem, leaves growing in clusters at the base, long petioles, and spoon-shaped or oval leaves with veins running lengthwise along the leaves, converging at the leaf base.

Plantain flowers grow in spikes with long peduncles emerging from the leaf axils. The flowers are regular, bisexual, with a calyx of four lobes, slightly overlapping at the base, and brownish petals, interspersed with long leaves.

Modern research has shown that plantain contains astringent substances with strong absorption power. The leaves and stems contain a chemical called aucubin, which has been proven to have detoxifying effects and protect the liver.

As a result, plantain is often used to absorb debris, toxins, or even tiny shards of glass from the skin. It is also used to soothe bites from insects, dogs, snakes, and other venomous creatures.

Traditional Remedy for Snake and Rabid Dog Bites

The method is simple:

As soon as a snake or rabid dog bites, take about 10 plantain leaves (including both the leaves and stems) and have the victim chew them thoroughly, swallowing the liquid. The remaining pulp should be applied to the bite wound for detoxification.

If the victim is unconscious, crush the plantain leaves and extract the juice, pouring it into the victim’s mouth. Apply the pulp to the wound. The aucubin in plantain will rapidly absorb the toxins and provide effective relief.

Note: This remedy is suitable for both adults and children aged one and above. However, the dosage will vary by age. After performing first aid at home, the victim should be taken to the nearest healthcare facility immediately for further treatment.