Remedy for Snake Bite

Chinese herbs can be taken long-term for chronic dis-eases such as diabetes, hepatitis, autoimmune diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders, either as palliative relief or as a preventative to a recurrence of symptoms. Herbs can also be taken for more acute problems, such as the common cold or allergic reactions, for more immediate relief. If you ever find yourself getting bit in the face by a snake, Chinese herbs can help!

According to TCM, there are three basic causes of disease:

• external environment, most notably cold and wind
• internal upset, from the stifling of emotions to improper diet and exercise
• miscellaneous causes, like being thrown from a horse or bit by a rabid dog.
  

In the case of today's blog post, you've got a one in three chance of being bit by a venomous snake! (OK, so not really)

Unfortunately this formula was taken from a web site that doesn't give dosages or tell you how to take it - how much you should take, how soon after getting bitten, aftercare, et cetera. It may be an internal or external formula... we don't know. Nevertheless, it is an interesting formula and utilizes some less-common herbs.

• 蒲公英 Pu Gong Ying - dandelion
• 金银花 Jin Yin Hua - honeysuckle
  
• 白芷 Bai Zhi - angelica dahurica
  
• 半枝莲 Ban Zhi Lian - barbed skullcap
  
• 连翘 Lian Qiao - forsythia fruit
  
• 蜈蚣 Wu Gong - scorpion
  
• 蟾酥 Chan Su - toad venom
  
• 仙鹤草 Xian He Cao - agrimony
  
• 白花蛇舌草 Bai Hua She She Cao - hedyotis/oldenlandia

You may have noticed that this snake bite remedy uses toad venom and dried scorpion. This may seem counter-intuitive but is an illustration of the Chinese medicine concept of fighting fire with fire - using toxins to lead out toxins.

See the source for this formula at this website, a Chinese medicine clinic in London.