Snake bite and its Ayurvedic Perspective - A Review Article

Abstract

Snakebites are a serious problem worldwide and a common medical emergency. In India, they are often an overlooked cause of accidental deaths, especially in rural areas of tropical and subtropical regions. Ayurveda has its own traditional methods for treating poisoning (visha), which can be understood alongside modern science. India reports the highest number of snakebites (about 81,000) and deaths (about 11,000) each year. Because of this, the World Health Organization has added snakebite to its list of neglected tropical diseases and created a special treatment protocol. The high death rate is mainly due to poor healthcare in rural areas and delays in reaching hospitals that can provide anti-snake venom. Ayurveda describes many treatments for venomous bites, including the “ChaturvimsatiVishachikitsopakrama” mentioned in the Charaka Samhita. Some of these treatments are also described in other classic texts like the Sushruta Samhita, Astangasamgraha, and Astangahrdaya. According to Acharya Charaka, there are 24 methods (Upakramas) to treat poisoning, which even include the use of mantras.