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Homeopathic remedies can be made from almost anything. Would you be surprised to learn they even come from snakes?
It’s true.
Although the plant kingdom makes up the majority of the Homeopathic Materia Medica, animal-sourced remedies make up the second largest group of remedies behind plants. Animal-derived remedies come from many exotic sources like insects, marine animals, and yes, they come from snakes as well.
Read on to discover what snakes are used to make certain homeopathic remedies.
7 Snake-Derived Homeopathic Remedies
Snakes slither, and some find them creepy. They are elongated, legless reptiles that crawl unsuspected on the ground. Many of these snakes produce venom—a toxin that is typically injected through the fangs from biting prey.
Snake-derived homeopathic remedies are a prime example of the homeopathic principle “like cures like.” This is where a substance, like venom, often has harmful and even deadly effects, but when it is highly diluted, it becomes a very powerful homeopathic remedy.
To make a homeopathic remedy from a snake, venom is obtained from a live snake through a process of milking the reptile. Milking venom from live snakes is used to make antivenins—also called antivenom. This triggers the production of antibodies that neutralize the poison from snakebites.
Fresh or dried snake venom is then triturated into lactose sugar to make homeopathic remedies like Crotalus, Naja, Elaps, Bothrops, Crotalus cascavella, or Cenchris.
In the case of the bushmaster snake, the milked venom is dissolved in alcohol, and then repeatedly diluted and succussed to create the homeopathic remedy Lachesis.
For this article, I have singled out seven homeopathic remedies made from different species of snakes. Let’s take a brief look at each remedy, including their associated health benefits.
1. Crotalus (Rattlesnake)
The homeopathic remedy Crotalus is made from the venomous rattlesnake. The word rattlesnake comes from the Greek word krotalon, which means rattle. American homeopath Dr. Constantine Hering would prove the effectiveness of Crotalus in 1837.
The remedy is prescribed mostly for a wide range of serious disorders, such as angina, strokes, hemorrhaging, and throat infections. People that respond best to Crotalus are often prone to forgetfulness, and may even lose their way in their own neighborhood. They are also hostile around family members, while they even have a strong desire for pork.
2. Lachesis (Bushmaster Snake)
The homeopathic Lachesis is derived from a member of the rattlesnake family called the bushmaster snake. One bite from a bushmaster snake can cause almost instant death. However, as a homeopathic remedy, Lachesis was proven in 1828 by Dr. Hering, and it is given mostly for circulatory and heart conditions.
Lachesis is also used for spasms, tremors, sore throats, and women’s health problems like painful menstruation and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
One study of 438 patients published in the journal Homeopathy in 2008 also suggests that Lachesis is among the remedies effective in the treatment of menopausal hot flashes.
People that respond best to Lachesis tend to be creative, perceptive, ambitious, and talkative people that live life to the fullest.
3. Cenchris (Copperhead Snake)
The copperhead snake belongs to the venomous pit viper family, and it is responsible for most snake bites in the central and eastern U.S. It is made into the homeopathic remedy called Cenchris.
Cenchris is particularly suitable for people that experience jealousy, mental restlessness, abandonment, and suspicion. They also tend to be moody and absentminded, and they have vivid dreams that continue in their thoughts once they awake.
The remedy is also used for breathlessness and congestion in the blood vessels.
4. Elaps (Brazilian Coral Snake)
Elaps is a homeopathic remedy made from the Brazilian coral snake, which has roughly 200 rings on its belly colored bright black and red.
The remedy is used for right-sided paralysis after a stroke, as well as for hemorrhaging or other discharges characterized by black blood.
People that respond best to Elaps tend to be suspicious, intense, and arrogant. They also are often depressed, and would rather be alone, and yet they fear being left alone in case something horrible happens. Also, they are generally sensitive to the cold, feel afraid and miserable during wet weather, and they fear developing an illness such as a stroke.
5. Naja (Indian Cobra)
Naja is the homeopathic remedy made from the Indian cobra, which is indeed native to India. Indian Ayurvedic doctors have long used the poisonous venom from this cobra for blood and nervous disorders.
As a homeopathic remedy, Naja is used mostly for angina, valvular lesions, violent palpitations, and an erratic pulse. The internal organs may also feel as though they are drawn together or screwed up. The person’s sleep may also be restless or inhibited by a sense of suffocation at night.
People that respond best to Naja feel deeply wronged and unfortunate, but they tend to exaggerate or take their problems out of context. The person also tends to feel confused with forgetfulness and a sensation of duality.
6. Bothrops (Yellow Pit Viper)
Bothrops is a homeopathic remedy made from the snake yellow pit viper, which is found everywhere from Brazil to Mexico, and on various West Indian islands.
The homeopathic remedy is mostly for bruising, hemorrhaging from thin blood that will not clot, and severe PMS. The person’s face may also be bloated and dark red or blue, while the right hand may even turn blue. There may also be a sharp pain that radiates from the right nipple to the back, and it becomes worse when breathing deeply or when raising the left arm.
The person that benefits most from Bothrops will crave attention and have a strong desire to appear attractive. Also, they are either talkative or find it difficult to talk, and they forget words when speaking.
7. Crotalus Cascavella (South American Rattlesnake)
Crotalus cascavella is a remedy made with the South American rattlesnake, which has deadly venom that affects the nervous system in particular.
Crotalus cascavella is useful for people that feel jealous or forsaken. The person is also afraid to be alone and loves to be part of crowds and lots of people. They are also frequent hypochondriacs that are sensitive to the cold, and symptoms tend to be right-sided. They also feel they are being haunted by ghosts.
The remedy is mostly used for hives or sensations of constriction as if there is a band around the abdomen or throat.
Final Thoughts on Snake-Derived Remedies
These snake-derived homeopathic remedies prove that something good can come from deadly snake venom. The most common snake-derived remedies include Crotalus, Lachesis, Cenchris, Elaps, Naja, Bothrops, and Crotalus cascavella.
Before trying these remedies, I suggest consulting with a qualified homeopath. They will first interview you during an appointment and retrieve emotional, mental, and physical symptoms. They will then be able to determine what homeopathic remedy is the best for you while recommending the best dosage and potency of that remedy.
Sources:
Lockie, A., Encyclopedia of Homeopathy: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to Homeopathic Remedies and Treatments for Common Ailments (New York: DK Publishing, Inc., 2000), 107, 109, 122, 130, 139, 155, 156.
Lockie, A., et al., The Complete Guide to Homeopathy: The Principles & Practice of Treatment (New York: DK Publishing, 1995), 126, 136.
Bordet, M.F., et al., “Treating hot flashes in menopausal women with homeopathic treatment—results of an observational study,” Homeopathy, January 2008; 97(1): 10-15. DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2007.11.005.