Snake Bite

There are many varieties of poisonous snakes. Because a child's small body has less of a capacity for fighting a reaction to snake venom, prompt medical care for snakebite is essential.

Symptoms caused by snakebite range from mild to severe, and can include a racing pulse, with swelling and discoloration around the area of the bite. If your child is bitten by a snake, he may feel weak and be short of breath; he will probably feel nauseous and may vomit. If the venom is very strong, your child will experience severe pain and much swelling. His pupils will dilate, and shock and convulsion may occur. Your child may twitch uncontrollably and his speech may become slurred. After a severe snakebite, a child can become paralyzed and lose consciousness. If your child is bitten by a snake, act fast.

Supplements and herbs

Herbal treatments for snakebite are directed at supporting recovery from the bite once appropriate emergency medical care has been administered and your child is well enough to leave the hospital. If your child is bitten by a snake, seek emergency medical care immediately.

See age-appropriate dosages of herbal remedies

• Echinacea and goldenseal help to prevent or treat an infection. Both herbs have antibiotic properties and help to boost the immune system. Give your child one dose of a combination formula, three times a day, for five days. Then give one dose, twice daily, for five days.
  Note: You should not give your child Echinacea on a daily basis for more than ten days at a time, or it will lose its effectiveness.
• Garlic has antibacterial properties, and helps detoxify the blood. Give your child one capsule of a garlic supplement (or one clove of fresh garlic), three times a day, for two weeks.

More useful herbs

• Cajueiro