Erin's Pre-AP Chemistry Blog: Snake Bite

Juniper Berry

Juniperus communis

Habitat: The juniper berry is found in eastern deciduous forest & tallgrass prairie habitats.

Active Chemical Ingredients: Terpinen-4-ol (C₁₀H₁₈O) has anti-inflammatory properties, thus treating dermatitis.

Season: August-December

Uses: Juniper berries can be used to treat indigestion, snakebite and dermatitis.

Preparation: Chew the berries for indigestion. Apply crushed berries to the dermatitis affected area. Mix juniper berry oil with lard to apply to wounds such as snakebite.

Terpinen-4-ol (n.d) Retrieved September 9, 2015, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terpinen-4-ol

Queen Anne’s Lace

Daucus carota

Habitat: Queen Anne’s Lace can be found in eastern deciduous forest & tallgrass prairie habitats.

Active Chemical Ingredients: Pectin (C6H10O7)

Season: May-October

Uses: The plant can be used to treat indigestion (food poisoning), diarrhea, and snakebite.

Preparation: Queen Anne’s Lace can be prepared into a tea by steeping an ounce of the lace heads for 10-15 minutes to treat indigestion and diarrhea. A chewed poultice made with the root of the plant can treat wounds such as snakebite.

Showing metabocard for Pectin (HMDB03402). (n.d.). Retrieved September 9, 2015, from http://www.hmdb.ca/metabolites/HMDB03402

Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

Habitat: Eastern deciduous forest & tallgrass prairie

Active Chemical Ingredient: Quercetin (C₁₅H₁₀O₇)

Season: Summer to Fall

Uses: The plant can be used to treat snake bite and symptoms of the common cold, such as sore throat.

Preparation: Make a paste with clay and water mixed with crushed echinacea and apply to the bite. The clay will draw out the toxins and the echinacea will boost the immune system, allowing the body to fight off any traces of poison. Drinking an echinacea tea will soothe the sinuses and throat.