Snakebites and bites from rabid animals are accidents that often occur, especially in rural and mountainous regions. Without timely medical attention, these incidents can lead to severe complications, long-term disability, or even death. Although many communities are familiar with traditional remedies, modern medicine still emphasizes that any venomous bite requires urgent professional treatment.

Every year, an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 people worldwide are bitten by venomous snakes, with around 2,000 resulting deaths. In the United States alone, 6,000 to 8,000 snakebite cases are reported annually. The mortality rate caused by cobra bites is about 9%, while bites from pit vipers show a lower mortality rate of approximately 0.2%.

Statistics from Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi also illustrate how dangerous snakebites can be. Among patients treated in the Intensive Care Unit, the mortality rate from cobra bites was 20% during 1987–1991. This number dropped to 11.9% between 1991 and 1993 (out of 71 patients), and further decreased to 7% during the first ten months of 1998. Notably, no fatalities were recorded from green pit viper bites during those periods.

Plantain – A Traditional Herb Believed to Draw Out Toxins

In traditional Vietnamese medicine, plantain (Plantago asiatica L. or Plantago major var. asiatica) is considered a valuable herb. Known by various names such as mã đề, xa tiền, or su ma, the plant is believed to grow where horses leave their footprints, which explains some of its folk names. Plantain is a perennial herb with spoon-shaped or oval leaves that grow in clusters at the base. Its long flowering stalks bear small, brownish, bisexual flowers.

Modern research has identified aucubin, a compound found in plantain leaves and stems, which exhibits anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties in laboratory settings. Traditionally, the plant has been used to soothe minor skin irritations, insect bites, or superficial wounds. Some people also believe plantain can help ease discomfort from animal bites, although such uses are based on folk knowledge rather than clinical standards.

Because of its reputation for "drawing out impurities," plantain leaves are sometimes applied topically in various cultures as a natural remedy to calm the skin or reduce swelling. However, this should never replace proper medical treatment—particularly in emergencies such as venomous snakebites or bites from potentially rabid animals.

Traditional Accounts of Using Plantain in Emergency Situations

According to herbalists like Âu Văn Định from the Tuyen Quang Traditional Medicine Association, plantain has long been regarded in folk medicine as a supportive herb for addressing wounds caused by venomous animals. In older generations, people might chew the leaves or crush them to apply on the affected area with the belief that it helps reduce toxins.

In historical and cultural contexts—especially in remote areas where access to medical care was limited—such remedies were part of communal knowledge passed down through families. While these practices are meaningful from an ethnobotanical perspective, they should be viewed today as supplementary at best, not as a replacement for antivenom, rabies prevention, or professional medical evaluation.

Important Safety Reminder

Although traditional herbs like plantain may provide comfort for minor wounds or skin irritations, they cannot neutralize venom or prevent infections such as rabies. Modern medical treatment is essential.

If someone is bitten by a snake or a potentially rabid animal:

• Clean the wound gently with clean water if possible.

• Seek immediate medical assistance. Antivenom and rabies post-exposure prophylaxis are life-saving treatments that only healthcare facilities can provide.

• Avoid relying solely on folk remedies, as delays can increase the risk of complications.

Traditional knowledge can have cultural value, but it should be used with caution and always alongside proper medical care.