REVIEW ON THE USE OF KUKKUTA(HEN) IN SARPAVISHA (SNAKE POISON) CHIKITSA AS FOLKLORE MEDICINE

Abstract

Snake bites are a major public health concern in India, particularly in rural areas where they are one of the leading causes of death. Despite advancements in medical treatments such as specific anti-venoms tailored to various snake venoms, about 70% of the rural Indian population continues to rely on traditional Folk Medicine practices. These practices, which vary significantly across different regions, often involve unique and localized methods to address snake envenomation. One such distinctive practice involves the use of live hens in a treatment known as "Kukkuta" or "Hen Therapy" for snake bite management, particularly for cases involving "Sarpa visha" (snake venom). In this traditional method, the folklore practitioner places the anal region of a hen over the bite site. It is believed that the suction action of the hen's anal muscles extracts the venom from the bite. This process may involve using several hens depending on the perceived quantity and type of venom. After the procedure, the hens, now assumed to be venom-laden, are sacrificed and buried. This practice, while deeply rooted in cultural traditions and local beliefs, underscores the significant gap between modern medical solutions and the reliance on traditional methods in rural India. Addressing this gap requires not only the provision of accessible medical care but also educational efforts to dispel myths and misconceptions about snake bites and their treatments. The information for the present article has been collected from folklore practitioner Mr Thippeswamy from Sangenahalli village of Hiriyur Taluk Chitradurga district of Karnataka State.