Decoding the "gem" on the cobra's head believed to have miraculous healing powers

Decoding the “gem” on the cobra’s head believed to have miraculous healing powers

Venomous snakes are a primal fear for humans, leading to the widespread sharing of folk remedies for snake bites.

The king cobra, scientifically known as Ophiophagus hannah, is a large venomous snake known for its characteristic behavior of raising its head when threatened. This prominent biological feature makes the king cobra one of the most recognizable and common venomous snakes worldwide.

This species originates from India but can also be found in various countries, including Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. King cobras inhabit special highland forests, wooded areas, and grasslands near rivers and streams.

Although the king cobra is a venomous snake, it is also regarded as a sacred creature in the folklore of many cultures around the world. In fact, it is worshipped and revered through various rituals.

Some notable representations of this snake in the cultural and spiritual beliefs of various countries include:

In India, the king cobra is depicted around the neck of the god Shiva, and there is even a dedicated temple where cobras are considered Nagraj (king of snakes). Additionally, every year, a Hindu festival called Nag Panchami is held to honor and worship snakes.

In Egyptian culture, the symbol of the king cobra was used to adorn the crowns of pharaohs in ancient times, signifying the power and strength of the kings. The ancient Egyptians also regarded the king cobra as a deity and held it in high reverence and fear.

Snake’s Pearl – The Gem on the Cobra’s Head and the Legend of its Healing Properties

In the cultures of Africa, South America, India, and even Asia, there is a folk remedy for snake bites that involves using the snake stone or snake’s pearl, known in India as Nagamani, for healing.

This “gem” is a small object, about the size of a pea, found in the king cobra, which can be extracted by gently pressing a blade on the top of the snake’s head. Watch the video below:

Initially, during the early Celtic period (a diverse group of tribes and ethnicities in Iron Age and early medieval Europe), this “gem” was believed to protect humans from evil spirits rather than to treat snake bites.

Snake’s Pearl. (Photo: Sufimagic).

However, it later came to be believed that it had special properties that could resist various venoms and help heal wounds from snake bites, as well as protect humans from venomous snakes.

How to Use This “Gem”

In Peru, the ‘snake’s pearl’ is applied to the site of a venomous snake bite and secured in place, left for a few days so that the “gem” (believed to) helps draw the venom from the bite (according to Linnea Smith – “Piedra Negra”).

In Iran, the famous Persian physicist, astronomer, and geographer Muhammad al-Qazwini wrote that the ‘snake’s pearl’ is used by placing it in warm water or yogurt and soaking the snake bite wound in it, allowing the stone to draw out the venom.

What is the Truth About the Efficacy of This “Gem”?

In reality, the “gem” on the head of the king cobra is merely… a part of the snake’s bone and can sometimes also be found in its tail.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this “gem” has no medical efficacy regarding snake bites and advises against using traditional methods that lack scientific basis, such as:

Using the mouth to suck out venom, cutting the wound, or using the ‘snake’s pearl’ for treatment (According to World Health Organisation: Snake Envenoming).

Numerous scientific studies indicate that using “snake’s pearl” for treating snake bites can be harmful and even more dangerous. A 2006 study from India titled “Snakebite Envenomation in India: A Rural Medical Emergency” reported:

“Unscientific methods such as treating wounds with ‘snake’s pearl’ have delayed the search for appropriate medical treatments.”

A medical study from Bolivia (titled: “Study of the efficacy of the black stone on envenomation by snake bite in the murine model”) also stated: “Contrary to popular belief, there is no efficacy in using ‘snake’s pearl’ for first aid treatment of snake bites.”