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The rainy season brings both comfort and danger. While the rain helps cool down the high temperatures, it also makes the air more humid, which increases the chances of snakes being active. These dangerous animals often look for dry and safe spots like fields, gardens, flooded areas, and even close to houses. Because of this, the likelihood of encounters with people becomes much higher, particularly in countryside areas where individuals are working in the fields or walking through flooded regions. Unfortunately, when snake bites occur, fear often results in poor choices. Nevertheless, getting medical help quickly, along with using traditional treatments, can save lives. Ancient texts from Ayurveda talk about a special plant that has various names like Kakoda, Kantola, or Katrol. It grows well in warm, moist areas and can typically be found on the edges of fields, in shrubs, and along forest borders. While the fruit can be cooked into a tasty vegetable dish, it is more valuable because of its healing abilities.
According to the traditions of village life and old Ayurvedic wisdom, Kakoda is thought to neutralize different kinds of venom. It is believed that if given right after a snake bite, its effects can be felt within five minutes. This natural treatment is still popular in many villages and has proven useful over generations.
How To Use The Kakoda Root?
Get the root of the Kakoda plant.
Clean it well to take off any dirt.
Let the root dry under the sun for two days.
Grind the dried root into a fine powder.
If someone gets bitten by a snake, mix one spoonful of the powder with milk and give it to the person to drink. People think this treatment starts working quickly, greatly easing the venom's impact. In Ayurveda, Kakoda is identified as an anti-venom plant. Traditionally, it has been used in rural areas not just for snake bites, but also for scorpion stings and bites from other poisonous insects. Its roots, leaves, and fruits are regarded as helpful for lowering the harmful effects on the body. This treatment is based in traditional and folk medicine. If a snake bite happens, getting immediate medical care is crucial. This home remedy may give temporary comfort but should not replace professional medical assistance. Since every snake has a different type of venom, seeing a doctor or going to a hospital is always the safest option.
In addition to its anti-venom traits, Kakoda is also appreciated as a healthy vegetable. It is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which helps with digestion, boosts immunity, and cools the body. For these reasons, it remains a common food in the kitchen and traditional medicine in rural India. Remedies like Kakoda showcase the knowledge of our ancestors and their close bond with nature. While modern medical options have become easier to access, it is also vital to keep such traditional knowledge alive. Kakoda stands as a great illustration, contributing both taste and health across generations.
