In ancient times, it was believed that a person bitten by a poisonous snake could be saved by applying a mixture of goat excrement, vinegar, resin, and sulphur to the wound. Some physicians of the time recommended that the victim drink large amounts of wine and run until sweating heavily, repeating this process throughout the day. Afterward, a paste of ground garlic and vinegar was to be applied to the bite. Another remedy involved a mixture of ground garlic, figs, and theriac. One final and rather extreme treatment advised the victim to drink their own urine, followed by a dose of two grams of theriac mixed with fifty grams of wine.
© Costas and Rita Severis Foundation
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