| | Bites Stings | Snake Bites
How did they treat a rattlesnake bite in the 1840s?
Trephining - This involved drilling a hole into the skin over the bite and inserting a tube to allow the venom to drain out.
Scarification - This involved cutting the skin over the bite to encourage bleeding and the removal of venom.
Cupping - This involved placing a heated cup over the bite to create suction and draw out the venom.
Tourniquet - This involved tying a tight band around the limb above the bite to prevent the venom from spreading.
Alcohol or whiskey - Whiskey or alcohol was sometimes applied to the bite to numb the pain.
Poultices - A poultice made from herbs or other ingredients was sometimes applied to the bite to reduce swelling and pain.