Asiatic Anti-Venoms
By Castora Grimsby
A Book with a Bite!
What do the majority of witches and wizards do when bitten by a snake? They react in PANIC! If however, you are among the lucky, you have previously read this astounding book and are already aware that panicking will only make the situation worse. You will also know that you should remain calm, try to quickly stop the venom from circulating and find the anti-venom as soon as possible. Those that are bitten also usually try to kill the snake. Which may seem like a reasonable revengeful response at the time, but remember the snake was probably just defending itself or its territory. Try not to damage the snake. It may prove to be in your best interest to capture the snake for identification purposes. When it comes to anti-venoms it is best to know exactly which variety of snake and which venom you are up against.
We have narrowed down an amazing list of Asiatic anti-venoms. Within this book you will find an anti-venom sure to suit any occasion. If you have ever been or known someone bitten by the fangs of a poisonous snake you know that time is of the essence. These wonderful potions, elixirs and charms from across Asia are the best in keeping anti-venom brewing to the basics. They may be basic, but they are also potent and proven! Time and again when faced with a bad bite, this will be the book you reach to for answers.
Asiatic Anti-Venoms will cover some of the most astonishing anti-venoms ever available. We've traveled to the very farthest edges of the world and come back with some obscure treasures from the far east. Don't fret though, we have done the research and translations for you, so sit back, relax and get ready to learn how to charm the snake's venom out of anything.
Which Apparatus For Which Anti-venom?
Narrowing down a choice between various types of anti-venoms when facing an emergency, is not something you will want to deal with. However, you may find yourself in this very predicament someday, and you'll need all the information you can get your hands on in order to make an informed decision. We'll take a quick peek at a few of the options.
First off your going to need to have a few basic household items to begin making anti-venoms yourself. Figuring out which tools of the trade will help you most, can seem overwhelming, but really only a few are completely necessary in order to fight the deadly fangs of most snakes. These will include spotlessly cleaned cauldrons, beakers, a well stocked potions cupboard, a wand, a set of balanced scales and of course this book. You may also want to invest in an encyclopedia of snakes in case you need to identify the attacker.
According to recent ministry findings, anti-venoms in elixir or potion forms seem to be most effective. This is because they hit the bloodstream faster than spells and charms. Research also shows this is because administering an already brewed potion is quicker than trying to utter lengthy incantations. The effectiveness of one versus another is a highly debated topic. It is usually best to go with your gut instinct if you find yourself faced with an emergency. We will cover all four of these types of anti-venoms as well as a few others in later chapters.
Take a quick look around your house and make sure you have the necessary tools in order to begin brewing up any anti-venoms. A well prepared witch or wizard knows just how important it is to have the proper tools. In chapter 3 we will begin looking at precise potions to take the "bite" out of serpent stings.
Treatments for Temple Vipers
One of the most commonly treated snake bites is that from a Temple Viper. These snakes are quite prevalent in certain parts of the world. Legend has it that this snake originated in the "Temple of the Azure Cloud", which is more commonly known as the Snake Temple. The snake temple can be found on a remote peninsula in Malaysia. These snakes can be found in temples, but they are also commonly found outdoors around logs, leaf covered paths and they especially like gardening sheds.
The reason so many witches and wizards fall prey to this particular snake, is because it is extremely patient and maybe a tad bit lazy. This snake can remain still in one place for weeks. Waiting to ambush small rodents who may pass by. Unfortunately a lot of times the thing that actually passes by is a boot or a shoe and the viper will strike out, without realizing it is in for the nasty taste of leather instead of flesh.
Since this is one of the more common bites, we're listing both an incantation and a potion. Deciding which is best at the moment needed, we will leave for you to decide when that time comes.
While softly tapping your wand at the snake bite site chant the following:
Darkness deep inside may crawl
come back, come back now as I call
Find the bluest of the sky
traveling to the surface rise.
This incantation may need to be repeated up to 4 times before proving effective. Remember to clear your mind of any other thoughts, and focus on the venom you wish to charm out of the bitten victim.
Viper's Vengeance
This potion should be brewed on the seventh day of the seventh month. This will activate the ingredients to their fullest potential. If you need to brew the potion, and it will be too long of a wait, you can brew the potion on the seventh day of any month, you will just need to brew a substantially larger amount.
2 parts Puffskein fur (for absorption)
3 parts Phoenix tears (for magical healing)
1 part cotton (to purify)
1 part Enchanting Elm tree sap (for binding)
Brew all ingredients in a spotlessly clean cauldron for 3 hours over medium coals. Strain and retain the liquid portion. Bottle in a glass beaker and stopper with a quality cork to maintain an air tight potion.
When administering this potion try to get the victim to swallow it with another beverage, as it has a rather bitter taste. You won't want them spitting any of this precious liquid out!
Cutting out the Saw Tailed Viper
Another commonly reported snake bite, is from what is known as a Saw Tailed Viper. Don't worry the treatment isn't nearly as painful as the title of this chapter sounds! This type of snake likes to hide out in cool basements and tool sheds. This snake is one you can easily identify if you have been bitten by it. It has a saw shaped tail, with jagged teeth that emulate the look of a handsaw.
When sleeping on a table, workbench or floor, this viper curls up leaving only the tail exposed. This has led many a wizard to grab onto the tail of the snake. The coloring of this snake is another thing that doesn't help those of us in the Wizarding world. Although the majority of the snake is grey, there are lines of rust red running down its sides. This adds to the deceptive look and makes the snake appear to be no more than a grungy tool. This snake may have developed this "camouflage" in order to blend into its favored environment, the tool shed.
As you might have already guessed, the Saw Tailed Viper doesn't take too kindly to being manhandled and usually strikes out with fangs flying. You will have between 30 and 40 minutes to begin treatment of this bite, before the victim will be in serious trouble. This is one of the slower moving venoms, so at least you have that small bit of luck, even if you were just bitten by a poisonous snake.
There are two useful potions if you find yourself in this predicament. Oiled Oatmeal or the Fang Finisher.
Oiled Oatmeal
4 parts dry oatmeal (to absorb the poison)
3 parts sea serpent slime (to heal)
2 parts gillyweed (to flavor)
Mix all the ingredients in a clean cauldron and boil for 5 minutes. DO NOT STRAIN! Make sure the entire potion is consumed for full effect.
Fang Finisher
3 honeycombs (for binding and trapping the poison)
10 Needlefig nails (for strengthening the potion)
2 teaspoons mermaid scales (to increase circulation)
1/4 cauldron of Firewhiskey
Bring the needle figs and Firewhiskey to a boil. Drop in the honeycombs one at a time 3 minutes apart. Slowly stir the potion counter clockwise 13 times. Add the mermaid scales and allow the ingredients to bubble for 10 minutes. Pour directly into clean bottles and wax the corks closed until you need to unstopper the potion for use.
These two methods have both proven highly effective. Use whichever potion has ingredients that grow readily in your region.
Dwarf Boas
The Dwarf Boa may sound like an unlikely candidate to pack much of a poisonous punch, but this slippery snake carries a real wallop. Though smaller than the majority of snakes, you should be wary when traveling in areas where this snake is known to roam.
The dwarf boa is only found in warmer climates. They prefer sun and sand to more extreme weather. Since they are quite small growing to about 7 inches at the longest, they are easily concealed, and it may be hard to see that one is in your immediate area. Though the Dwarf Boa may kill its prey by constriction, they will defend themselves with their fangs.
Almost all reported bites by this particular snake, are merely because a wizard sat in the wrong place or reached into something before looking properly first. This is one of the more commonly treated snake bites, and though the poison of the Dwarf Boa is not fatal, it does cause some extremely harsh reactions.
The dwarf Boa's venom causes the bite victim's wound site to swell to nearly 10 times the normal size. This can be exceedingly uncomfortable, painful and if not treated promptly the swelling may become permanent. We've provided an incantation and a potion, should you find yourself needing to act quickly.
1/3 cauldron shredded sea sponge (for absorption)
2 beakers of pine sap (for binding the poison agents)
5 stalks of aloe (to soothe irritation)
Brew all ingredients in your cauldron until the steam turns bright green. Stir constantly while boiling for 20 minutes. Measure into portions of 2 tablespoons. Place in air tight bottles and store until needed. This potion will only remain stable for 2 years. At which time it may spontaneously combust.
Talk to take the sting out
This incantation should be repeated 3 times while circling the bite site counter-clockwise. You should notice a slight change of coloring to the skin. If the incantation is working the skin will begin to take on a slight purplish hue.
Sssssssslowly ssssssseeping out again
find the place you entered in
out into the open air
sssssssomething better awaits you there.
Treatment for the Hollow Fang
Having a potion brewed before you need it is always helpful. If you look at common snake bites in your area, you can narrow down a list of exactly which potions would be best to have prepared and on hand in case you ever need one. If you happen to be in Europe you'll want to keep the following potion brewed and ready in your potions cupboard.
The Hollow Fang is a snake which loves the European climate. It is usually found in old buildings or in forests living in the hollows of old trees. These snakes seem to keep to themselves, but they are severely territorial, and will defend their areas with their ferocious fangs. These snakes are incredibly fast and can sense intruders through the vibrations of the earth, trees and even stone. They will strike out at any approaching target. The majority of bites the Wizarding world sees from this particular snake, are merely a result of a wizard being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The Hollow Fang is an average sized snake, but has truly brilliant coloring. It will be easy to identify as it is usually found with a bright orange or bright coral body and it has 3 deep blue bands encircling its head. If you are bitten the area will begin to swell immediately and the area will begin to have deep blue bands circling the site. This should leave no doubt about which snake you have been bitten by! These bands are a sign of serious poisoning, so if you begin to see them forming, take immediate action and seek the following anti-venom.
Ringed Relief
1 bottle of Boars Breath (to ward off poison)
2 drops of banshee blood (to purify)
22 spiders legs (to promote work)
3 small balls of cotton (to absorb unwanted poison)
Pour the Boars Breath into the cauldron and boil rapidly until reduced to 1/3 of the original amount. Add the cotton and banshee blood and bring to a simmer. Stir clockwise and drop in one spider leg for each stir. Cool for 1 day and place in an air tight bottle until needed.
Results from this anti-venom should happen within 30 seconds. You will notice the rings beginning to diminish once the potion begins to circulate itself through your body.
Wrangling the Ring Tailed Rattler
When wandering the forest you are likely to hear the warning rattle of our next snake. The Ring Tailed Rattler is notorious for hiding under leaves on open forest paths. This makes it among one of the many snake bites that St. Mungo's regularly treats. This snake is relatively harmless until you step on it by mistake. Then it will obviously strike out in defense at whatever is trying to smash it.
The Ring Tailed Rattler has three distinctive Black striped circling its tail. The rest of the snake is a bright yellow and this particular snake has neon green eyes. The rattle itself can be quite loud, so if you hear a something in the forest that sounds like a can of dried beans being shaken up, be wary, this snake is nearby! This snake is unique and easy to identify, so if you are bitten by it, at least you will definitely know which ant venom to reach for.
This snake's venom will irritate your skin and cause the skin around the bite wound to start deteriorating. You will need to start treatment within 25 minutes to completely repair any damage initially caused by the venom. If it takes longer than 25 minutes to get t the antidote, you may find that the wound will never entirely heal. Leaving behind a scabby irritated wound.
Round up potion
2 feet of used rodeo rope (to trap the poison)
2/3 cauldron of purified seawater (for depth)
1/4 dropper of phoenix tears (to heal the bite site)
4 tablespoons of honey (to bind and add sweetness)
2 powdered barnacles (for strength)
In a clean cauldron simmer The seawater, the rope and phoenix tears. Cover for 2 hours. When the rope has become soggy and starts to fall apart remove and discard the rope. Strain the remaining liquid and return to the fire. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Add the remaining ingredients and steep for 23 minutes. Pour into small beakers and stopper with cork and wax. Make sure to properly label this potion. It looks exactly like Spider Cider and you don't want to try to treat a Ring Tailed Rattler bite with Spider Cider.
Back Biting the Basilisk
Notably one the most feared snakes in the Wizarding world is the basilisk. This Slithering creature has venom filled fangs of mythic proportions. We are providing you with both a potion and an incantation. In case you ever find yourself lucky enough to survive the initial view of a basilisk and end up being bitten!
When brewing a potion to fight off the effects of a basilisks bite it is important to remember to get the measurements exactly right. Too little of a needed ingredient and you'll be rendered helpless, too much and the anti-venom may turn out to have a nasty bite of its own and feel like a thousand suns burning into your flesh. It is easy to become daunted by the task of brewing thees potent potions, but remember without them all hope will be lost.
Phoenix Fix
7 phoenix tears (to heal)
4 leaves of aloe (to soothe)
a jar of gusting wind (to push out toxins)
4 pints Winter brewed Fire Whiskey (to relax the victim)
5 oak leaves (for strength)
Carefully wash and rinse the aloe and oak leaves. Cut each leaf into quarters and place in a single layer in the bottom of your cauldron. Slowly pour the Winter Brewed Fire Whiskey into the cauldron and place over a low flame. Simmer this mixture for 3 hours uncovered. Stoke your fire and add the remaining ingredients. Boil rapidly for 13 minutes and stir mixture clockwise every 33 seconds. Remove immediately from heat, cover and let stand for 3 hours. Then pour into glass beakers and stopper until needed. This potion should be stable enough to remain in your potions cupboard for up to thirty-three years.
Power of a Parselmouth
Sssssslither out from whence you came
leave no trace of where you've been
Agony, death and pain now run
all that darknessssss become undone. *
Repeat as necessary up to 7 times.
Note*
It is important to remember that while you are reciting this incantation to elongate the "sssss" of all words where necessary. You will be in an sense charming the venom out of the victim.
Unclouding the Cobra
The next poisonous snake we will take a look at is the Clouded Cobra. It is valuable to know each variety of cobra as a specific anti-venom is needed for each type. Cobras are known for their hooded heads and will usually try to scare or intimidate anything before striking. It is common for those faced with a standing cobra to panic and react in a way which will lead to a snake bite. If you are faced with a standing cobra, simply back away out of range. DO NOT RUN! Quick movements seem to activate a reflex in the snake that signals it to defend itself.
Clouded Cobras are found in warm temperatures. They do not like moisture, but have been known to dwell in rain forests if food is plentiful there. This snake can be identified by its azure blue skin and white cloudy spots that cover its body. In some light it may appear as if a small piece of the sky has fallen to the ground. This will undoubtedly be the Clouded Cobra curled up and sleeping on the ground. Don't get to close! This is one snake you do not want to spook.
Frequent reports of Clouded Cobra bites usually happen in early summer as the snakes tend to be venturing outside after spending most of the spring indoors and out of the rain. It is at this time of year that this snake seems to be at its crankiest. Try to avoid early morning hikes, as this is peak traveling time for this particular snake.
The venom of this cobra spreads quickly so this is one instance where an incantation will prove more effective than a potion. Since that is the case we have included two incantations should one fail to produce the desired result of reversing the venomous effects.
Serpent Storm
Like a storm upon the sea
bring the poison back to me
waves and waves of pain and ache
replace these symptoms with a quake.
(Repeat this incantation 4 times while circling the bite site with your wand. On the third repetition you will begin to see the victim begin to shake violently. This is a sure sign that the venom is being forced out. The victim will be extremely exhausted after this experience and may need bed rest for a few days.)
Coursing Cobra
In the cells, in the blood
water is the source
with these droplets I do plea
through thou veins do course.
Pushing out the darkest depth
out into the light
droplets and blood I'll need
to fight and fight and fight!
(This incantation will need to be whispered into the wound itself. You will notice the site becoming increasingly dark as the venom rises out of the bite wound. Continue to chant as the venom seeps back out of the fangs marks. Do not stop until the site runs itself dry. This may take up to 30 minutes depending on how quickly you start the incantation after the victim was bitten.)
The Celestial Sea Snake
A truly beautiful snake with a wicked bite is the snake and coinciding anti-venoms we will be looking into next. This snake is a sea dweller. Usually found in, on or very near to water. It is actually rare to see one on land, though they do like to sun themselves occasionally on driftwood or passing boats.
Reports of bite attacks usually happen within inches of the water. Remember to keep your wits about you when playing near lakes, rivers and seas. After all you never know what could be lurking right under the surface, or what that enchanting twinkling white star might really be. This snake is actually rather timid, so strikes towards humans are undoubtedly in self defense. In most cases if startled the Celestial Sea Snake will simply turn and swim away as fast as possible. Unfortunately some wizards feel the need to investigate this creature up close, and end up getting themselves into a world of hurt.
If you are bitten by this snake, it will be particularly easy to identify. This snake is cobalt blue with white markings that resemble six pointed stars. Occasionally specimens are found with markings mimicking constellations of our very own galaxy!
Try not to stare in awe at their markings for too long, if you have been bitten by this seafaring beauty. This snake's bite can cause prolonged nerve damage if not treated quickly. The effects are somewhat reversible, but the process is slow and extremely painful. If the bite can be treated quickly there are few if any side effects. We have included two recipes to brew and keep on hand when living by, or traveling near this snakes habitat.
Tidewater Tea
8 cups ebbing tidewater (for strength)
1 dash of crushed blue-boned butterfly wings (for lightness)
2 jars of cackling clay (to cleanse)
1 small aloe plant (to heal)
Put the tidewater into a kettle and bring to a boil. Put the other ingredients into a large clay pot and mash lightly. Pour the boiling water over the ingredients and steep for 33 minutes. Strain the concoction and pour the liquid portion into glass beakers and wax shut with bees wax. When needed simply add a small amount of boiling water to the contents of one beaker and drink immediately. The effects of the snake bite should subside within minutes.
King Triton's Tincture
1/6 cauldron of frothing sea water (to aide in circulation)
13 raven feathers (for depth)
2 pinches of magic mites (to bind)
6 scabs from a seahorse (to cleanse)
1 phoenix tear (to heal)
Add all ingredients to a freshly cleaned cauldron. Simmer over an open flame for 3 nights. Mix the potion counter clockwise once every night at exactly midnight. On the last night after stirring remove from heat and bottle in glass containers. Make sure to store this mixture out of direct sunlight! When needed unstopper, strain and drink. The tincture should begin to take effect within 13 seconds.
The Bronzed tooth Boa
One of the most alluring snakes in our enchanted world is know as the Bronzed Tooth Boa. This rare snake has a rather peculiar bite. You see this wonderful snake has bronze teeth! Yes, that's right metal chompers, which only add to the danger element when considering snakes of our world. While it may seem extremely tempting to try to get an up-close glance of this snake, it would be wiser to keep your distance and study it when it is behind glass or safely stunned.
Bronzed tooth boas are incredibly quick snakes. They have to be in order to survive in the dark forests they chose to inhabit. Many a bronzed tooth boa has met its bitter end by the stomp of a unicorn or a trotting centaur. You will hardly see them while they are in motion. They can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour! That is definitely one snake on the move!
Their speed is only one of many reasons to maintain your distance from these beauties. They also of course have their bronze fangs, but they also carry a poisonous punch with those fangs. Their venom is toxic to us wizarding folk, and can prove fatal if not treated within minutes.
We highly suggest traveling with an antidote should you be wandering through their known territory. These snakes tend to stick to certain parts of enchanted forests, notably where fresh springs exist and also in rocky areas. Most newer wizarding maps have these territories clearly marked with bronze outlines.
These snakes were once hunted to near extinction for their gorgeous bronze fangs. The fangs were considered to bring years of good luck, and demand grew wildly as many witches and wizards desired the teeth to wear as pendants and amulets. The ministry of Magic placed them on the protected creatures list, and they have since had a bit of a resurgence, though they are still few and far between in the wild.
We've listed the recipe for the antidote below should you find yourself in need of a remedy for the bronzy bite.
Magnetic Medication
3 one inch magnets placed in the bottom of an iron cauldron
2 raven feathers (for depth)
1 phoenix tear (to heal)
4 small pieces of honeycomb (for binding)
a scuttling beetle (to add a dash of quickness)
Place all ingredients on top of the magnets. Pour 6 cups of spring water onto the concoction and simmer over an open flame for 3 hours. Strain and bottle the liquid portion in glass bottles and stopper tightly. Store out of direct sunlight until needed.
A Guide to the Secrets of Ginseng
One of or most powerful allies in fighting off the effects of poisonous snake bites is mother nature herself. She is not to be trifled with, and her arsenal is impressive. As you have probably realized by now, every potion in this book includes at least one natural ingredient. Among the many plants used in anti-venoms one of the most commonly found is Ginseng. We'll take a quick look at this amazing plant before digging back into more chapters on anti-venoms.
The Ginseng plant is a perennial growing plant found predominantly in Asia. That does not mean it only grows in this region, as many wizards have had great success growing it in their gardens and greenhouses, it simply means that this is the region it derives from. In fact there are even special varieties found as far away as the US.
The use of Ginseng in potion making is nothing new, but scientists are just now discovering the extensive uses of this delightful plant. Recent Ministry studies show the quick acting affects of Ginseng when used in combination traditional potions and incantations.
There are multiple varieties of this plant available and each type has different healing properties. Ginseng also comes in many colors and forms. It can be found in markets as fresh plants, dried roots or even powders. Take a look in your local magical market and see what varieties await. You will of course want to do your research on specific types before adding any Ginseng to your anti-venom to ensure a stable and desirable outcome.
Ginseng has many anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties. This of course makes it the perfect defender to fight off unwanted venom in the wizarding bloodstream. Next time you are in the market for an all around anti-venom ingredient be sure to place Ginseng at the top of your list!
Treatments for Two-Headed Tremblers
The first problem in treating a bite wound from a two-headed trembler is identifying the perpetrator. This bite wound is often mistaken for those of temple vipers. The bite site has almost identical markings and some of the symptoms are amazingly similar.
The first giveaway that you have been bitten by a two-headed trembler is of course if you have seen the snake. This specimen has two twin heads which work together in the wild to hunt prey more effectively. This snake trembles the earth around it as a warning before striking. This tactic works well in protecting it from deer and other forest dwelling creatures that are attuned to the noises and feel of the forest. Witches and Wizards are often amateurs in the ways of the forest and so find themselves bitten by a normally shy creature.
A second way to identify this bite if you haven't been lucky enough to catch a glance of this marvelous snake, is that the wound will become increasingly grayish in color as time passes. This venom is fairly slow moving, so you will have time to react and properly identify which snake has bitten you, if you can maintain a calm demeanor after you have been bitten.
We have listed two incantations below to be uttered sequentially to treat the bite wound.
1st part (to be spoken slowly)
Travel quickly travel light
to the first initial bite
battle hard and battle strong
give forth strength to carry on.
Sun and moon and wildest sea
take the venom out of thee
through the wound and ever more
seal the site as a locked up door.
2nd part (to be spoken while encircling wound with tip of wand)
Weave not a web, but strength inside
bind with salt of tears long cried
cleanse with light of the day
until the pain has gone away.
Make sure to elevate the wound site for 20 minutes post treatment to ensure all poisons have a chance to vacate.
All inclusive Anti-Venom
In the previous chapters have covered a wide range of anti-venoms, incantations and potions to treat many of the worlds most poisonous snake bites. In this chapter we will cover a special Anti-venom which can be used in many different circumstances.
The All inclusive Anti-venom, often referred to as the double A punch, is an anti-venom you will want to be familiar with should the need ever arise for a quick snake bite solution. While it is best to treat a bite with a specific snake as the target, there are times when they may not be possible.
In some scenarios, a victim never sees the culprit responsible for the bite. They may have slithered off into the foliage before the victim ever realizes that they were bitten. In this kind of situation it is valuable to know of an anti-venom which will help slow any venomous attack.
The following recipe has been painstakingly handed down through countless generations to ensure the safety of the wizarding community. This remedy allows individuals to slow and sometimes even stop the lethal side effects of being bitten by one of many dangerous snake varieties.
Remember that follow up care is always necessary after an attack by any snake. This particular anti-venom will merely buy you enough time to seek the help you will need to fully heal the bite wound and stop all advancing symptoms.
In a large cauldron boil the following ingredients over high heat for 22 minutes.
3 large pieces of a mummies shroud
1 vial of Vampire serum
6 pinches of screechsnap
2 aloe leaves (freshly picked)
1/2 a cup of baby's breath
2 large chunks of honeycomb
Quickly remove from heat on exactly the twenty second minute. Strain and pour into a glass bottle. Stopper and seal with bees wax.
This anti-venom can be stored for at least 300 years. The honey in the potion stabilizes and preserves the mixed ingredients, allowing the anti-venom to last for many centuries.
Cabaret Viper
You may want to keep a general anti-venom on hand in case you ever have a run in with the viper family. This family of snakes is generally brightly colored and slightly more portly than other varieties. While the bright colors may seem fascinating, they serve as a warning. These snakes are some of the most potent in the world. One such member of the viper family is the Cabaret Viper.
This stunning black and white striped snake has the trademark triangular viper head, and it also hides a secret talent. Yes, this snake can dance! In order to ward off danger or when it feels threatened this snake will rise up and began to sway side to side while hissing from its open mouth. It truly does look as if the snake is dancing and singing (hence the name).
Vipers are notorious for there venomous attacks. The bites are usually extremely painful, have serious side effects and can be fatal if not treated. This is an instance where a general anti-venom could come in handy. We will give you a source for both an anti-venom specifically designed for Cabaret Vipers and a generic viper incantation in case you cannot be sure of the exact culprit.
The Snake Sleeper (for treatment of Cabaret Viper bites)
In a medium sized copper cauldron brew the following ingredients over a low flame.
2 teaspoons of ancient honey comb (for binding)
6 firefly wings (for endurance)
2 drops of peppermint oil (for healing)
1 thestral tooth (for strength)
3 cups of purified rabbit saliva (for dilution)
Stir ingredients 36 time clockwise and 32 time counter clockwise. Then immediately remove from heat, strain and place in glass vials. It is best to store in containers with less than 1/2 a cup of the potion. Too great of an amount and the ingredients can become unstable.
Closing Time (incantation for viper bites)
Wave your wand in an x shape over the bite wound while uttering the following incantation. Repeat the incantation until the bite marks begin to fade.
Singing, dancing all so fast,
chase this bite into the past.
Circle of strength come round to me
'til the wound I no longer see.
Extinguishing Ashwinder Venom
One of the most unusual snakes you may be bitten by is the ashwinder. These serpents arise from the ashes of a magical fire being burned but not watched. It really is quite fascinating to watch these creatures slither from the ashes and into the shadows to lay their eggs.
This is where the trouble starts. Ashwinder eggs are highly sought after. They are extremely valuable since they are usable in love potions and to cure ague. Often times an inexperienced Witch or Wizard will try to harvest the eggs before the Ashwinder's hour long lifespan has run out. This of course leads to some pretty nasty bites wounds. An experienced Witch or Wizard would know that the Ashwinder has a short life span of up to one hour, or when done laying eggs. At that time the Ashwinder will be reduced to a pile of ash. Going back to where it came from! That is when you know it is safe to harvest the eggs.
If you are unfamiliar with the appearance of an Ashwinder bite wound it is one you will not likely forget. The fangs of an Ashwinder are an extremely high temperature leading the bite to become a burn wound. The flesh will often times peel back from the flesh too, causing the victim extreme pain. There will also be the distinct odor of burning flesh. Often the victim is in so much pain they will not be able to communicate which snake bit them, but with these three distinct characteristics it should be fairly easy for you to identify. It is good to know that if this happens there is an anti-venom to help.
Boil the following ingredients in a copper cauldron over a high flame.
2 pinches of scarab wings (dried and crumbled)
1 tooth from a manticore
7 cups of Armadillo bile
2 drops of dragons blood
3 tablespoons of willow ash
When the mixture begins to boil rapidly, reduce the flame so that the mixture can gently bubble for 44 minutes. At the 44 minute mark remove from heat, pour into a freezer mold and keep frozen until needed. Can be kept in cold storage for up to 10 years.
There Arose Such a Clatter
The next anti-venom we will be looking is very useful to have around in order to quickly treat the bite sustained from the Clatter of Cambridge. While its name may sound a bit like an amateur Quidditch team, it is in fact one of the most venomous snakes found in the Northern hemisphere.
The Clatter of Cambridge is a unique serpent. Thought to be a distant relative of the rattlers found in North America, the Clatter can be identified by its distinct noise making tail. The tail is composed of hardened bone and skin. They are hinged by a muscle the snake uses in order to warn others that they might be approaching its space.
The Clatter is the hermit of the serpent family. It prefers the shelter of rotted stumps, piles of leaves or even a quiet old shed over any open spaces. Many who are bitten by this snake aren't aware of its clattering tail and so instead think they ave stumbled onto some magic noise making toy and so, try to grab the snake and end up being bitten.
This snake is by no means aggressive, but it will protect itself and its home. You should take extra care if faced with this snake. It will give you a warning clatter to back off, so please listen to the tails advice.
Should you find yourself unlucky enough to be bitten by this snake you will immediately feel its paralyzing venom begin to surge through your body. The effect is reversible, but it is a painful and time intensive process. The anti-venom if used early enough can save the victim hours of painful agony.
The anti-venom for the Cambridge Clatter is most effective if brewed in the spring and kept on a shelf until needed. If stoppered with bees wax, the concoction should last for decades.
In a copper cauldron brew the following ingredients over a steady flame.
5 ravens feathers
2 pinches of pigs-feet powder
a dash of paprika
44 cotton boils (for absorption)
3 pieces of a shattered oak broom
Boil the ingredients for 2 hours over the steady flame. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool completely before removing from the kettle. Strain and retain liquid (the remainder can be jarred and used later for poultices). Pour into glass tubes and stopper with bees wax. Can be stoppered with other wax, but it will not retain a shelf life of longer that 2 years.
Baby Boomers
To many, snakes are viewed as highly dangerous, poisonous. In reality, it is exactly the opposite. The majority of snakes do not use venom and these types of snakes strangle rather than poison their prey. Of course there are exceptions and the infamous Boomslang, deriving its name from the Dutch language (“boom” means tree and “slang” means snake).
It is characterized by rows of small black diamonds on its back and pale to dark green colored skin. Although small, this colubrid snake native to sub-Saharan Africa sure packs a deadly punch, its venom capable of taking down an adult human. Its fangs are unusually large for its body and situated in the rear of the mouth. This means that when the Boomslang chooses to bite, its nearly impossible for it to let go.
All of the above means that the average going wizard should try their best to avoid any contact with this dangerous little critter. Boomslang skin is a well-known potions ingredient, most famously used in the Polyjuice potion. It’s safe to say that size isn’t everything.
Boomslang Derivative
Due to the preparation time of this potion, it is smartest to prepare a vial of this anti-venom before venturing out into areas inhabited by Boomslang.
5 parts porcupine quill {to draw out and release poison from the body}
5 parts fennel {to promote healing at the source of injection}
2 parts peppermint {to reduce swelling, to numb the affected area}
1 part elder {to promote scar tissue reforming, snake repellent}
1 part clover {snake repellent}
Remember to handle the quills with care. It is recommended that one wear gloves when preparing this potion as the fennel and elder have unique properties that work at their highest potential when left undisturbed. Brew in a large sized cauldron for 12 hours, adding a clockwise turn every sixth counter-clockwise rotation. Continuous stirring is not required; about every 30 minutes or so, engage in a volley of one hundred stirs and then let it sit. Add the clover last, crushing the herb into a fine powder and sprinkling it evenly over the surface of the potion. For better results, cut the porcupine quills into centimeter long pieces and allow them to dissolve in the potion as the twelve hours proceed. Always add the quills first to a full cauldron of water.
Close Calls with the Crotalinae
Continuing on the topic of venemous asian reptiles, there is one snake in particular that should be given attention. Descending from the Crotalinae subgroup, the Lachesis Muta, more commonly known as the asian pit viper, has a nice little sting to go with its venemous bite. Stretching over four metres long, this snake not only has four inch long fangs but also heat-sensing organs on the sides of its head to enable it to sense potential prey up to fifty yards away. The Lachesis Muta has been known to follow its prey over five hundred yards before finally giving up the chase. Armed with this steel-like determination and one of the more poisonous venoms on Earth, the Lachesis Muta is definitely a snake a witch or wizard would want to stay away from.
What is most prized about this species of snake is its tail. When they are young, the head and the body are a mottled green to a sandy brown in color. That is, except for the tail. This segment of the body is extremely colorful in comparison to the rest of the snake. The colors can range from a bright neon green to an electric blue depending on the gender of the snake. These youngsters can be found very close to their birthplaces, usually in the highlands of Japan, Taiwan, and Indonesia.
The second most prized object of the Lachesis Muta is the egg. As with the tails, these eggs are brightly colored, usually corresponding with the tail color of the young reptile inside. The eggshells are used as prime ingredients of the Sunshine Drafting Potion and the Good Humor Potions, popular types of drinks employed by psychologists and therapists alike. However, the mothers of these broods are very protective of their younglings and will attack anyone who dares approach and try to steal a single one from them.
However, for these very witches and wizards who are brave enough to try and gather some fortune from the procurement of Muta eggs, this Muta anti-venom potion is indispensable.
Draft of Crotas
Ingredients:
5 parts mulberry
4 parts mayapple
1 part thyme
1 part juniper
1-8 parts holy water
Boil normal water in the cauldron for at least an hour to burn out impurities. Make sure to fully juice the mulberry fruits to ensure greater results. The thyme and juniper should be added simultaneously and the potion should then turn a pale green and emit smoke in spirals. The holy water is an optional measure but it is recommended that one use no less than 1 part and no more than 8 parts.
A Danger in the Night
In the jungle forests of Burma, there lies in the sylvan darkness an especially curious snake: the Twilight Dagger. Its prime choice of habitation is a dark hole in the ground, usually covered by a thick brush of jungle vine. However, in recent years the encroachment of Muggle settlement has driven these normally shy creatures into hiding above ground in small holes made by the various native birds.
The Twilight Dagger derives its name from its hunting habits. It comes out at night, usually before twilight, and then hunts for its food. Their prey consists of insects, small nocturnal creatures, and sometimes bats. They are able to catch this last elusive prey using a curious ability. By coiling themselves into a spring-like position, the Twilight Dagger is able to propel itself quickly into the air, almost twenty feet, and pierce its prey with the tip of their tails. The tail is what constitutes the most dangerous part of the snake, for it is as hard as diamond and as sharp as anything known to witch or wizard alike. Due to this property, many have gone to search for these snakes to use these tips for special quills and carving utensils. But unfortunately the tips seem to exude extremely virulent venom, causing an almost instantaneous death.
As a precaution, it is recommended to concoct a drought to at least delay the spreading of this poison. It is unofficially known as the Dagger Anti-Venom.
Dagger Anti-Venom
5 parts thyme
4 parts cotton
2 parts juniper
2 parts nogwort
1 part mandrake
1 part holly
1 part nettle
Combine the juniper and nogwort together in a bowl and crush into a fine powder. Add a cup full of water and stew for at least an hour or until the entire concoction has dissolved into a clear-like liquid. The mandrake, holly, and nettle must be added last. In the meantime, use the thyme and strain it, collecting the liquid below it. Use this supernatant and add it in a spiral-like form to the juniper-nogwort liquid. It should turn a crimson red color. Now add the mandrake, holly, and nettle at once; do not add one at a time for that decreases the length of delay until death. There should be almost no detectable smell and then liquid should turn entirely clear, like water.
The House-Elf Killer
There is nothing more common to see than a huge accumulation of dust, especially in ancient mansions and hundred roomed houses. It’s a good thing, then, that most of these wealthy wizard brethren have at their disposal a single house elf, more if they are extremely affluent. However the discovery of a disastrous breed of snake dubbed ‘the single most deadly House Elf killer’ has proven the task of housecleaning a most dangerous job. Of all the household pests, ranging from Doxies to Ashwinders, the Boxed Dublin takes the top for the most deadly.
Fortunately for most, the Boxed Dublin is only found in Asian countries due to the common practice sleeping in close proximity with animals, for the Boxed Dublin, like its cousin the Ashwinder, must be born of a chicken and then hatched under a true-blooded snake. A bite from the Boxed Dublin will result in a feeling of lethargy shortly accompanied by a sensation that one has no limbs. That is because the blood circulation is quickly restricted to only the brain and the heart. Thus, the appendages simply fall off, resulting in slow painful deaths of Muggles and various wizards alike.
There is, however, an anti-venom that will slow down this process and, in some cases, even put a stopper to the entire paralysis stage. A visit to St. Mungo’s is highly recommended.
Boxed Dublin Antidote
5 parts root of nott
1 part thyme
1 part cotton
1 part mistletoe
1 part peppermint
OPTIONAL: a handful of porcupine quills
Mix the thyme with a concoction of mistletoe and peppermint. This mistletoe and peppermint combination can be achieved by slowly simmering each ingredient separately over steam for 48 hours. The mixing can be done in a simple wooden bowl. Add a single teaspoon of water, let sit for a few minutes, and then use the cotton to suck up the supernatant. Drop the entire soaked cotton into a nest of nott. This herb will immediately dejuice it and absorb the healing properties into itself. Take this root of nott and carefully preserve it in ice. It can be used to create remedial teas. The potency will decline within three days so be sure to administer it quickly.
On the Origins of Asiatic Anti-Venoms
Asiatic
'Asiatic' has the same meaning as 'Asian', but has slightly different overtones. Whereas 'Asian' is neutral, 'Asiatic' is slightly old-fashioned and, if anything, more suggestive of the exotic, alien aspects of Asia. This term is thus often used deliberately for its effect. Asian Anti-Venoms wouldn't sound quite the same.
There is no distinction between 'Asiatic' and 'Asian' in Chinese, both being translatable as 亚洲 (亞洲) Yàzhōu. Vietnamese also uses the cognate word for 'Asia', Á châu.
In Japanese, one can avoid the problem of 'Asian/Asiatic' by substituting the word 東洋 Tōyō 'Oriental', which carries many of the exotic overtones of 'Asiatic'.
Anti-Venom
'Venom' is a poisonous substance used to counter the effects of venom, a poison secreted by animals, although in broader use it can refer to any poisonous substance. In reality, an anti-venom is often called an 'anti-venin' or 'anti-venine', a substance used for treating snake bites, etc.
In mainland China, 'anti-venom' is translated as 'anti-toxic', making it somewhat broader than the English. A toxin is any kind of poisonous substance whereas venom is a toxin produced by snakes and similar animals. 抗毒 kàngdú ('anti-toxic') may refer to either substances or techniques for treating toxins.
Like in Chinese language, the Vietnamese language refers in the abstract to substances or methods of countering venoms. It uses the word nọc độc which specifically refers to a 'venom', not a broader toxin.
In Taiwanese, one would deal with 解藥 jiě-yào, 'a dispelling/removing medicine' (or 'antidote') to treat toxins from wild animals (獸毒 shòu-dú 'animal poison'). The word 解藥 jiě-yào specifically refers to a substance.
The Japanese would use 解毒剤 gedoku-zai, a substance for countering poisons in general, not confined to venoms
A Book with a Bite!
What do the majority of witches and wizards do when bitten by a snake? They react in PANIC! If however, you are among the lucky, you have previously read this astounding book and are already aware that panicking will only make the situation worse. You will also know that you should remain calm, try to quickly stop the venom from circulating and find the anti-venom as soon as possible. Those that are bitten also usually try to kill the snake. Which may seem like a reasonable revengeful response at the time, but remember the snake was probably just defending itself or its territory. Try not to damage the snake. It may prove to be in your best interest to capture the snake for identification purposes. When it comes to anti-venoms it is best to know exactly which variety of snake and which venom you are up against.
We have narrowed down an amazing list of Asiatic anti-venoms. Within this book you will find an anti-venom sure to suit any occasion. If you have ever been or known someone bitten by the fangs of a poisonous snake you know that time is of the essence. These wonderful potions, elixirs and charms from across Asia are the best in keeping anti-venom brewing to the basics. They may be basic, but they are also potent and proven! Time and again when faced with a bad bite, this will be the book you reach to for answers.
Asiatic Anti-Venoms will cover some of the most astonishing anti-venoms ever available. We've traveled to the very farthest edges of the world and come back with some obscure treasures from the far east. Don't fret though, we have done the research and translations for you, so sit back, relax and get ready to learn how to charm the snake's venom out of anything.
Which Apparatus For Which Anti-venom?
Narrowing down a choice between various types of anti-venoms when facing an emergency, is not something you will want to deal with. However, you may find yourself in this very predicament someday, and you'll need all the information you can get your hands on in order to make an informed decision. We'll take a quick peek at a few of the options.
First off your going to need to have a few basic household items to begin making anti-venoms yourself. Figuring out which tools of the trade will help you most, can seem overwhelming, but really only a few are completely necessary in order to fight the deadly fangs of most snakes. These will include spotlessly cleaned cauldrons, beakers, a well stocked potions cupboard, a wand, a set of balanced scales and of course this book. You may also want to invest in an encyclopedia of snakes in case you need to identify the attacker.
According to recent ministry findings, anti-venoms in elixir or potion forms seem to be most effective. This is because they hit the bloodstream faster than spells and charms. Research also shows this is because administering an already brewed potion is quicker than trying to utter lengthy incantations. The effectiveness of one versus another is a highly debated topic. It is usually best to go with your gut instinct if you find yourself faced with an emergency. We will cover all four of these types of anti-venoms as well as a few others in later chapters.
Take a quick look around your house and make sure you have the necessary tools in order to begin brewing up any anti-venoms. A well prepared witch or wizard knows just how important it is to have the proper tools. In chapter 3 we will begin looking at precise potions to take the "bite" out of serpent stings.
Treatments for Temple Vipers
One of the most commonly treated snake bites is that from a Temple Viper. These snakes are quite prevalent in certain parts of the world. Legend has it that this snake originated in the "Temple of the Azure Cloud", which is more commonly known as the Snake Temple. The snake temple can be found on a remote peninsula in Malaysia. These snakes can be found in temples, but they are also commonly found outdoors around logs, leaf covered paths and they especially like gardening sheds.
The reason so many witches and wizards fall prey to this particular snake, is because it is extremely patient and maybe a tad bit lazy. This snake can remain still in one place for weeks. Waiting to ambush small rodents who may pass by. Unfortunately a lot of times the thing that actually passes by is a boot or a shoe and the viper will strike out, without realizing it is in for the nasty taste of leather instead of flesh.
Since this is one of the more common bites, we're listing both an incantation and a potion. Deciding which is best at the moment needed, we will leave for you to decide when that time comes.
While softly tapping your wand at the snake bite site chant the following:
Darkness deep inside may crawl
come back, come back now as I call
Find the bluest of the sky
traveling to the surface rise.
This incantation may need to be repeated up to 4 times before proving effective. Remember to clear your mind of any other thoughts, and focus on the venom you wish to charm out of the bitten victim.
Viper's Vengeance
This potion should be brewed on the seventh day of the seventh month. This will activate the ingredients to their fullest potential. If you need to brew the potion, and it will be too long of a wait, you can brew the potion on the seventh day of any month, you will just need to brew a substantially larger amount.
2 parts Puffskein fur (for absorption)
3 parts Phoenix tears (for magical healing)
1 part cotton (to purify)
1 part Enchanting Elm tree sap (for binding)
Brew all ingredients in a spotlessly clean cauldron for 3 hours over medium coals. Strain and retain the liquid portion. Bottle in a glass beaker and stopper with a quality cork to maintain an air tight potion.
When administering this potion try to get the victim to swallow it with another beverage, as it has a rather bitter taste. You won't want them spitting any of this precious liquid out!
Cutting out the Saw Tailed Viper
Another commonly reported snake bite, is from what is known as a Saw Tailed Viper. Don't worry the treatment isn't nearly as painful as the title of this chapter sounds! This type of snake likes to hide out in cool basements and tool sheds. This snake is one you can easily identify if you have been bitten by it. It has a saw shaped tail, with jagged teeth that emulate the look of a handsaw.
When sleeping on a table, workbench or floor, this viper curls up leaving only the tail exposed. This has led many a wizard to grab onto the tail of the snake. The coloring of this snake is another thing that doesn't help those of us in the Wizarding world. Although the majority of the snake is grey, there are lines of rust red running down its sides. This adds to the deceptive look and makes the snake appear to be no more than a grungy tool. This snake may have developed this "camouflage" in order to blend into its favored environment, the tool shed.
As you might have already guessed, the Saw Tailed Viper doesn't take too kindly to being manhandled and usually strikes out with fangs flying. You will have between 30 and 40 minutes to begin treatment of this bite, before the victim will be in serious trouble. This is one of the slower moving venoms, so at least you have that small bit of luck, even if you were just bitten by a poisonous snake.
There are two useful potions if you find yourself in this predicament. Oiled Oatmeal or the Fang Finisher.
Oiled Oatmeal
4 parts dry oatmeal (to absorb the poison)
3 parts sea serpent slime (to heal)
2 parts gillyweed (to flavor)
Mix all the ingredients in a clean cauldron and boil for 5 minutes. DO NOT STRAIN! Make sure the entire potion is consumed for full effect.
Fang Finisher
3 honeycombs (for binding and trapping the poison)
10 Needlefig nails (for strengthening the potion)
2 teaspoons mermaid scales (to increase circulation)
1/4 cauldron of Firewhiskey
Bring the needle figs and Firewhiskey to a boil. Drop in the honeycombs one at a time 3 minutes apart. Slowly stir the potion counter clockwise 13 times. Add the mermaid scales and allow the ingredients to bubble for 10 minutes. Pour directly into clean bottles and wax the corks closed until you need to unstopper the potion for use.
These two methods have both proven highly effective. Use whichever potion has ingredients that grow readily in your region.
Dwarf Boas
The Dwarf Boa may sound like an unlikely candidate to pack much of a poisonous punch, but this slippery snake carries a real wallop. Though smaller than the majority of snakes, you should be wary when traveling in areas where this snake is known to roam.
The dwarf boa is only found in warmer climates. They prefer sun and sand to more extreme weather. Since they are quite small growing to about 7 inches at the longest, they are easily concealed, and it may be hard to see that one is in your immediate area. Though the Dwarf Boa may kill its prey by constriction, they will defend themselves with their fangs.
Almost all reported bites by this particular snake, are merely because a wizard sat in the wrong place or reached into something before looking properly first. This is one of the more commonly treated snake bites, and though the poison of the Dwarf Boa is not fatal, it does cause some extremely harsh reactions.
The dwarf Boa's venom causes the bite victim's wound site to swell to nearly 10 times the normal size. This can be exceedingly uncomfortable, painful and if not treated promptly the swelling may become permanent. We've provided an incantation and a potion, should you find yourself needing to act quickly.
1/3 cauldron shredded sea sponge (for absorption)
2 beakers of pine sap (for binding the poison agents)
5 stalks of aloe (to soothe irritation)
Brew all ingredients in your cauldron until the steam turns bright green. Stir constantly while boiling for 20 minutes. Measure into portions of 2 tablespoons. Place in air tight bottles and store until needed. This potion will only remain stable for 2 years. At which time it may spontaneously combust.
Talk to take the sting out
This incantation should be repeated 3 times while circling the bite site counter-clockwise. You should notice a slight change of coloring to the skin. If the incantation is working the skin will begin to take on a slight purplish hue.
Sssssssslowly ssssssseeping out again
find the place you entered in
out into the open air
sssssssomething better awaits you there.
Treatment for the Hollow Fang
Having a potion brewed before you need it is always helpful. If you look at common snake bites in your area, you can narrow down a list of exactly which potions would be best to have prepared and on hand in case you ever need one. If you happen to be in Europe you'll want to keep the following potion brewed and ready in your potions cupboard.
The Hollow Fang is a snake which loves the European climate. It is usually found in old buildings or in forests living in the hollows of old trees. These snakes seem to keep to themselves, but they are severely territorial, and will defend their areas with their ferocious fangs. These snakes are incredibly fast and can sense intruders through the vibrations of the earth, trees and even stone. They will strike out at any approaching target. The majority of bites the Wizarding world sees from this particular snake, are merely a result of a wizard being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The Hollow Fang is an average sized snake, but has truly brilliant coloring. It will be easy to identify as it is usually found with a bright orange or bright coral body and it has 3 deep blue bands encircling its head. If you are bitten the area will begin to swell immediately and the area will begin to have deep blue bands circling the site. This should leave no doubt about which snake you have been bitten by! These bands are a sign of serious poisoning, so if you begin to see them forming, take immediate action and seek the following anti-venom.
Ringed Relief
1 bottle of Boars Breath (to ward off poison)
2 drops of banshee blood (to purify)
22 spiders legs (to promote work)
3 small balls of cotton (to absorb unwanted poison)
Pour the Boars Breath into the cauldron and boil rapidly until reduced to 1/3 of the original amount. Add the cotton and banshee blood and bring to a simmer. Stir clockwise and drop in one spider leg for each stir. Cool for 1 day and place in an air tight bottle until needed.
Results from this anti-venom should happen within 30 seconds. You will notice the rings beginning to diminish once the potion begins to circulate itself through your body.
Wrangling the Ring Tailed Rattler
When wandering the forest you are likely to hear the warning rattle of our next snake. The Ring Tailed Rattler is notorious for hiding under leaves on open forest paths. This makes it among one of the many snake bites that St. Mungo's regularly treats. This snake is relatively harmless until you step on it by mistake. Then it will obviously strike out in defense at whatever is trying to smash it.
The Ring Tailed Rattler has three distinctive Black striped circling its tail. The rest of the snake is a bright yellow and this particular snake has neon green eyes. The rattle itself can be quite loud, so if you hear a something in the forest that sounds like a can of dried beans being shaken up, be wary, this snake is nearby! This snake is unique and easy to identify, so if you are bitten by it, at least you will definitely know which ant venom to reach for.
This snake's venom will irritate your skin and cause the skin around the bite wound to start deteriorating. You will need to start treatment within 25 minutes to completely repair any damage initially caused by the venom. If it takes longer than 25 minutes to get t the antidote, you may find that the wound will never entirely heal. Leaving behind a scabby irritated wound.
Round up potion
2 feet of used rodeo rope (to trap the poison)
2/3 cauldron of purified seawater (for depth)
1/4 dropper of phoenix tears (to heal the bite site)
4 tablespoons of honey (to bind and add sweetness)
2 powdered barnacles (for strength)
In a clean cauldron simmer The seawater, the rope and phoenix tears. Cover for 2 hours. When the rope has become soggy and starts to fall apart remove and discard the rope. Strain the remaining liquid and return to the fire. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Add the remaining ingredients and steep for 23 minutes. Pour into small beakers and stopper with cork and wax. Make sure to properly label this potion. It looks exactly like Spider Cider and you don't want to try to treat a Ring Tailed Rattler bite with Spider Cider.
Back Biting the Basilisk
Notably one the most feared snakes in the Wizarding world is the basilisk. This Slithering creature has venom filled fangs of mythic proportions. We are providing you with both a potion and an incantation. In case you ever find yourself lucky enough to survive the initial view of a basilisk and end up being bitten!
When brewing a potion to fight off the effects of a basilisks bite it is important to remember to get the measurements exactly right. Too little of a needed ingredient and you'll be rendered helpless, too much and the anti-venom may turn out to have a nasty bite of its own and feel like a thousand suns burning into your flesh. It is easy to become daunted by the task of brewing thees potent potions, but remember without them all hope will be lost.
Phoenix Fix
7 phoenix tears (to heal)
4 leaves of aloe (to soothe)
a jar of gusting wind (to push out toxins)
4 pints Winter brewed Fire Whiskey (to relax the victim)
5 oak leaves (for strength)
Carefully wash and rinse the aloe and oak leaves. Cut each leaf into quarters and place in a single layer in the bottom of your cauldron. Slowly pour the Winter Brewed Fire Whiskey into the cauldron and place over a low flame. Simmer this mixture for 3 hours uncovered. Stoke your fire and add the remaining ingredients. Boil rapidly for 13 minutes and stir mixture clockwise every 33 seconds. Remove immediately from heat, cover and let stand for 3 hours. Then pour into glass beakers and stopper until needed. This potion should be stable enough to remain in your potions cupboard for up to thirty-three years.
Power of a Parselmouth
Sssssslither out from whence you came
leave no trace of where you've been
Agony, death and pain now run
all that darknessssss become undone. *
Repeat as necessary up to 7 times.
Note*
It is important to remember that while you are reciting this incantation to elongate the "sssss" of all words where necessary. You will be in an sense charming the venom out of the victim.
Unclouding the Cobra
The next poisonous snake we will take a look at is the Clouded Cobra. It is valuable to know each variety of cobra as a specific anti-venom is needed for each type. Cobras are known for their hooded heads and will usually try to scare or intimidate anything before striking. It is common for those faced with a standing cobra to panic and react in a way which will lead to a snake bite. If you are faced with a standing cobra, simply back away out of range. DO NOT RUN! Quick movements seem to activate a reflex in the snake that signals it to defend itself.
Clouded Cobras are found in warm temperatures. They do not like moisture, but have been known to dwell in rain forests if food is plentiful there. This snake can be identified by its azure blue skin and white cloudy spots that cover its body. In some light it may appear as if a small piece of the sky has fallen to the ground. This will undoubtedly be the Clouded Cobra curled up and sleeping on the ground. Don't get to close! This is one snake you do not want to spook.
Frequent reports of Clouded Cobra bites usually happen in early summer as the snakes tend to be venturing outside after spending most of the spring indoors and out of the rain. It is at this time of year that this snake seems to be at its crankiest. Try to avoid early morning hikes, as this is peak traveling time for this particular snake.
The venom of this cobra spreads quickly so this is one instance where an incantation will prove more effective than a potion. Since that is the case we have included two incantations should one fail to produce the desired result of reversing the venomous effects.
Serpent Storm
Like a storm upon the sea
bring the poison back to me
waves and waves of pain and ache
replace these symptoms with a quake.
(Repeat this incantation 4 times while circling the bite site with your wand. On the third repetition you will begin to see the victim begin to shake violently. This is a sure sign that the venom is being forced out. The victim will be extremely exhausted after this experience and may need bed rest for a few days.)
Coursing Cobra
In the cells, in the blood
water is the source
with these droplets I do plea
through thou veins do course.
Pushing out the darkest depth
out into the light
droplets and blood I'll need
to fight and fight and fight!
(This incantation will need to be whispered into the wound itself. You will notice the site becoming increasingly dark as the venom rises out of the bite wound. Continue to chant as the venom seeps back out of the fangs marks. Do not stop until the site runs itself dry. This may take up to 30 minutes depending on how quickly you start the incantation after the victim was bitten.)
The Celestial Sea Snake
A truly beautiful snake with a wicked bite is the snake and coinciding anti-venoms we will be looking into next. This snake is a sea dweller. Usually found in, on or very near to water. It is actually rare to see one on land, though they do like to sun themselves occasionally on driftwood or passing boats.
Reports of bite attacks usually happen within inches of the water. Remember to keep your wits about you when playing near lakes, rivers and seas. After all you never know what could be lurking right under the surface, or what that enchanting twinkling white star might really be. This snake is actually rather timid, so strikes towards humans are undoubtedly in self defense. In most cases if startled the Celestial Sea Snake will simply turn and swim away as fast as possible. Unfortunately some wizards feel the need to investigate this creature up close, and end up getting themselves into a world of hurt.
If you are bitten by this snake, it will be particularly easy to identify. This snake is cobalt blue with white markings that resemble six pointed stars. Occasionally specimens are found with markings mimicking constellations of our very own galaxy!
Try not to stare in awe at their markings for too long, if you have been bitten by this seafaring beauty. This snake's bite can cause prolonged nerve damage if not treated quickly. The effects are somewhat reversible, but the process is slow and extremely painful. If the bite can be treated quickly there are few if any side effects. We have included two recipes to brew and keep on hand when living by, or traveling near this snakes habitat.
Tidewater Tea
8 cups ebbing tidewater (for strength)
1 dash of crushed blue-boned butterfly wings (for lightness)
2 jars of cackling clay (to cleanse)
1 small aloe plant (to heal)
Put the tidewater into a kettle and bring to a boil. Put the other ingredients into a large clay pot and mash lightly. Pour the boiling water over the ingredients and steep for 33 minutes. Strain the concoction and pour the liquid portion into glass beakers and wax shut with bees wax. When needed simply add a small amount of boiling water to the contents of one beaker and drink immediately. The effects of the snake bite should subside within minutes.
King Triton's Tincture
1/6 cauldron of frothing sea water (to aide in circulation)
13 raven feathers (for depth)
2 pinches of magic mites (to bind)
6 scabs from a seahorse (to cleanse)
1 phoenix tear (to heal)
Add all ingredients to a freshly cleaned cauldron. Simmer over an open flame for 3 nights. Mix the potion counter clockwise once every night at exactly midnight. On the last night after stirring remove from heat and bottle in glass containers. Make sure to store this mixture out of direct sunlight! When needed unstopper, strain and drink. The tincture should begin to take effect within 13 seconds.
The Bronzed tooth Boa
One of the most alluring snakes in our enchanted world is know as the Bronzed Tooth Boa. This rare snake has a rather peculiar bite. You see this wonderful snake has bronze teeth! Yes, that's right metal chompers, which only add to the danger element when considering snakes of our world. While it may seem extremely tempting to try to get an up-close glance of this snake, it would be wiser to keep your distance and study it when it is behind glass or safely stunned.
Bronzed tooth boas are incredibly quick snakes. They have to be in order to survive in the dark forests they chose to inhabit. Many a bronzed tooth boa has met its bitter end by the stomp of a unicorn or a trotting centaur. You will hardly see them while they are in motion. They can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour! That is definitely one snake on the move!
Their speed is only one of many reasons to maintain your distance from these beauties. They also of course have their bronze fangs, but they also carry a poisonous punch with those fangs. Their venom is toxic to us wizarding folk, and can prove fatal if not treated within minutes.
We highly suggest traveling with an antidote should you be wandering through their known territory. These snakes tend to stick to certain parts of enchanted forests, notably where fresh springs exist and also in rocky areas. Most newer wizarding maps have these territories clearly marked with bronze outlines.
These snakes were once hunted to near extinction for their gorgeous bronze fangs. The fangs were considered to bring years of good luck, and demand grew wildly as many witches and wizards desired the teeth to wear as pendants and amulets. The ministry of Magic placed them on the protected creatures list, and they have since had a bit of a resurgence, though they are still few and far between in the wild.
We've listed the recipe for the antidote below should you find yourself in need of a remedy for the bronzy bite.
Magnetic Medication
3 one inch magnets placed in the bottom of an iron cauldron
2 raven feathers (for depth)
1 phoenix tear (to heal)
4 small pieces of honeycomb (for binding)
a scuttling beetle (to add a dash of quickness)
Place all ingredients on top of the magnets. Pour 6 cups of spring water onto the concoction and simmer over an open flame for 3 hours. Strain and bottle the liquid portion in glass bottles and stopper tightly. Store out of direct sunlight until needed.
A Guide to the Secrets of Ginseng
One of or most powerful allies in fighting off the effects of poisonous snake bites is mother nature herself. She is not to be trifled with, and her arsenal is impressive. As you have probably realized by now, every potion in this book includes at least one natural ingredient. Among the many plants used in anti-venoms one of the most commonly found is Ginseng. We'll take a quick look at this amazing plant before digging back into more chapters on anti-venoms.
The Ginseng plant is a perennial growing plant found predominantly in Asia. That does not mean it only grows in this region, as many wizards have had great success growing it in their gardens and greenhouses, it simply means that this is the region it derives from. In fact there are even special varieties found as far away as the US.
The use of Ginseng in potion making is nothing new, but scientists are just now discovering the extensive uses of this delightful plant. Recent Ministry studies show the quick acting affects of Ginseng when used in combination traditional potions and incantations.
There are multiple varieties of this plant available and each type has different healing properties. Ginseng also comes in many colors and forms. It can be found in markets as fresh plants, dried roots or even powders. Take a look in your local magical market and see what varieties await. You will of course want to do your research on specific types before adding any Ginseng to your anti-venom to ensure a stable and desirable outcome.
Ginseng has many anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties. This of course makes it the perfect defender to fight off unwanted venom in the wizarding bloodstream. Next time you are in the market for an all around anti-venom ingredient be sure to place Ginseng at the top of your list!
Treatments for Two-Headed Tremblers
The first problem in treating a bite wound from a two-headed trembler is identifying the perpetrator. This bite wound is often mistaken for those of temple vipers. The bite site has almost identical markings and some of the symptoms are amazingly similar.
The first giveaway that you have been bitten by a two-headed trembler is of course if you have seen the snake. This specimen has two twin heads which work together in the wild to hunt prey more effectively. This snake trembles the earth around it as a warning before striking. This tactic works well in protecting it from deer and other forest dwelling creatures that are attuned to the noises and feel of the forest. Witches and Wizards are often amateurs in the ways of the forest and so find themselves bitten by a normally shy creature.
A second way to identify this bite if you haven't been lucky enough to catch a glance of this marvelous snake, is that the wound will become increasingly grayish in color as time passes. This venom is fairly slow moving, so you will have time to react and properly identify which snake has bitten you, if you can maintain a calm demeanor after you have been bitten.
We have listed two incantations below to be uttered sequentially to treat the bite wound.
1st part (to be spoken slowly)
Travel quickly travel light
to the first initial bite
battle hard and battle strong
give forth strength to carry on.
Sun and moon and wildest sea
take the venom out of thee
through the wound and ever more
seal the site as a locked up door.
2nd part (to be spoken while encircling wound with tip of wand)
Weave not a web, but strength inside
bind with salt of tears long cried
cleanse with light of the day
until the pain has gone away.
Make sure to elevate the wound site for 20 minutes post treatment to ensure all poisons have a chance to vacate.
All inclusive Anti-Venom
In the previous chapters have covered a wide range of anti-venoms, incantations and potions to treat many of the worlds most poisonous snake bites. In this chapter we will cover a special Anti-venom which can be used in many different circumstances.
The All inclusive Anti-venom, often referred to as the double A punch, is an anti-venom you will want to be familiar with should the need ever arise for a quick snake bite solution. While it is best to treat a bite with a specific snake as the target, there are times when they may not be possible.
In some scenarios, a victim never sees the culprit responsible for the bite. They may have slithered off into the foliage before the victim ever realizes that they were bitten. In this kind of situation it is valuable to know of an anti-venom which will help slow any venomous attack.
The following recipe has been painstakingly handed down through countless generations to ensure the safety of the wizarding community. This remedy allows individuals to slow and sometimes even stop the lethal side effects of being bitten by one of many dangerous snake varieties.
Remember that follow up care is always necessary after an attack by any snake. This particular anti-venom will merely buy you enough time to seek the help you will need to fully heal the bite wound and stop all advancing symptoms.
In a large cauldron boil the following ingredients over high heat for 22 minutes.
3 large pieces of a mummies shroud
1 vial of Vampire serum
6 pinches of screechsnap
2 aloe leaves (freshly picked)
1/2 a cup of baby's breath
2 large chunks of honeycomb
Quickly remove from heat on exactly the twenty second minute. Strain and pour into a glass bottle. Stopper and seal with bees wax.
This anti-venom can be stored for at least 300 years. The honey in the potion stabilizes and preserves the mixed ingredients, allowing the anti-venom to last for many centuries.
Cabaret Viper
You may want to keep a general anti-venom on hand in case you ever have a run in with the viper family. This family of snakes is generally brightly colored and slightly more portly than other varieties. While the bright colors may seem fascinating, they serve as a warning. These snakes are some of the most potent in the world. One such member of the viper family is the Cabaret Viper.
This stunning black and white striped snake has the trademark triangular viper head, and it also hides a secret talent. Yes, this snake can dance! In order to ward off danger or when it feels threatened this snake will rise up and began to sway side to side while hissing from its open mouth. It truly does look as if the snake is dancing and singing (hence the name).
Vipers are notorious for there venomous attacks. The bites are usually extremely painful, have serious side effects and can be fatal if not treated. This is an instance where a general anti-venom could come in handy. We will give you a source for both an anti-venom specifically designed for Cabaret Vipers and a generic viper incantation in case you cannot be sure of the exact culprit.
The Snake Sleeper (for treatment of Cabaret Viper bites)
In a medium sized copper cauldron brew the following ingredients over a low flame.
2 teaspoons of ancient honey comb (for binding)
6 firefly wings (for endurance)
2 drops of peppermint oil (for healing)
1 thestral tooth (for strength)
3 cups of purified rabbit saliva (for dilution)
Stir ingredients 36 time clockwise and 32 time counter clockwise. Then immediately remove from heat, strain and place in glass vials. It is best to store in containers with less than 1/2 a cup of the potion. Too great of an amount and the ingredients can become unstable.
Closing Time (incantation for viper bites)
Wave your wand in an x shape over the bite wound while uttering the following incantation. Repeat the incantation until the bite marks begin to fade.
Singing, dancing all so fast,
chase this bite into the past.
Circle of strength come round to me
'til the wound I no longer see.
Extinguishing Ashwinder Venom
One of the most unusual snakes you may be bitten by is the ashwinder. These serpents arise from the ashes of a magical fire being burned but not watched. It really is quite fascinating to watch these creatures slither from the ashes and into the shadows to lay their eggs.
This is where the trouble starts. Ashwinder eggs are highly sought after. They are extremely valuable since they are usable in love potions and to cure ague. Often times an inexperienced Witch or Wizard will try to harvest the eggs before the Ashwinder's hour long lifespan has run out. This of course leads to some pretty nasty bites wounds. An experienced Witch or Wizard would know that the Ashwinder has a short life span of up to one hour, or when done laying eggs. At that time the Ashwinder will be reduced to a pile of ash. Going back to where it came from! That is when you know it is safe to harvest the eggs.
If you are unfamiliar with the appearance of an Ashwinder bite wound it is one you will not likely forget. The fangs of an Ashwinder are an extremely high temperature leading the bite to become a burn wound. The flesh will often times peel back from the flesh too, causing the victim extreme pain. There will also be the distinct odor of burning flesh. Often the victim is in so much pain they will not be able to communicate which snake bit them, but with these three distinct characteristics it should be fairly easy for you to identify. It is good to know that if this happens there is an anti-venom to help.
Boil the following ingredients in a copper cauldron over a high flame.
2 pinches of scarab wings (dried and crumbled)
1 tooth from a manticore
7 cups of Armadillo bile
2 drops of dragons blood
3 tablespoons of willow ash
When the mixture begins to boil rapidly, reduce the flame so that the mixture can gently bubble for 44 minutes. At the 44 minute mark remove from heat, pour into a freezer mold and keep frozen until needed. Can be kept in cold storage for up to 10 years.
There Arose Such a Clatter
The next anti-venom we will be looking is very useful to have around in order to quickly treat the bite sustained from the Clatter of Cambridge. While its name may sound a bit like an amateur Quidditch team, it is in fact one of the most venomous snakes found in the Northern hemisphere.
The Clatter of Cambridge is a unique serpent. Thought to be a distant relative of the rattlers found in North America, the Clatter can be identified by its distinct noise making tail. The tail is composed of hardened bone and skin. They are hinged by a muscle the snake uses in order to warn others that they might be approaching its space.
The Clatter is the hermit of the serpent family. It prefers the shelter of rotted stumps, piles of leaves or even a quiet old shed over any open spaces. Many who are bitten by this snake aren't aware of its clattering tail and so instead think they ave stumbled onto some magic noise making toy and so, try to grab the snake and end up being bitten.
This snake is by no means aggressive, but it will protect itself and its home. You should take extra care if faced with this snake. It will give you a warning clatter to back off, so please listen to the tails advice.
Should you find yourself unlucky enough to be bitten by this snake you will immediately feel its paralyzing venom begin to surge through your body. The effect is reversible, but it is a painful and time intensive process. The anti-venom if used early enough can save the victim hours of painful agony.
The anti-venom for the Cambridge Clatter is most effective if brewed in the spring and kept on a shelf until needed. If stoppered with bees wax, the concoction should last for decades.
In a copper cauldron brew the following ingredients over a steady flame.
5 ravens feathers
2 pinches of pigs-feet powder
a dash of paprika
44 cotton boils (for absorption)
3 pieces of a shattered oak broom
Boil the ingredients for 2 hours over the steady flame. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool completely before removing from the kettle. Strain and retain liquid (the remainder can be jarred and used later for poultices). Pour into glass tubes and stopper with bees wax. Can be stoppered with other wax, but it will not retain a shelf life of longer that 2 years.
Baby Boomers
To many, snakes are viewed as highly dangerous, poisonous. In reality, it is exactly the opposite. The majority of snakes do not use venom and these types of snakes strangle rather than poison their prey. Of course there are exceptions and the infamous Boomslang, deriving its name from the Dutch language (“boom” means tree and “slang” means snake).
It is characterized by rows of small black diamonds on its back and pale to dark green colored skin. Although small, this colubrid snake native to sub-Saharan Africa sure packs a deadly punch, its venom capable of taking down an adult human. Its fangs are unusually large for its body and situated in the rear of the mouth. This means that when the Boomslang chooses to bite, its nearly impossible for it to let go.
All of the above means that the average going wizard should try their best to avoid any contact with this dangerous little critter. Boomslang skin is a well-known potions ingredient, most famously used in the Polyjuice potion. It’s safe to say that size isn’t everything.
Boomslang Derivative
Due to the preparation time of this potion, it is smartest to prepare a vial of this anti-venom before venturing out into areas inhabited by Boomslang.
5 parts porcupine quill {to draw out and release poison from the body}
5 parts fennel {to promote healing at the source of injection}
2 parts peppermint {to reduce swelling, to numb the affected area}
1 part elder {to promote scar tissue reforming, snake repellent}
1 part clover {snake repellent}
Remember to handle the quills with care. It is recommended that one wear gloves when preparing this potion as the fennel and elder have unique properties that work at their highest potential when left undisturbed. Brew in a large sized cauldron for 12 hours, adding a clockwise turn every sixth counter-clockwise rotation. Continuous stirring is not required; about every 30 minutes or so, engage in a volley of one hundred stirs and then let it sit. Add the clover last, crushing the herb into a fine powder and sprinkling it evenly over the surface of the potion. For better results, cut the porcupine quills into centimeter long pieces and allow them to dissolve in the potion as the twelve hours proceed. Always add the quills first to a full cauldron of water.
Close Calls with the Crotalinae
Continuing on the topic of venemous asian reptiles, there is one snake in particular that should be given attention. Descending from the Crotalinae subgroup, the Lachesis Muta, more commonly known as the asian pit viper, has a nice little sting to go with its venemous bite. Stretching over four metres long, this snake not only has four inch long fangs but also heat-sensing organs on the sides of its head to enable it to sense potential prey up to fifty yards away. The Lachesis Muta has been known to follow its prey over five hundred yards before finally giving up the chase. Armed with this steel-like determination and one of the more poisonous venoms on Earth, the Lachesis Muta is definitely a snake a witch or wizard would want to stay away from.
What is most prized about this species of snake is its tail. When they are young, the head and the body are a mottled green to a sandy brown in color. That is, except for the tail. This segment of the body is extremely colorful in comparison to the rest of the snake. The colors can range from a bright neon green to an electric blue depending on the gender of the snake. These youngsters can be found very close to their birthplaces, usually in the highlands of Japan, Taiwan, and Indonesia.
The second most prized object of the Lachesis Muta is the egg. As with the tails, these eggs are brightly colored, usually corresponding with the tail color of the young reptile inside. The eggshells are used as prime ingredients of the Sunshine Drafting Potion and the Good Humor Potions, popular types of drinks employed by psychologists and therapists alike. However, the mothers of these broods are very protective of their younglings and will attack anyone who dares approach and try to steal a single one from them.
However, for these very witches and wizards who are brave enough to try and gather some fortune from the procurement of Muta eggs, this Muta anti-venom potion is indispensable.
Draft of Crotas
Ingredients:
5 parts mulberry
4 parts mayapple
1 part thyme
1 part juniper
1-8 parts holy water
Boil normal water in the cauldron for at least an hour to burn out impurities. Make sure to fully juice the mulberry fruits to ensure greater results. The thyme and juniper should be added simultaneously and the potion should then turn a pale green and emit smoke in spirals. The holy water is an optional measure but it is recommended that one use no less than 1 part and no more than 8 parts.
A Danger in the Night
In the jungle forests of Burma, there lies in the sylvan darkness an especially curious snake: the Twilight Dagger. Its prime choice of habitation is a dark hole in the ground, usually covered by a thick brush of jungle vine. However, in recent years the encroachment of Muggle settlement has driven these normally shy creatures into hiding above ground in small holes made by the various native birds.
The Twilight Dagger derives its name from its hunting habits. It comes out at night, usually before twilight, and then hunts for its food. Their prey consists of insects, small nocturnal creatures, and sometimes bats. They are able to catch this last elusive prey using a curious ability. By coiling themselves into a spring-like position, the Twilight Dagger is able to propel itself quickly into the air, almost twenty feet, and pierce its prey with the tip of their tails. The tail is what constitutes the most dangerous part of the snake, for it is as hard as diamond and as sharp as anything known to witch or wizard alike. Due to this property, many have gone to search for these snakes to use these tips for special quills and carving utensils. But unfortunately the tips seem to exude extremely virulent venom, causing an almost instantaneous death.
As a precaution, it is recommended to concoct a drought to at least delay the spreading of this poison. It is unofficially known as the Dagger Anti-Venom.
Dagger Anti-Venom
5 parts thyme
4 parts cotton
2 parts juniper
2 parts nogwort
1 part mandrake
1 part holly
1 part nettle
Combine the juniper and nogwort together in a bowl and crush into a fine powder. Add a cup full of water and stew for at least an hour or until the entire concoction has dissolved into a clear-like liquid. The mandrake, holly, and nettle must be added last. In the meantime, use the thyme and strain it, collecting the liquid below it. Use this supernatant and add it in a spiral-like form to the juniper-nogwort liquid. It should turn a crimson red color. Now add the mandrake, holly, and nettle at once; do not add one at a time for that decreases the length of delay until death. There should be almost no detectable smell and then liquid should turn entirely clear, like water.
The House-Elf Killer
There is nothing more common to see than a huge accumulation of dust, especially in ancient mansions and hundred roomed houses. It’s a good thing, then, that most of these wealthy wizard brethren have at their disposal a single house elf, more if they are extremely affluent. However the discovery of a disastrous breed of snake dubbed ‘the single most deadly House Elf killer’ has proven the task of housecleaning a most dangerous job. Of all the household pests, ranging from Doxies to Ashwinders, the Boxed Dublin takes the top for the most deadly.
Fortunately for most, the Boxed Dublin is only found in Asian countries due to the common practice sleeping in close proximity with animals, for the Boxed Dublin, like its cousin the Ashwinder, must be born of a chicken and then hatched under a true-blooded snake. A bite from the Boxed Dublin will result in a feeling of lethargy shortly accompanied by a sensation that one has no limbs. That is because the blood circulation is quickly restricted to only the brain and the heart. Thus, the appendages simply fall off, resulting in slow painful deaths of Muggles and various wizards alike.
There is, however, an anti-venom that will slow down this process and, in some cases, even put a stopper to the entire paralysis stage. A visit to St. Mungo’s is highly recommended.
Boxed Dublin Antidote
5 parts root of nott
1 part thyme
1 part cotton
1 part mistletoe
1 part peppermint
OPTIONAL: a handful of porcupine quills
Mix the thyme with a concoction of mistletoe and peppermint. This mistletoe and peppermint combination can be achieved by slowly simmering each ingredient separately over steam for 48 hours. The mixing can be done in a simple wooden bowl. Add a single teaspoon of water, let sit for a few minutes, and then use the cotton to suck up the supernatant. Drop the entire soaked cotton into a nest of nott. This herb will immediately dejuice it and absorb the healing properties into itself. Take this root of nott and carefully preserve it in ice. It can be used to create remedial teas. The potency will decline within three days so be sure to administer it quickly.
On the Origins of Asiatic Anti-Venoms
Asiatic
'Asiatic' has the same meaning as 'Asian', but has slightly different overtones. Whereas 'Asian' is neutral, 'Asiatic' is slightly old-fashioned and, if anything, more suggestive of the exotic, alien aspects of Asia. This term is thus often used deliberately for its effect. Asian Anti-Venoms wouldn't sound quite the same.
There is no distinction between 'Asiatic' and 'Asian' in Chinese, both being translatable as 亚洲 (亞洲) Yàzhōu. Vietnamese also uses the cognate word for 'Asia', Á châu.
In Japanese, one can avoid the problem of 'Asian/Asiatic' by substituting the word 東洋 Tōyō 'Oriental', which carries many of the exotic overtones of 'Asiatic'.
Anti-Venom
'Venom' is a poisonous substance used to counter the effects of venom, a poison secreted by animals, although in broader use it can refer to any poisonous substance. In reality, an anti-venom is often called an 'anti-venin' or 'anti-venine', a substance used for treating snake bites, etc.
In mainland China, 'anti-venom' is translated as 'anti-toxic', making it somewhat broader than the English. A toxin is any kind of poisonous substance whereas venom is a toxin produced by snakes and similar animals. 抗毒 kàngdú ('anti-toxic') may refer to either substances or techniques for treating toxins.
Like in Chinese language, the Vietnamese language refers in the abstract to substances or methods of countering venoms. It uses the word nọc độc which specifically refers to a 'venom', not a broader toxin.
In Taiwanese, one would deal with 解藥 jiě-yào, 'a dispelling/removing medicine' (or 'antidote') to treat toxins from wild animals (獸毒 shòu-dú 'animal poison'). The word 解藥 jiě-yào specifically refers to a substance.
The Japanese would use 解毒剤 gedoku-zai, a substance for countering poisons in general, not confined to venoms