Nigerian Woman Recounts Snakebite Survival Through Herbalist's Treatment
A Nigerian woman has shared a harrowing account of surviving a snakebite after receiving treatment from a traditional herbalist, sparking widespread reactions online. The lady, identified as Chisom Pretty, took to Facebook to narrate how she was bitten by a snake years ago and how a local medicine man allegedly cured her without any hospital intervention.
Traumatic Memory Resurfaces After Recent Incident
According to Chisom, this traumatic memory resurfaced following the recent death of Ifunanya Nwangene, who died from a snakebite at her Abuja residence on January 31, 2026. She recounted that immediately after the bite, a neighbor quickly tied a piece of cloth above the wound to slow the circulation of venom before directing them to a herbalist known for treating snake bites.
Herbalist's Unconventional Treatment Method
In her detailed Facebook post, Chisom described the herbalist's approach. She said, "I described the snake. He didn't ask too many questions, he went straight to treating me. He made about three or four incisions with a razor blade on that bite point; something that looks like a dark blood started flowing out. Then he brought a black stone and placed it on that bite point. The stone magneted. I don't know why it magneted there without gum nor anything adhesive. He instructed that I lay still for hours, to make sure that greater amount of that dark blood is out."
She later explained that the stone fell off on its own after some hours because it had 'removed all the venom out of her body.' Chisom survived the incident and returned the stone to the herbalist the following day, as instructed.
Medical Expert Offers Scientific Perspective
However, a medical expert, Adebisi Prince, who spoke with Legit.ng, provided a different perspective on the matter. According to him, there is no scientific evidence supporting the use of snake stones or incisions to remove venom from the body. In his words, "This woman’s survival is a bit valid in the sense that her experience was traumatic and meaningful. However, medically speaking: There is no scientific evidence that snake stones or incisions remove venom. Her survival was most likely due to the nature of the snakebite, not the herbal intervention."
He emphasized the correct actions to take if someone is bitten by a snake today:
- Stay calm
- Immobilize the limb
- Do NOT cut the wound
- Do NOT use your mouth to extract the venom
- Do NOT apply tight tourniquets
- Go to the nearest hospital immediately
Related Incidents Highlight Broader Context
In a related story, a Nigerian woman, Auta Gagare, shared that she survived two snakebites, including one that happened while she was pregnant in 2013. Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that another Nigerian woman survived a snakebite after receiving urgent care during a nationwide hospital strike. She was first rushed to UI’s clinic, then taken by ambulance to UCH, where she was treated promptly due to her student status. Her treatment was fully covered by UI’s student insurance, and she spent four days in the hospital recovering from the venom.
This incident underscores the ongoing debate between traditional and modern medical practices in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare can be limited. While personal stories like Chisom's highlight the cultural significance of herbal remedies, experts urge caution and reliance on scientifically proven methods for life-threatening situations such as snakebites.
