Spiders and Scorpions and Snakes ... Oh! My!

Let's talk about those critters.

I know that opening picture might be off-putting. But stay with me. I thought now might be a good time while most of us and them are are enjoying out winter ways, and we’re not as worried about bumping into each other…well, except maybe the spiders. But, when the time comes, they can be found anywhere…

Just the sight of a snake in the yard, a spider tucked into the corner of the porch, or the thought of a scorpion hiding under something you were about to pick up can make your heart jump straight into your throat. And let’s be honest, the idea of being bitten by any of them is enough to send most of us into instant panic mode.

But before we label them all as dangerous villains, it helps to take a breath and look at the bigger picture. Most snakes are actually nonvenomous. The majority of the world’s snake species are harmless to humans. Only a smaller percentage carry venom, and an even smaller percentage are truly dangerous. That doesn’t mean we should get careless, though. Even a harmless snake can bite when it feels threatened, and nobody wants that kind of surprise. Respect and space go a long way, for them and for us.

Here’s a really important point I want you to remember. Snakes, spiders, and so many other reptiles and amphibians have an actual purpose in nature. They are part of what keeps an ecosystem balanced and healthy. They help control pests, including insects and rodents. They also serve as food for other animals higher up the food chain. They are part of the energy flow that keeps life moving, the Circle of Life that I so often refer to, and in many ways, they are also indicators of the overall health of the environment.

Now, let’s talk about venom for a minute, because that’s the part that really gets our attention. Venom in pit vipers, like rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins, is not random cruelty to keep us inline. It is a highly sophisticated tool meant for survival. It helps them immobilize prey quickly and begin the digestive process, often allowing them to take down prey that is much larger than they are and could otherwise injure them in a struggle. Venomous spiders operate in much the same way. Their venom is designed to help them subdue prey, protect themselves, and keep the ecosystem in balance. And lest we feel personally targeted by their willingness to strike, most of them are not aggressive at all. They would much rather run and hide. They react when they feel threatened.

Speaking of their venom, one of the key components in many venoms is an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This is sometimes referred to as a spreading factor because it helps venom move rapidly through tissue. In simple terms, it breaks down hyaluronic acid, which you can think of as the glue that helps hold cells together. When that glue dissolves the hyaluronic acid and the cells begin to separate, the venom can travel more quickly away from the bite site and into the body.

Now, I’m not telling you all of this to make you more afraid. If anything, I want you to feel more empowered. Because even though bites from venomous creatures can be serious, it is a great comfort to know that our Heavenly Father, through nature, has provided plants that can help neutralize, reverse, and support healing from this type of venom, especially when they are used early enough. These creatures were on the scene long before we entered the picture, but our Creator knew exactly what we would need in order to live side by side.

And here is the best part. Many of these plants are not rare, exotic, or expensive. Some can be grown right in your yard or in pots on your patio. They are common, everyday plants you might already recognize from gardens, fields, or the edges of a wild little glen. Some are even considered weeds, which just reminds me again how careful we should be with quick judgments, not only about people, but also about plants, and really all of nature.

“What are they?” you ask. They include Echinacea or Black-eyed Susan, to help inhibit the advancement of hyaluronidase and encourage the body to produce more hyaluronic acid. Dandelion root can be used to support the liver and kidneys as the body works to clear toxins. Plantain leaf is wonderful for pain relief, drawing, and inflammation. Marshmallow root is deeply nurturing and can help protect tissue that may otherwise begin to die or become necrotic. These herbs are typically ground and applied as a poultice, and they are also often taken internally until healing is complete. This can also be used alongside a histamine-supporting formula for the bites and stings of ants, wasps, bees, and other irritations that seem to find us the second we step outside. Fearfully and wonderfully made, all of creation. Also, this application works equally well on pets, work animals, and humans. If you'd like to have some on hand "just in case", we can help you at: https://www.wildflowersnweeds.com/product-page/venom-bites-stings-powder-6-oz

If you'd also lkie the histamine tincture, you can find it here: https://www.wildflowersnweeds.com/product-page/aunty-s-histamene-4-oz

One last thing I’d like to ask. Please take the time to learn what lives around you. Search the internet or buy a good field guide and become familiar with the different types of spiders and snakes in your region. Many people kill these creatures on sight and then wonder why there is an increase in mosquitoes, gnats, midges, rodents, roaches, and every other pest that thrives when the natural balance is disrupted. Please refrain from destroying these God-given creatures. Run if you must. Scream if you must. But educate yourself and do your best to find a way to live in harmony with your guardians of the landscape.

There is a darling little DeKay’s Brownsnake that lives under a log near my rosemary bed. It’s shy, so I don’t see it often unless I’m weeding or replacing mulch. But I rather like

knowing it’s there, and I hope it’s creating a family that will catch every mouse and vermin that wanders through, along with every mosquito that even thinks about

hatching nearby. And I hope there are others like it that feel welcome to come and live between the wildflowers and the weeds.

As always, none of this is to be considered medical advice or a replacement for your healthcare professional. This is for educational and entertainment purposes only.