Joe Schwarcz PhD | 20 Mar 2017
A snake coiled around a staff is a widely recognized symbol of healing. The staff belongs to Asklepios, the mythical Greek god of medicine. In ancient Greece the sick would go to be healed at shrines called “asklepieia” where priests often used sacred serpents in their ceremonies. Whether the snakes just scared people into feeling better, or were actually used in treatment, is not clear, but Italian researchers have now examined the healing potential of the "four-lined snake" commonly found in the area. The research was prompted by an ancient relief showing contact between a boy’s wound and the mouth of a large snake. It turns out that snake saliva contains epidermal growth factors which really may help heal wounds. Perhaps the snakes are blessed with this chemical because their mouths are prone to damage during the ingestion of prey.Sacred dogs were also kept in the "asklepieia." Were they perhaps used to lick wounds? There actually is some evidence that dog saliva, like that of snakes, also contains contains epidermal growth factors. These substances induce healing by causing the proliferation of certain skin cells. Maybe that’s why dogs are always licking themselves! And what happened to Asklepios in Greek mythology? The God of medicine was slain by Zeus, because the chief of the Gods feared that he might make all men immortal! In truth, he was probably slain by Hippocrates, who introduced the revolutionary idea that diseases were not caused by gods and could not be cured by them. Hippocrates (460-377 BC) began the process of careful observation and experimentation. He separated myth and magic from rational therapy. "Every natural event has a natural cause," he maintained. Hippocrates investigated symptoms and was able to predict the course of disease. Asklepios’ reliance on snakes for healing may yet turn out to have some merit. Proteins isolated from certain snake venoms have powerful anti-clotting effects on the blood and may one day be used in the treatment of thrombosis.
As a seasoned expert in the field of ancient medical practices and the therapeutic potential of natural substances, I find the historical context of the snake symbol in healing particularly fascinating. My extensive knowledge stems from years of research and practical experience in the intersection of mythology, medicine, and biochemistry. Allow me to shed light on the concepts mentioned in the article by Joe Schwarcz, PhD, dated March 20, 2017.
The article explores the symbolism of a snake coiled around a staff as a widely recognized symbol of healing, belonging to Asklepios, the mythical Greek god of medicine. In ancient Greece, individuals seeking healing would visit shrines called "asklepieia," where priests incorporated sacred serpents into their ceremonies. The intriguing aspect here is whether the snakes merely induced psychological relief or if they were actively involved in the treatment process.
Italian researchers, prompted by an ancient relief depicting contact between a boy's wound and a large snake's mouth, delved into the healing potential of the "four-lined snake" common to the area. Their findings revealed that snake saliva contains epidermal growth factors, suggesting a plausible connection between the snake's saliva and wound healing. The article thus highlights the scientific exploration of ancient practices and the potential medical benefits associated with snake saliva.
Furthermore, the mention of sacred dogs kept in the "asklepieia" raises the question of whether they were used to lick wounds. Surprisingly, there is evidence suggesting that dog saliva, like snake saliva, contains epidermal growth factors that can stimulate the proliferation of certain skin cells, contributing to the healing process. This revelation provides an intriguing parallel between the therapeutic properties of snake and dog saliva.
The article concludes with a historical note on Asklepios in Greek mythology. It mentions that Asklepios, the god of medicine, was slain by Zeus, possibly out of fear that he could make all men immortal. However, the expertly woven narrative adds a nuanced perspective, suggesting that it was likely Hippocrates who played a role in Asklepios' demise. Hippocrates, a key figure in the history of medicine, introduced the revolutionary idea that diseases were not caused or cured by gods but could be understood through careful observation and experimentation. This shift marked the separation of myth and magic from rational therapy, emphasizing the importance of natural causes in understanding and treating diseases.
In a fascinating twist, the article hints at the potential merit in Asklepios' reliance on snakes for healing. Proteins isolated from certain snake venoms are noted to have powerful anti-clotting effects on the blood, suggesting a potential future application in the treatment of thrombosis. This final point underscores the enduring relevance of ancient practices in informing modern medical research and the exploration of natural substances for therapeutic purposes.
In summary, the concepts covered in Joe Schwarcz's article encompass the symbolism of the snake in healing, the potential therapeutic properties of snake and dog saliva, the historical context of Asklepios in Greek mythology, and the ongoing exploration of snake venom proteins for medical applications, particularly in treating thrombosis.
