Snake oil

Snake oil, “Nam Man Ngou” in Thai (น้ำมันงู), is a relatively rare ingredient in traditional Thai medicine.

It is extracted from the fat of venomous snakes such as Cobra or that of the reticulated python. Anti-inflammatory, it is known to effectively soothe muscle and joint pain.

Snake oil is only produced in a few Thai regions where traditional practices are maintained. We have a long-standing partnership with the snake farm on the island of Koh Samui, committed to snake education and the preservation of species.

Benefits and Uses

Snake oil, also known as cobra oil, is renowned in some medicinal and folk traditions for its numerous benefits

Anti-inflammatory

Helps to reduce body inflammation, swelling and stiffness. Relieves muscle, joint and ligament pain. Helps to reduce the symptoms of certain inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, sprains, but also asthma and bronchitis.

Analgesic

Helps to relieve muscle, tendon and joint pain, in particular by improving blood circulation in the affected area. Helps relieve headaches and migraines

healing

Helps accelerate the healing of cuts, scrapes, burns, and minor injuries. Sometimes used to reduce the appearance of scars.

Vasodilator

Participates in improving blood circulation and therefore in the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. It thus helps to relieve muscle pain, heavy leg syndrome, edema, varicose veins.

Cutaneous

Helps moisturize the skin, reduce signs of aging, lighten spots, and promote skin elasticity.

General Tonic

Improves blood flow and stimulates the immune system.

Historical Origins

The use of snake oil around the world dates back to ancient times. Its use is documented in various traditional medical practices.

In traditional Thai medicine, knowledge about its properties has been passed on through the centuries by traditional herbalists, traditional medicine practitioners, and local healers. Their empirical experience and knowledge passed on from generation to generation have contributed to its popularity and recognition as a traditional medicinal practice in Thailand.

Mention of these benefits and their use can be found in several crucial works of traditional Thai medicine such as the “Ratthasapphra Vaidya Siam” (“Treatise on Siam Medicine”) compiled during the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910).

Today, its medicinal properties are recognized, but it remains a fairly rare resource, which limits the development of its use and wider recognition.

SOURCES

In Thailand, snake oil can be extracted from a variety of sources, mainly from venomous snakes or the reticulated python. Venomous snakes such as cobras, vipers, or coral snakes are often bred for their venom, which can then be incorporated into oils. In the case of snake oil from the cross-linked python, it is the oil extracted from its fat.

This species of snake is very present in Thailand throughout the country. However, snake oil is only produced in certain areas of the country where traditional practices are present. These include:

  • North-East Thailand Region (Isaan): Isaan is home to villages and communities that practice traditional medicine and produce snake oil.
  • Southern Thailand Region: In particular, coastal provinces such as Phuket, Krabi and Surat Thani, have advanced knowledge due to the abundance of snakes.

Snake oil is produced there by local producers, traditional practitioners or specific communities who have passed on this knowledge from generation to generation.


In Thailand, there are several reputable snake farms (Snake Farms) that focus on raising, researching, and maintaining snakes. Here are some of the most famous farms in Thailand:

  • Queen Saovabha Snake Venom Research Institute Snake Farm: Located in Bangkok, it is one of the oldest and most famous in Thailand. Affiliated with the Queen Saovabha Snake Venom Research Institute, it focuses on the study of snake venoms and the production of antivenoms.
  • Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute and Snake Farm: Also located in Bangkok, this snake farm is an extension of the Queen Saovabha Snake Venom Research Institute. It offers snake shows and demonstrations, as well as a museum with information on snakes and venoms.
  • Koh Samui Snake Farm: Located on the island of Koh Samui, snakes are raised there in particular for their venom which will be used in medicines and care products. It focuses on conservation and education, allowing visitors to learn more about the region's snakes.

We have established a privileged partnership with the Koh Samui farm, which exclusively distributes to us the oil that it produces from the fat of the reticulated pythons and Cobras that it raises. We promote school visits to improve the level of education about these reptiles and to help with their conservation.

PRODUCTION

The process of making oil from the fat of the crosslinked python may involve the following steps:

‍

  • Obtaining fat: Most of the fat is extracted from the reticulated python, a large snake that is very present in Southeast Asia.
  • Cleaning and purification: The fat is cleaned and purified to remove impurities. This involves filtering, decanting, and centrifuging methods.
  • Heating and extraction: The fat is then heated to facilitate the extraction of the essential oils it contains. Heat helps to separate lipid compounds from fat and liquefy them for extraction.
  • Filtration and refining: After extraction, the mixture of oils and fats is filtered to remove unwanted particles. It can also be subjected to an additional refining process to remove any remaining impurities and obtain a purer oil.
  • Packaging: The oil obtained is then packaged to preserve its quality and ensure its preservation.

COMPOSITION

Snake oil can contain a variety of compounds depending on the extraction method used and the source:

‍

  • Fatty acids : It generally contains a high proportion of fatty acids, such as linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. These fatty acids are important for nourishing and hydrating the skin.
  • Phospholipids : Phospholipids are essential lipids that help maintain the integrity of cell membranes. They are present in snake oil and contribute to the hydration and regeneration of the skin.
  • Antioxidants : These antioxidants, such as tocopherols (vitamin E) and carotenoids, help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
  • Peptides : These peptides may have beneficial effects on the skin, such as stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.

‍

Other compounds such as enzymes, of vitamins, of minerals and snake-specific metabolites may also be present in varying amounts.