Ji Desheng snakebite pills making techniques

Ji Desheng snakebite pills. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Ji Desheng snakebite pills are a renowned medicine made by Ji Desheng, who integrates his family's secret prescription for treating snake venom and his decades of practical experience.

Ji's snakebite pills feature more than 10 kinds of traditional Chinese medicinal materials, making their curative effect better than that of their counterparts.

Ji had never written down his prescription for snakebite but in 1954 he donated it to Nantong authorities. Following the donation, medical experts were sent by local authorities to learn from Ji. With their concerted efforts, Ji's snakebite pills' quality and quantity were improved substantially and a large scale production method was then developed.

The workshop for Ji Desheng snakebite pills at the Nantong Pharmaceutical Factory. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Since the Nantong Pharmaceutical Factory was designated by local authorities to produce the medicine in 1957, the quality of Ji's snakebite pills has been further improved and the medicine has been sold to more than 10 countries and regions.

Ji Desheng snakebite pills are not only effective in combating snake venom and the bite of poisonous insects, but can also be used to treat viral hepatitis, herpes zoster, mumps, gastritis, scalds, and even stroke.

In 2010, the techniques of making Ji Desheng snakebite pills were listed as a national intangible cultural heritage item.