Simaba Cedron

A native of New Grenada, where it attains the size

of a small tree, and bears a large fruit containing one seed; this

seed, which looks like a blanched almond, is known in commerce as

the cedron. As a remedy for snake bites it has been known from

time immemorial in New Grenada. It is mentioned in the books of

the seventeenth century. Recently it has obtained a reputation as

a febrifuge, but its value as an antidote to the bites of snakes

and scorpions is universally believed, and the inhabitants carry a

seed with them in all their journeyings; if they happen to be

bitten by any venomous reptile they scrape about two grains of the

seed in brandy or water and apply it to the wound, at the same

time taking a like dose internally. This neutralizes the most

dangerous poisons.