I'd like to read those articles. Do you have any links? As 'Pete said, I'm not ready to mythbust this either. I'm just saying what I found. I find it intriquing if it were true, and I can tell you that if I get bitten by something venomous and have no other means, I'm damn well sure I'm going to at least try it. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I also remember the some of the more "fringe" ideas turning out to be true. The stomach ulcer/bacteria link, HPV/Cancer link. It was thought by most western medicine that some more 'holistic' approaches to reduce viral and bacterial counts in order to control cancer were complete bunk, but it turns out they might be a very strong vector.

I can think for myself, and if there is some scientific evidence behind it, I'd like to see the published data (on humans). If he's unwilling to publish said data, I will assume the facts are either fabricated or stretched out of proportion. Scientists publish postulates which are backed up by experimentation. Sounds like he has that data (even if the process is unknown). There's no problem saying "I've observed this behavior when experimentally applying this treatment, and I have one or two ideas of how it could be working."

This gives other doctors and scientists ample information to replicate experiments and determine results. I'll withhold judgement until I know more, but if you know the Doctor personally and even if the report hasn't been published in larger journals, it should be available in a peer review situation. Please Ask Dr. Ron to provide that information as I think it would be an impressive solution for a lot of people. This would also open up further experimentation by others to determine effectiveness against all types of venom and from other stingin/biting creatures like bees, jelly fish, fire ants, wasps, mosquitos, scorpions, and maybe other histamine related items like poison oak, ivy, etc.)

I'm wondering if that snake bite doctor on TV (the one with the long hair and rectangular glasses, I think Discovery or TLC?) knows about this and if he's tried it experimentally. Seems like he's a pretty savvy cat when it comes to snakes, and my guess is that some human somewhere will allow a small electric jolt to see if it cures him right up.

Anecdotally this sounds great. I just want to see some proof. I doubt any other logically thinking reader here would disagree with that standpoint.

And this is absolutely no affront to you Macgyver - I'm glad you brought it to our attention! I hadn't even heard of this. That's one of the other great things about this board.