Methods for Collecting, Processing, and Utilizing Snake Slough and Snake Skin

1. Collection and processing of snake slough

Snake slough can be collected in late spring and early summer, in autumn, or in winter, and is mostly found in damp areas or beside ditches. After collection, remove the mud and sand, dry it, and cut it into sections for storage. If 15 kg of yellow rice wine is used per 100 kg of snake slough and it is fried dry according to the wine-processing method, the result is wine-processed snake slough.

2. Stripping and utilization of snake skin

Snake skin is the outer skin stripped from the snake's body. The method for stripping snake skin is: tie a rope around the snake's neck and hang it up, use a knife to make a circular cut around the skin at the neck, and strip the snake skin from front to back into a long tube; fill the tube with sand, and after air-drying, pour out the fine sand; use scissors to cut it open along the belly in the normal way, spread it flat and stretch it tight, and nail it to a long wooden board to secure it, ensuring it is even and symmetrical, then place it in a cool, ventilated place to air-dry; after it is fully dry, remove the nails and roll it into a tube shape, sprinkle camphor powder inside to prevent insect damage and mildew, rot, and deterioration. The quality of snake skin is considered superior when the color is bright and glossy, the markings are distinct and attractive, the scales are tightly and neatly arranged, the skin thickness is moderate, even and smooth, and the elasticity is strong.