How to Make Qi Snake Wine, Its Benefits, and Precautions for Drinking

Qi snake wine is a traditional medicinal liquor made with the Qi snake as its main ingredient. The Qi snake is the sharp-nosed pit viper, commonly known among the people as the five-step snake, so named because it was historically produced in the area around Qizhou. In making it, people mostly choose processed dried Qi snake or snake segments, place them in high-proof pure grain liquor, and seal them to soak. After some time the liquor turns slightly yellow, and it becomes Qi snake wine.

There is quite a bit of care involved in steeping Qi snake wine. Generally the liquor is required to be fairly high in proof, so that the active components can be fully extracted and the wine can be preserved for a long time; the container should preferably be made of glass or ceramic, and after sealing it should be placed in a cool, dark place. Traditionally, processed dried specimens are mostly used rather than soaking a live snake directly, as this is more hygienic and safe, and the source is easier to control.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the Qi snake is warm in nature, sweet and salty in taste, and enters the liver meridian; it has the effects of dispelling wind and unblocking collaterals, and of calming fright and stopping spasms. For this reason, among the people there is a custom of using Qi snake wine to help with rheumatic bone pain and numb, contracted joints, with stress on drinking small amounts slowly. It should be noted that medicinal liquor falls within the scope of dietary therapy and cannot replace proper medical treatment.

There are also contraindications for drinking Qi snake wine. Pregnant women, children, people allergic to alcohol, and those with chronic diseases such as liver disease or high blood pressure should not drink it, and daily intake should also be strictly controlled. In addition, wild Qi snakes are protected animals and must not be caught at will; when buying, one should choose products with a legal source, so that it can be drunk safely and with peace of mind.