Black Sesame Smoke: A Traditional Hill Remedy To Keep Snakes Away During Monsoon

Last Updated:June 10, 2025, 12:17 IST

According to local beliefs and generations of experience, the smoke produced by burning black sesame seeds is highly effective in repelling snakes

The risk of encountering snakes increases significantly during the rainy season. Snakes often seek dry and warm shelters, leading them towards human homes during heavy rains.

In the hill regions, people still rely on traditional and natural remedies to keep these reptiles at bay. One such method involves using the smoke of black sesame seeds.

According to local beliefs and generations of experience, the smoke produced by burning black sesame seeds is highly effective in repelling snakes. Santoshi Devi, a resident of Bageshwar, shared with Local18 that the natural oils in black sesame and its strong aroma disturb the snake’s sense of smell, forcing them to leave the area.

This age-old practice is still followed in many villages. People light small fires in earthen vessels placed in courtyards, near doors, in cowsheds, and in the corners of their homes. Black sesame seeds are added to the flames, sometimes along with cow dung, to create thick, aromatic smoke. This smoke not only drives away snakes but also repels other poisonous insects and pests. This traditional method is considered very effective.

Snakes are known for their highly sensitive sense of smell, and the pungent scent of sesame seed smoke is unbearable for them. For this reason, hill communities have used this remedy for generations to stay safe during the monsoon.

This solution is extremely affordable and free from harmful chemicals. In many areas, people have now made it a daily evening ritual to burn sesame smoke around their homes, ensuring that no snake or venomous creature enters at night.

At a time when commercial snake repellents are costly and sometimes even unsafe, this age-old, indigenous method offers a natural and reliable alternative.

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