Also Quote by Mary Roach
“Saliva has antibacterial properties. It also has things called nerve growth factor, skin growth factor, histatins which help with wound closure. So when you see an animal licking a wound or even a mom kissing a child's boo-boo, there's some, there's some good science behind why one might do this.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers, 2009
Saliva contains antimicrobial agents and growth factors that aid healing, explaining why animals lick wounds and mothers kiss bruises.
In simple terms: Saliva helps heal wounds and fights germs.
Key Takeaway
Recognize natural healing mechanisms.
Themes
biology
healing
animal behavior
Mood
curious
informative
Type
scientific
educational
When to use this quote
- pet care
- first aid
- parental soothing
- animal observation
Key Concepts
antimicrobial proteins
growth factors
evolutionary adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do these factors compare to medical antiseptics?
- Can we harness them for treatments?
A Different Perspective
Effectiveness varies with wound type and infection risk.
![“Here is what William Beaumont had to say about saliva: “Its legitimate and only use, in my opinion, is to lubricate the food to facilitate the passage of the bolus through the [esophagus].” Beaumont was right about some things, but he was dead wrong about spit.” quote by Mary Roach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/58f/mary-roach-635_quote_here-is-what-william-beaumont-had-to-say_1178078.jpg)
