10 Natural Remedies for Spider Bites

Modified on Jun 17, 2023 | Earth Clinic Team

Spider Bite Natural Remedies

The effect of a spider bite can range from mildly irritating to quite dangerous depending on the type of spider that inflicts the bite, the severity of the bite, and the individual reaction of the person who receives the bite. Natural remedies like baking soda, activated charcoal and Epsom salt work to relieve the pain and inflammation from the bite, draw out the poison, fight secondary infections, and promote healing of the skin.

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a remedy that can be quickly applied to a spider bite. Mix baking soda with water into a paste consistency. Apply the paste to the bite. Make sure you cover the bite completely and even apply the paste beyond the initial borders of the bite. Baking soda draws out the toxins and relieves pain and inflammation. Keep a box of baking soda in your car or a small container of it in your backpack. It has so many applications you will be glad you have it on hand at all times.

2. Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal powder can be used internally and externally to treat spider bites. If you have charcoal tablets you can take 1 or 2 on an empty stomach 2-3 times a day with a full glass of water. The charcoal will take poisons out of the system. Do not take charcoal within 2 hours of any medications that you take.

You can make a charcoal poultice to apply to spider bites. These poultices relieve pain and draw out the poison. A paste can be made of coconut oil and activated charcoal and applied directly to the bite as well.

3. Honey

Honey is a wonderful healer, especially if you can get raw and local honey, preferably in a glass jar! Honey is particularly useful when there is an open wound related to the bite. Apply the honey into the wound several times each day. Honey can also be taken internally to help your body to heal from spider bites.

4. Potato

Raw potato is a folk remedy that is used to draw out infection. Grate a raw potato and apply it to the spider bite. Cover with gauze and a bandage. Change the potato poultice every few hours.

5. Tea Bag

Another simple remedy is to use a tea bag as a poultice for your spider bite. Black tea, green tea or even some herbal teas (like chamomile or red raspberry leaf) will work nicely to draw out infection. Simply moisten the tea bag with hot water and apply to the bite. You can attach it to the bite with an ace bandage or cohesive tape. Change the tea bag as it dries out or every few hours.

6. Essential Oils

Essential oils are inherently antiseptic. Many also relieve inflammation and prevent infection. Lavender and tea tree essential oils can be applied to the bite neat (without diluting) unless you are applying them to sensitive skin, near the eyes, on mucous membranes or children. One or two drops will suffice. Peppermint essential oil is especially useful if the bite is “hot.” Peppermint will cool the bite. Oregano oil is also an excellent oil for bites but it must be diluted to use on the skin. Add one drop of oregano oil to small dab of coconut oil or healing salve to apply to the bite.

7. Plantain

If you happen to have plantain growing nearby, crush a leaf with your finger and apply to the bite. Cover with a bandage. Change the plantain every few hours. Plantain is wonderful for relieving pain.

8. Echinacea

Echinacea tincture can be used internally and externally to bring healing to a bite. Apple a few drops of the tincture to the bite several times a day and take the tincture in some water internally according to the package directions.

9. Iodine

Iodine is an antiseptic that can be applied to the bite. It will help to prevent infection.

10. Epsom Salt

For multiple bites or bites that are producing a significant reaction, Epsom salt baths can be used to draw out the poison and bring relief to the inflammation. Add 1  ½ cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath 1-3 times daily.

11. Vitamin C

A vitamin C supplement will support your immune system and will help your skin to heal more quickly. Sodium ascorbate is the ideal form of vitamin C. Because your body uses vitamin C quickly it should be taken 3-4 times daily. You may be able to tolerate as much as 1,000 mg at a time. If you begin to get loose stools, cut back the amount you take a bit.

12. Turmeric

Turmeric is a wonderful all around healer. It will help reduce pain, itching and inflammation, It can help to prevent secondary infection, including staph infections which are not uncommon when broken skin is involved. Turmeric is also a blood purifier. Golden milk is an excellent way to take turmeric but turmeric capsules can work well also. 2-4 capsules can be taken 2-4 times a day.

Additional Considerations

  • Benadryl can be used to reduce swelling and any systemic type of reaction.
  • Sugar depresses the immune system and should be avoided when you are trying to heal a serious spider bite.
  • Keeping the bowels open will help the body to remove toxins from a spider bite. Constipation allows poisons to recirculate in the body. Do address any constipation issues.
  • See a doctor if the bite is accompanied by red streaks on the skin, fever, chills, vomiting or any other serious side effect.

Do you have a spider bite remedy? Please send us some feedback!

Additional Pages of Interest:

Brown Recluse Bite Remedies

 

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List of Remedies for Spider Bites