A spider bite or arachnidism is an injury that results from the bite of a spider. Like other bug bites, it is a minor injury that may cause small, itchy, and red bumps on your skin.
Spider bites are usually harmless, and the symptoms go away within 2-3 hours. You can also treat them at home using some natural ingredients.
Some essential oils for spider bites may come to the rescue if you have inflammation, itchiness, and pain. These herbal oils contain anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties that may also prevent further infections.
However, these home remedies will work only if you have a minor injury. If you get the bites from a venomous spider such as “widow spiders,” it may result in a condition called “latrodectism.” It happens due to the involvement of potent neurotoxic venom. [1]
Continue reading to explore some of the best essential oils for spider bites, their uses, and the precautions you need to follow.
Essential Oils for Spider Bites
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil originates from the leaves of tea tree and possesses a fresh, camphor-like aroma.
This essential oil is famous for its anti-swelling, anti-pain, anti-inflammatory, and anti-itching quality. Its antimicrobial properties help prevent bacterial infections.
Terpinen-4-ol, a key component in tea tree oil exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it a perfect choice to treat spider bites. [2]
2. Basil Oil
A highly-valued essential oil in aromatherapy, basil oil contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
A 2013 animal study reported the remarkable anti-inflammatory activities of basil oil. In that study, this oil successfully relieved arthritic inflammation symptoms in lab mice. [3]
Eugenol, a component found in basil oil exhibits potent anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce the pain and inflammation due to spider bites. [4]
3. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil is a popular choice to get rid of tenderness and itchy skin. This therapeutic oil comes from the aromatic resin of Boswellia sacra.
Frankincense oil is highly effective in treating various skin inflammation. It’s because this oil can stimulate the brain’s limbic area by carrying adequate oxygen to it. [5]
The components that help this oil soothes pain, and inflammation and prevent further infections are octanol, linalool, sesquiterpenes, d-limonene, β-pinene, etc.
4. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint essential oil can soothe inflammation due to spider bites by giving a cooling sensation in it, thanks to the menthol it contains. [6]
The oil has potent antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain, itching, and inflammation on your skin. [7]
These properties may also promote quick recovery by preventing infections.
5. Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is famous to most people for treating any kind of bug bites. It’s because, unlike most other essential oils, it can be applied to your skin directly.
Lavender oil is rich in antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties.
A 2017 research published in the Laboratory Animal Research reports its antibacterial effects against pathogenic bacteria. [8]
The best part of lavender oil is that it can prevent scarring, which is great for skin infections. Besides, this oil can promote faster healing. [9]
How to Use Essential Oils to Treat Spider Bites
- Take a few drops of any of these essential oils and dilute them with a carrier oil.
- Coconut, olive, and almond oil are some of the good carrier oils. Besides, these oils are available in your home.
- Apply this oil mix directly to the affected area and gently massage so that the oil gets soaked in your skin.
- Repeat the procedure a few times a day until you heal properly.
Precautions for Using Essential Oils
- Never use essential oils directly to the affected area without diluting them first.
- To prevent further allergy, do a patch test first.
- If your inflammation and pain become worse after applying these oils, immediately stop using them.
- Store these essential oils in a cool and dry area.
- Wash your affected area properly before applying these essential oils.
When Should You Ask For Medical Attention?
Spider bites are usually harmless, and the itching and inflammation may last only for 2-3 hours. However, if the spider is a venomous one, none of these essential oils will work.
Your condition might become life-threatening after a venomous bite. In that case, you must consult a doctor immediately and start proper treatment.
Besides, you may experience breathing problems, abdominal pain, allergic reactions, and swelling in the lips, throat, and mouth. Consult a doctor if any of these happens.
Conclusion
Essential oils are usually safe to use with fewer side effects. You can rely on them to treat minor cuts, burns, as well as insect bites.
However, you should never use an essential oil without asking a doctor or an aromatherapist. They might tell you which one would be the best choice depending on the severity of your bite.
In case you’re not sure the spider you’ve been bitten by is venomous or not, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Read Next: 7 Essential Oils for Chiggers Bites: to Relieve Itch and Rash
